What is the Social Policy & Advocacy minor? This minor provides the skills necessary to care for people in a way that nourishes relationships and positively impacts the lives of others! The Social Policy & Advocacy minor at Goshen College is a way for you to get involved in areas like social science research, public health, social institutions, the private sector, health care, criminal justice, education, or labor.
No one wants to live in a world of injustice, but it takes a particular person to learn the practical skills necessary to do something about it. As a social policy and advocacy minor, you could work as a social policy advocate, human development worker, or administrator of government organizations.
Our curriculum equips students with the knowledge and methods to nurture connections and have a positive influence on others’ lives! In our social policy minor, you will learn about welfare and public policy, and how to advocate for change. You will also have opportunities to serve others through internships and public service-learning projects.
Social policy and advocacy minors at Goshen College are given a broad range of communication and service techniques to care for people in a way that both nourishes relationships and makes a positive impact on the lives of others. You will be equipped with the skills to work as a public policy advocate, child welfare worker, or community development activist in policy research.
This program is designed to develop abilities in:
Additionally, you will study conflict resolution topics, learning how to mediate disagreements and negotiate conflict effectively. These skills will allow you to make a difference in a wide array of industries, including healthcare, public administration, criminal justice, education, sociology, labor, government, nonprofit, humanitarian relief, and more.
If you are passionate about social justice and want to learn how to change social policies and advocate for those who need it most, this program is for you! Our program’s flexibility allows you to craft an education and career path focused on social justice, social sciences, and advocacy in your major field of study.
So if you want to change the world, Goshen College is the place to start! With research, policy analysis, and program evaluation skills, you will be prepared to make a difference in any field.
With an education at GC, you will get the the strong multidisciplinary foundation you need to pursue your career. Financial aid options are available. Fill out the form below for more information on this minor and others.
Enhancing Cross Cultural Understanding of Grief, Ryan’s Place Annual Seminar. Supported by The Source (Oaklawn) and Goshen College The death of a family member or friend is life altering to those close to them. Grief touches all areas of our life and is experienced mentally,…
Goshen College and Bluffton University are hosting monthly, online MSW Explorers Meet-Ups. This is a chance to learn more about the program as well as to meet other people like you who are interested in the MSW program. The dates and times for these meetings are listed below. You…
Photo Credit: Elkhart County Child Dashboard Suzanna Yoder is a senior Social Work major, completing her 400 hour internship at The Source of Elkhart County. She recently published the following reflection on the website for the Elkhart County Child Dashboard, a group of local leaders…
Stefan Baumgartner, a music and sociology double major from Goshen, believes in social justice. Before graduating in 2015, he found that GC also shares his drive for open conversation.
Stefan's storyRon Kraybill graduated from GC in 1976. Today, he is a peace and development adviser for the United Nations. He has been negotiating peaceful elections in Lesotho since 2009.
Ron's storyJason has a Ph.D. in Latin American history and environmental history from the University of North Carolina, where he studied the social and environmental history of the Pantanal.
Jason's storyLizzy Diaz '13 came to Goshen College to become a nurse, but changed her major to sociology to study the complexities of human societies. While a student, she was an athlete and traveled to Egypt for SST.
Lizzy's storyWith more than 25 years of experience in conflict prevention, transformation and peacebuilding, Philip Thomas ’87 has dedicated his life to helping facilitate peace and reconciliation.
Philip's storyJeanne Liechty discovered social work as a major and profession while serving a year of voluntary service in San Antonio, Texas. Today she is a professor of social work and department chair.
Jeanne's storyJerrell Richer
Professor of Economics
Carl Kreider Chair
Kendra Yoder
Associate Professor of Sociology
WGS Program Director
Brianne Brenneman
Assistant Professor of Public Health
