Social Justice and Advocacy

Social Justice and Advocacy Degree Programs | Winston-Salem State University

Inspired to challenge injustice and influence positive change in the world? Just by being here and looking into our social justice and advocacy programs at Winston-Salem State University, you're already moving forward with pursuing your passion to be one who makes a difference.

Choosing one of WSSU’s advocacy and social justice degree programs will give you a greater understanding and view of the world through a fair and equitable lens. Advocacy and social justice degree programs at WSSU include everything from Africana studies to justice studies, history, political science, sociology, social work, legal studies, religious studies, and urban studies and sustainability.

Get ready to engage in thought-provoking courses, research projects and hands-on experiences that will empower you to lead in addressing injustices toward people who are marginalized in society — and the environments in which we live.
 

WSSU Programs for Students Interested in Social Justice and Advocacy

Undergraduate Programs

If you're looking to make a difference for members of society who face injustice, consider the impact you could have with a degree from an advocacy and social justice program at WSSU.

Major in social work to become an advocate for equity for underserved populations in your community. Earn a political science degree to lead a voter registration drive with NBA star and WSSU student Chris Paul.

You could also train in rehabilitation studies and develop disability awareness training for individuals and groups. Or join Justice Studies professors on a research project that uses critical race theory as a framework to examine how racial microaggression impacted undergraduates.

What can you do with a social justice degree? The sky’s the limit. No matter which major, minor or graduate program you choose, you’ll be well-prepared for service and success.

WSSU Social Justice and Advocacy Degree Programs

•  Addiction Studies (Minor)
• African American Literature (Minor)
• Africana Studies (Major, Minor)
• Chinese (Minor)
• Deaf Studies (Minor)
• Gerontology (Major, Minor)
• History (Major, Minor)
• Justice Studies (Major, Minor)
• Legal Studies (Minor)
• Military Science (Minor)
• Philosophy (Minor)
• Political Science (Major, Minor)

• Portuguese (Minor)
• Public Health (Minor)
• Recreation (Minor)
• Rehabilitation Studies (Major, Minor)
• Religious Studies (Minor)
• Social Work (Major)
• Sociology (Major, Minor)
• Spanish (Major, Minor)
• Special Education (Minor)
• Swahili (Minor)
• Urban Studies and Sustainability (Minor)

Graduate Programs

If you’re looking for graduate opportunities in advocacy and social justice programs, WSSU offers:

• Master of Science Rehabilitation Counseling (MSRC)

What You Can Do With an Advocacy and Social Justice Degree

If you’re searching for a way to turn activism into change, you’ve come to the right place. Earning a college degree in areas related to social justice and advocacy is a good way to ensure a meaningful and fulfilling career. The opportunity to help connect people to the rights and resources they deserve extends into many career paths. What can you do with a social justice degree? With your interdisciplinary critical-thinking, research and communication skills, you can make a difference in jobs such as:

• Civil service administrator
• Community care provider
• Correctional counselor
• Crisis support worker
• Geriatric social worker
• Nonprofit manager

Career outlook for social justice and advocacy graduates

Doing meaningful work with true impact is the highest reward when choosing a career in social justice and advocacy. Because the range of jobs you can do with a social justice degree is vast, so too is the range for field growth and salary potential.

Employment of social and human service assistants is projected to grow 17% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Even more in demand are substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors, with jobs expected to grow 23% by 2030.

Those interested in justice and legal studies may be interested to know that the median annual salary for paralegals and legal assistants was $52,920 in 2020.

Earning Your Degree From an Advocacy and Social Justice Program at Winston-Salem State University

Chart your path to a forward-thinking education  

WSSU’s general education curriculum is designed to foster critical skills, broadened perspectives and a solid liberal arts foundation. On your path to earning your undergraduate degree, about half of your classes (a minimum of 60 semester hours) will be outside your major. This is just one of the ways we prove our commitment to producing well-rounded, compassionate graduates ready to make a difference.

Financial aid and scholarships

More than 85% of WSSU students receive some form of financial aid to support the cost of earning their degree. Both need-based and merit-based aid and scholarships are available to students who qualify. If you’re interested in social justice and advocacy programs, you may also be eligible for external scholarship opportunities.

Learn more about your options for paying for college at WSSU.

More than a place, more than a motto

We have many reasons to be proud at WSSU. For those interested in social justice and advocacy programs, we’re particularly excited to share that:

• We are ranked by CollegeNET as the No. 1 HBCU in the nation for social mobility.
• College Magazine ranked us in its Top 10 HBCUs Changing the World.
• We are ranked by College Raptor among the nation's Top 25 Best HBCUs.
• Our Department of Social Work is nationally recognized as one of the best among the nation's historically Black colleges and universities. 

In addition to the engaging academic programs at WSSU, you'll have access to student resources that will enhance your education and guide you toward success. University College and Lifelong Learning will provide advising and support services during your degree program, and Career Development Services will support you toward reaching for what’s next. 

Check out these real-world experiences, projects and stories. Rams are making a difference!