BA in HSSJ

What You Will Learn and Experience

A circle of students sitting at desks in an HSSJ Capstone class

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:


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: Please review the advising packet for information on the order of courses.  

 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 2170Professional Relationships in Human Services
HSSJ 2171Child and Adolescent Development
HSSJ 2172Adult Development
HSSJ 2177Social Justice and Public Policy
HSSJ 2200Principles of Ethical Leadership
HSSJ 3100WProgram Evaluation
HSSJ 3110WNonprofit Management
HSSJ 4195Senior Capstone
SOC 2101Social Research Methods
SOC 2102Techniques of Data Analysis
or SOC 2111 Field Research
Electives
Three courses (9 credits) selected from the following:
HSSJ 2160Role of NGOs in International Humanitarian Assistance
HSSJ 4198Special Topics
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

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