BA in HSSJ
What You Will Learn and Experience
Seek knowledge. Advocate for justice. Find solutions. The Bachelor of Arts in Human Services and Social Justice prepares you for a multitude of career paths, ranging from education and nonprofit management to policy and health. 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.
This major can be combined with the following programs in the Sociology Department:
- Criminal Justice major and minor
- Law and Society minor
- Health Equity micro-minor
- Sociology minor
About the Program
Learning Outcomes
- Manage projects at nonprofit 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!
Learn More About Service Learning
Course Requirements
Note: 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 AY 2021-22 (PDF).
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.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prerequisites | ||
| HSSJ 1100 | Introduction to Human Services and Social Justice | |
| SOC 1001 | Introduction to Sociology | |
| or SOC 1002 | The Sociological Imagination | |
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required | ||
| HSSJ 2170 | Professional Relationships in Human Services | |
| HSSJ 2171 | Child and Adolescent Development | |
| HSSJ 2172 | Human Interactions: Adult Development | |
| HSSJ 2177 | Social Justice and Public Policy | |
| HSSJ 2200 | Principles of Ethical Leadership | |
| HSSJ 3100W | Program Evaluation | |
| HSSJ 3110W | Nonprofit Management | |
| HSSJ 4195 | Senior Capstone | |
| SOC 2101 | Social Research Methods | |
| SOC 2102 | Techniques of Data Analysis | |
| or SOC 2111 | Field Research | |
| Electives | ||
| Three courses (9 credits) selected from the following: | ||
| HSSJ 2160 | Role of NGOs in International Humanitarian Assistance | |
| HSSJ 4198 | Special Topics | |
| SOC 2104 | Contemporary Sociological Theory | |
| SOC 2135 | Youth and Delinquency | |
| SOC 2105 | Social Problems in American Society | |
| SOC 2162 | Sociology of the Family | |
| SOC 2163 | Sociology of Education | |
| SOC 2170 | Class and Inequality in American Society | |
| SOC 2173 | Social Movements | |
| SOC 2175 | Sociology of Sex and Gender | |
| SOC 2179 | Race and Minority Relations | |
Note: A student majoring in human service and social justice may not declare a second major or a minor in sociology, or vice versa.