Social Justice Studies

Simpson is the only Iowa liberal arts school to offer a Social Justice Studies major.

Social Justic Studies major and minor

Social Justice Studies explores the important terrain between ideals of justice and the everyday local and global experiences and expressions of injustice.

The major educates critical thinkers on the history of oppression. It encourages creative and committed thinking from various interdisciplinary perspectives to create an informed global and local citizenship committed to strategic, committed, accountable, and reflexive engagement in social justice work.

View major course requirements

Why Simpson College For Social Justice Studies?

We Help Students Find Their Voices to Become a Change Maker

We know that today’s high school and college-aged students are not simply content with accepting things as they are, so we created a way for you to be the voice of change and improve the world.

Become an active change agent in improving lives in the local and global communities. An increasing number of students like you are working as volunteers, activists, or advocates in the hope of serving others. It is more than volunteering to help the world. You are the voice that works with the government to make policy or environmental changes.

What Can I Do With My Degree?

Students who complete Simpson’s Social Justice Studies major will discover a broad range of career options and education available to them, including:

Graduate school
Employment in government or business
Community organizing
Public policy analysis
Conflict resolution
Human rights work
Human relations work
Working with a range of non-governmental or not-for-profit organizations
Political campaign organizations
Environmental organizations
International agencies
Mediation
Faith organizations
Journalism and communications
Lobbying and rights advocacy

The Skills To Help Change The World

When you complete a degree in Social Justice Studies, you will be equipped to confidently take the next step toward making a difference. You will have:

analyzed issues of social justice using multiple perspectives and paradigms,
articulated central social justice issues, practice, research, and theory in their chosen area of emphasis,
synthesized ethical interventions to address social injustice,
critically reflect on the self as an agent of social justice,
advocated knowledgeably and responsibly for social change.