Humanities and arts - Community, advocacy and social policy

Display Title
Community, advocacy and social policy
Slug
community-advocacy-social-policy
interest area reference

Online Bachelor of Arts in Social Justice and Human Rights

This program prepares you for a rewarding career where you can make a difference in your community and around the world. If you’re interested in volunteering or working for organizations that advance the causes of social justice and human rights, this program may be a great fit for you. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared to work in community-engaged advocacy and effectively support marginalized groups.

The skills you’ll develop in this program

A social justice and human rights degree is an interdisciplinary program that prepares you to advocate for rights and equality in local, national and global contexts. This program draws from a variety of social science disciplines including politics, sociology, history, anthropology and linguistics. Examining perspectives from all of these disciplines will prepare you to address pressing issues related to racial justice, immigration, feminism, refugee rights and more.

In addition to gaining broad expertise in these topics, you’ll be equipped with transferable skills from across the social sciences, including writing, communication, research and statistical analysis of human rights data. As you hone your skills in writing and research, you’ll gain essential knowledge related to rights and justice by taking nine credit hours from three different interdisciplinary tracks:

  • Identity and place.
  • Law, citizenship and migration.
  • Social justice and inequality.

Get the opportunity to participate in research with faculty

As a student, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in research with faculty for funding or academic credit through the New College Undergraduate Inquiry and Research Experience program. The faculty you meet throughout your courses can help you connect to other faculty who share your interests and have space for an NCUIRE student. This research can strengthen your resume and allow you to stand out among the competition when entering the workforce.

Additionally, this bachelor’s degree can be completed as part of an Accelerated Master’s program. When accepted, you can earn a master’s degree in as little as one year after completing your undergraduate degree. This opportunity saves you time and money while giving you advanced knowledge in your field. Applicable master's degrees include:

Program Field of Study
Bachelor of Arts
Program Focus
Social Justice
Program Name Abbreviation
Social Justice and Human Rights (BA)
Program Category
Degree Image
An ASU Online professor gives a presentation on social justice and human rights.
Program Description Intro

Arizona State University’s online Bachelor of Arts in social justice and human rights provides you with deep theoretical and practical knowledge of these two related fields. You’ll examine some of the most critical issues related to race, gender, sexuality, immigration and more while also learning the skills needed to lead positive change for marginalized communities.

Plan Code
ASJHRBA
Program code
UGAS
Start Date
Courses Summary

Courses in this program approach human rights and justice topics, including political, social and cultural perspectives. Most classes culminate with a paper that showcases the area-specific knowledge you developed in that course. The program culminates with a capstone course in which you’ll showcase the skills you’ve developed throughout the program and prepare for future employment.

Total Classes
40
Total Credit Hours
120
Program Fee Code
UPO202
Courses Section Title
Social justice and human rights courses
Title
Study with some of the brightest, most innovative academic minds in the world
Description

Prepare for the full New College experience curated by world-renowned faculty who are some of the brightest, most innovative academic minds in the world. Areas of expertise include psychology, anthropology, geography, political science, cybersecurity, forensic science and more. Our faculty strives to create an environment that prepares students to take their place in the world using the skills they’ve learned to pursue careers that benefit their communities.

Accolade title
Study at one of the top-ranked universities in the nation
Accolade Description

ASU is a global university recognized for its commitment to innovation, research and high-quality academic programs. Our university has been recognized with peer-reviewed honors from U.S. News & World Report.

Accolade item
Accolades Title
#1
Accolades Description

in the U.S. for innovation for 11 consecutive years, ahead of Stanford and MIT.

Accolades Title
Top 10
Accolades Description

best online bachelor’s programs.

Accolades Title
Top 10%
Accolades Description

best global universities.

Accolades Title
80%
Accolades Description

of graduates reported their experiences at ASU inspired them to explore new career opportunities.

Admission requirement title
How to apply
Manual Cost
false
Weeks per Class
7.5
Academic Career
Undergraduate
Program fee code for resident
UPO202
Program fee code for non-resident
UPO202
Program Description Title
Make a difference with a career in social justice and human rights
override admission requirement
Off
Apply Now URL
https://webapp4.asu.edu/uga_admissionsapp/?term=2261&session=SESA&campus=ONLNE
Slug
social-justice-and-human-rights-ba
Program Generated Code
UGAS-ASJHRBA
Title
Will my diploma say ‘online’?
Description

No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”

Schedule to talk
Academic Partner
Entity Type
Program Features

Online Master of Arts in Social Justice and Human Rights

Throughout this program, you’ll learn key issues, theories and applied practices related to global justice and humanitarianism. You’ll also address how intersecting dimensions of social identity influence human rights, including gender, race, ethnicity, class, sexuality and nationality.

While studying these topics, you’ll gain the skills needed to design research projects and write grants to support the research and practice of social justice and human rights nonprofit managers and scholars.

