BA in HSSJ

What you will learn & experience

Dr. Kelso teaches her capstone class

 

Seek knowledge. Advocate for justice. Find solutions. The Bachelor of Arts in Human Services & Social Justice prepares you for a multitude of career paths, ranging from work in education, non-profit management, policy, and health, among other fields. Our coursework deepens understanding of the field of Human Services and social justice, translating classroom knowledge into real world actions. We provide:

  • Educational experiences to advocate for equity inside and outside the classroom, working alongside community partners
  • Multi-disciplinary perspectives and expertise to look at complex social problems in society
  • Leadership skills that create team and community building, resulting in active social change making
  • Integration of a justice lens into academics, community engagement and the social world
  • Instruction from academics and working professionals with social justice at the forefront of their endeavors.

 

About the Program:

 

You will learn to

  • Manage projects at non-profits organizations
  • Analyze and apply strategies for non-profits through program evaluations 
  • Secure financial support for programs (grant writing, fundraising, development)
  • Coordinate collaboration between team members and community partners
  • Communicate with diverse audiences and communities
  • Complete independent research
  • Compare and adopt leadership approaches for managing complex projects in diverse environments

 

Program Highlights

  • Experience working with community organization in our courses (300 total hours)
  • Gain skills needed to work in non-profit, government or the private sectors
  • Capstone experience leading social change through philanthropy 
  • Small class sizes that promote a strong sense of student community

 

 

 

IS HSSJ A FIT FOR YOU?

  • Are you interested in advocacy working with people on issues such as women’s rights, immigration reform, racial equality, workers’ rights, health and safety reform and LGBTQ rights, among others?
  • Are you interested in program management?
  • Are you interested in working on improving social problems in the fields of education, housing, health, employment, etc. ? 
  • Are you interested in working in the field of health services?
  • Are you interested in pursuing a teaching career ? 
    • (*GW Teach minor pairs nicely with our program)

 

 

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then our program is for you!

 

 

 

HSSJ Curriculum

Beginning in Fall 2021 there will be changes to the curriculum, to stay up-to date on the curriculum starting in Fall 2021 please view the advising packet below. 

Advising Packet AY 2021-22 (PDF)

 

Course Requirements

 The following requirements must be fulfilled:

The general requirements stated under Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Undergraduate Programs.

Program-specific curriculum (below).

Achievement of a minimum grade of C- in all courses that count toward the degree.

Prerequisites
HSSJ 1100Introduction to Human Services and Social Justice
SOC 1001Introduction to Sociology
or SOC 1002 The Sociological Imagination
Required
HSSJ 1177Organizing for Social Justice in Human Services
HSSJ 2170Professional Relationships in Human Services
HSSJ 2171Child and Adolescent Development
HSSJ 2172Human Interactions: Adult Development
HSSJ 2200Principles of Ethical Leadership
HSSJ 3100WProgram Evaluation
HSSJ 3110WNonprofit Management
HSSJ 4195Senior Capstone
SOC 2101Social Research Methods
SOC 2102Techniques of Data Analysis
Electives
Three courses (9 credits) selected from the following:
HSSJ 2160Role of NGOs in International Humanitarian Assistance
SOC 2104Contemporary Sociological Theory
SOC 2135Youth and Delinquency
SOC 2105Social Problems in American Society
SOC 2162Sociology of the Family
SOC 2163Sociology of Education
SOC 2170Class and Inequality in American Society
SOC 2173Social Movements
SOC 2175Sociology of Sex and Gender
SOC 2179Race and Minority Relations
SOC 2189Special Topics in Criminal Justice

Note: A student majoring in human service and social justice may not declare a second major or a minor in sociology, or vice versa.