Social Justice Graduate Certificate (Online)

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, with a focus on the structures that influence social outcomes.

Designed for learners seeking to understand and address issues of justice, the certificate explores classical and contemporary theories, economic systems, and policy frameworks, as well as how social justice principles apply to areas such as education, government, health, media, and religion.

Through the Social Justice Graduate Certificate, you’ll learn to:

• Analyze classical and contemporary theories of justice and related topics such as human rights, affirmative action, and income distribution.
• Evaluate economic systems, including capitalism, socialism, and the welfare state, in relation to social equity.
• Assess policy and social justice issues related to global challenges such as the environment, poverty, and development.
• Apply social justice principles across institutions such as education, government, health, media, and religion.
• Interpret how systems and structures influence the pursuit of a just society.

The Social Justice Graduate Certificate includes four online courses:

• 1 social justice foundational course
• 3 elective courses

Selecting courses. Multiple course options are available during fall, spring, and summer terms. Offerings vary by term. Explore current options in the DCE Course Search & Registration platform.

Stackable credentials allow you to earn multiple credentials by completing courses that meet overlapping requirements.

If you pursue a master’s degree in one of the following four fields, you can earn this graduate certificate along the way by completing courses that fulfill both certificate and degree requirements:

• Master’s degree in anthropology
• Master’s degree in government
• Master’s degree in history
• Master’s degree in international relations

This approach allows you to build expertise in social justice while making measurable progress toward your graduate degree.

Learn how to plan a stackable credential pathway.

If you take two courses per semester, you can complete your certificate in 8 months. If you prefer a more flexible pace, you have up to three years to finish.

There is no formal application required. You simply register for each course.

To meet the requirements for the certificate:

• Complete the four certificate courses for graduate credit.
• Earn at least a B grade in each course.
• Complete all courses within three years of starting your first eligible certificate course.

Learn more about pursuing a certificate and the process of requesting your certificate.