Who’s a good candidate for this program?

This program aligns with those who have previous experience in human rights and social justice work or a general interest in these topics. However, the most important factor for interested students is a passion for understanding social injustice. As long as you have a bachelor’s or master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, you can apply to this program.

Why it’s worth it to get a master’s in social justice and human rights

In addition to advancing your career, earning a master's in human rights and social justice is a great way to determine what social justice and human rights issues you’re most passionate about. To graduate from this program, you’re required to complete a wide range of thematic courses and a capstone e-portfolio. Not only does this allow you to build on existing knowledge and experience, but it’s also a great way to deepen your understanding and gain new skills. Topics you’ll explore include:

  • Gender-based violence and sex trafficking.
  • International law and organizations.
  • Migration, asylum and refugees.

You’ll also have opportunities to participate in original research focused on immigration. Learn more about this research.

Program Field of Study
Master of Arts
Program Focus
Social Justice and Human Rights
Program Name Abbreviation
Social Justice and Human Rights (MA)
Program Category
Degree Image
A group of people place their hands together while standing in a circle to demonstrate solidarity.
Program Description Intro

Turn your passion for social justice into a career through Arizona State University’s Master of Arts in social justice and human rights. You’ll learn how to develop ethical and intellectually sound responses to issues affecting vulnerable populations. You’ll also develop the skills needed to design future research projects and write grants.

Plan Code
ASJHRMA
Program code
GRAS
Start Date
Courses Summary

This program’s curriculum builds on your existing knowledge while encouraging you to focus on issues relevant to you, your community and regions around the globe. In addition to eight core courses, you’ll also complete electives, which can be substituted with an ASU-approved internship or study abroad experience. The program culminates with an e-portfolio that showcases the abilities you’ve developed.

Total Classes
10
Total Credit Hours
30
Program Fee Code
Social Justice and Human Rights (M.A.)
Courses Section Title
Social justice and human rights master’s courses
CIP code
30.00
Title
Educators who emphasize giving back
Description

Prepare for the full New College experience curated by world-renowned faculty who are some of the brightest, most innovative academic minds in the world. Areas of expertise include psychology, anthropology, geography, political science, cybersecurity, forensic science and more. Our faculty strives to create an environment that prepares students to take their place in the world using the skills they’ve learned to pursue careers that benefit their communities.

Accolade title
Supporting the next generation of social justice and human rights leaders
Accolade Description

ASU is a global university recognized for its commitment to innovation, research and high-quality academic programs. Our university has been recognized with peer-reviewed honors from U.S. News & World Report.

Accolade item
Accolades Title
#1
Accolades Description

in the U.S. for innovation for 11 consecutive years, ahead of Stanford and MIT.

Accolades Title
Top 10
Accolades Description

best online bachelor’s programs.

Accolades Title
Top 10%
Accolades Description

best global universities.

Accolades Title
80%
Accolades Description

of graduates reported that their experiences at ASU inspired them to explore new career opportunities. 

Admission requirement title
How to apply
Admission requirement description

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences.

Admission requirement item
Title
Application requirements
Description

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they’ve earned a bachelor's or master's degree, in any field, from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00="A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00="A") in an applicable master's degree program.

The admissions committee reviews applications holistically and may consider applicants with a GPA below 3.00 if they’ve demonstrated a strong past performance in related science coursework.

All applicants must submit:

  • Graduate application and application fee.
  • Official transcripts.
  • Personal statement.
  • Up-to-date curriculum vitae or resume.
  • Letters of recommendation.

Your personal statement should describe your educational background, scholarly interests and academic and professional goals.

It’s preferred that letters of recommendation come from faculty members who know the applicant's work well. If these aren’t available, letters of recommendation from individuals in supervisory or professional roles will be accepted.

Title
Additional admission information
Description

An applicant whose native language is not English (regardless of current residency) must provide proof of English proficiency.

If the applicant doesn’t meet the minimum GPA requirements, the application may still be considered.

Manual Cost
false
Weeks per Class
7.5
Academic Career
Graduate
Program fee code for resident
GP0175
Program fee code for non-resident
GP0175
Program Description Title
The skills you’ll develop in this master’s program
override admission requirement
Off
Apply Now URL
https://webapp4.asu.edu/dgsadmissions/Index.jsp?term=2261&session=REG&campus=ONLNE
Slug
social-justice-and-human-rights-ma
Program Generated Code
GRAS-ASJHRMA
Title
Will my diploma say ‘online’?
Description

No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.” 

Schedule to talk
Academic Partner
Entity Type
Program features
Program highlights

Online Bachelor of Arts in Community Advocacy and Social Policy

This program provides you with the skills needed to act as a social change agent through policy analysis and community-based action, such as:

  • Administrative and legislative strategies.
  • Ethics.
  • Mindfulness practices.
  • Research methods.
  • Social justice and human rights perspectives.

