The Certificate in Community Organizing and Social Activism provides students with the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to engage in grassroots movements, advocate for social change, and build sustainable community initiatives. This program leverages existing courses offered through IPSL Global Engagement at Westminster University, ensuring an academically rigorous yet action-oriented approach to social justice work.
By integrating coursework that explores social movements, ethical leadership, and global engagement, this certificate prepares students for roles in nonprofit organizations, advocacy groups, and community-based initiatives. The courses provide a balance of theoretical understanding and hands-on experience, equipping students with the tools to analyze systemic inequities, develop strategic organizing efforts, and implement effective activism practices.
This certificate is ideal for students seeking to deepen their impact in social justice work, whether as community leaders, nonprofit professionals, or engaged citizens. It also enhances career opportunities by providing specialized training in organizing strategies, participatory action research, and advocacy skills, all of which are increasingly valuable in today’s civic and nonprofit sectors. Additionally, the certificate serves as a steppingstone toward completing the full Master of Arts in Community Organizing and Social Activism (COSA) degree program at Westminster University, offering students a pathway to further their education and expand their expertise in social justice leadership.
Three required courses: