What You'll Learn
The Social Justice Graduate Certificate explores the theories, systems, and policies that shape the pursuit of justice in society. You’ll examine how ideas of equity, rights, and fairness apply across institutions and global challenges. Through this four-course certificate, you’ll:
- Build knowledge of classical and contemporary theories of justice and explore interrelated topics, such as human rights, affirmative action, income distribution, and the role of markets.
- Develop an understanding of the economic systems, such as capitalism, socialism/egalitarianism, and the welfare state, and societal structures conducive toward cultivating a just community.
- Gain insight into policy and social justice issues that drive human actions and responses to global challenges, such as the environment, poverty, and development.
- Understand principles of social justice as they relate to topics such as education, government, health, media, and religion.
Courses
The Social Justice Graduate Certificate requires four courses or 16 credits:
- 1 social justice foundational course
- 3 elective courses
Searching and Registering for Courses
Available course options vary by term. You can browse options for fall, spring, or summer in the certificate course search within the DCE Course Search & Registration platform.
Our Community at a Glance
Going back to school doesn’t have to mean putting your life on hold. We’ve designed our courses and certificates to give you the flexibility to pace your studies to fit your schedule.
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60%
Applied Certificate to ALM Degree
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77%
Working Full Time
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100%
Would Recommend Certificate
Earning Your Certificate
Most of our certificates can be completed online and no formal application process is required to pursue a certificate.
To meet the requirements for the certificate, you must:
- Complete the four certificate courses for graduate credit.
- Earn at least a B grade in each course.
- Complete the courses within three years.
Learn more about pursuing a certificate and the process of requesting your certificate.
Stack Your Certificate Into a Degree
Stackable credential pathways allow you to earn multiple credentials by completing courses that meet overlapping requirements. In the short term, you can earn your social justice certificate. Once completed, those four courses may count toward one of the following:
- Master’s degree in anthropology
- Master’s degree in government
- Master’s degree in history
- Master’s degree in international relations
This stackable pathway offers an efficient, cost-effective way to earn short-term credentials to help fill immediate skill gaps and acquire specialized knowledge while building a foundation for long-term success that showcases your expertise in the field.
Learn how to plan a stackable credential pathway.
At Harvard, I was able to find the authorial voice I knew I had but never could seem to develop. As a result, I feel prepared to create work in many different media and to assist others on their creative journeys.
Cost
Affordability is core to our mission. When compared to our continuing education peers, it’s a fraction of the cost.
| Our Tuition (2025–26 rate) | $3,440 per course |
|---|---|
| Average Tuition of Peer Institutions | $5,476 per course |
| Average Total Cost | $13,760 |