These skills and competencies will equip you to formulate strategies that advance social, economic and environmental justice, use social media and cyberactivism for advocacy efforts and evaluate the success of advocacy intervention efforts. You’ll develop a deep understanding of how social policies have adversely affected marginalized or oppressed populations, such as different racial/ethnic groups, individuals struggling with mental illness, elderly individuals and more. You’ll also acquire the community advocacy tools needed to address the social problems impacting these populations, with an emphasis on past and present challenges facing various groups in the southwest.

Tailor your studies to fit your career goals

In this program, you’ll choose 10 courses to match your career goals and interests from two key focus areas:

  • Diversity and oppressed populations: This focus explores oppressed or marginalized populations and systems of oppression and domination.
  • Social problems and interventions: This focus specializes in social problems that disproportionately affect members of oppressed populations and change strategies.

Both focus areas include five related courses. Regardless of the courses you choose within these focus areas, you’ll graduate with a deeper understanding of social problems and issues, how these issues have historically impacted society, how they have evolved and how they continue to influence the world today.

How does this program compare to a bachelor’s in social work?

While this community advocacy and social policy bachelor’s provides a deep social work foundation, it’s different from a bachelor’s in social work (BSW). This program is regionally accredited, but it isn’t accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) as a bachelor’s in social work would be. This program won’t lead you to social work licensure or prepare you for social work roles that require a CSWE-accredited degree. However, you may pursue a master’s degree in social work after graduation.

Program Field of Study
Bachelor of Arts
Program Focus
Community Advocacy and Social Policy
Program Name Abbreviation
Community Advocacy and Social Policy (BA)
Program Category
Degree Image
A hand-painted sign carried at a community advocacy demonstration reads “Knowledge is power.”
Program Description Intro

Arizona State University’s Bachelor of Arts in community advocacy and social policy provides you with the opportunity to explore issues of diversity, oppression and privilege. You’ll graduate with the advocacy and intervention strategies needed to make informed decisions, engage in social change and advocate for the communities you seek to serve.

Plan Code
PPCASPBA
Program code
UGPP
Start Date
Courses Summary

You’ll take a variety of courses covering topics including introductory ethics, diversity and oppression in a social work context, advocacy strategies and more. This program culminates in a final capstone project where you’ll explore your interests within the context of community advocacy and social policy.

Total Classes
39
Total Hours
120
Total Classes Tooltip
Class number may be less for transfer students.
Total Credit Hours
120
Total Hours Tooltip
Required number of credits to complete this degree.
Program Fee Code
UPO301
Courses Section Title
Community advocacy and social policy program courses
CIP code
44.02
Title
Learn from instructors who have experience solving important social problems
Description

The impressive faculty in the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions inspire the next generation of public service leaders through real-world solutions to issues in areas such as child welfare, safety, city management, human trafficking and water scarcity. Faculty highlights include:

  • Fellow of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences.
  • Fellow of the American Psychological Association.
  • Member of the National Academy of Public Administration.
Accolade title
A college that’s dedicated to the public good
Accolade Description

The Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions is a comprehensive public service college dedicated to addressing social problems through teaching, research and service. Our programs, which range from public policy and social work to criminal justice and emergency management, are designed to prepare graduates to make a difference in their communities.

Accolade item
Accolades Title
#2
Accolades Description

best graduate homeland security and emergency management programs, according to U.S. News & Report.

Accolades Title
#2
Accolades Description

in the U.S. and #7 in the world for hospitality, leisure, sport and tourism, according to the Center for World University Rankings.

Accolades Title
Top 5
Accolades Description

Master of Nonprofit Leadership and Management in the nation, according to U.S. News & Report. 

Accolades Title
Top 10
Accolades Description

best online master's in criminal justice programs for veterans, according to U.S. News & World Report.

Accolades Title
Top 10%
Accolades Description

of graduate programs in social workd, according to U.S. News & World Report.

Accolades Title
Top 15
Accolades Description

best graduate public affairs programs, according to U.S. News & World Report.

Admission requirement title
How to apply
Manual Cost
false
Weeks per Class
7.5
Academic Career
Undergraduate
Program fee code for resident
UPO301
Program fee code for non-resident
UPO301
Program Description Title
The skills you’ll develop in this bachelor’s program
override admission requirement
Off
Apply Now URL
https://webapp4.asu.edu/uga_admissionsapp/?term=2261&session=SESA&campus=ONLNE
Slug
bachelor-arts-community-advocacy-and-social-policy
Program Generated Code
UGPP-PPCASPBA
Title
Will my diploma say ‘online’?
Description

No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”

Schedule to talk
Academic Partner
Entity Type
Program Features