Professor of Criminal Justice and Sociology
Program Director
Honors Director
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Why Study Social Policy and Advocacy at Goshen College?

As a student in the Social Policy and Advocacy minor at Goshen College, you will explore how social change happens—both from the ground up and within institutions. This program is designed to help you understand the intersection of public policy, social justice, and community organizing, giving you the tools to become a thoughtful and compassionate leader in your community.
You’ll examine issues like poverty, housing access, racism, health equity, and food insecurity from both historical and contemporary perspectives, learning to analyze policy impacts and advocate effectively for change. This minor pairs well with majors in sociology, social work, peace and justice studies, political science, and public health.
- 91%of classes have fewer than 30 students
- 93%of graduates employed or in service/grad school within one year
- 50%of students study abroad
Career Paths
This minor prepares you for careers that involve community engagement, public policy, and systems change, including:
- Community Organizer
- Public Policy Analyst
- Legislative Aide
- Social Worker
- Nonprofit Administrator
- Public Health Advocate
- Legal or Political Careers
- Program Coordinator or Grant Writer
Alumni from related fields have gone on to work in government, education, health care, nonprofit management, and law.
Curriculum and Credits
The social policy and advocacy minor includes coursework in public policy, social justice, and systems of power, along with a required internship that connects classroom learning to real-world advocacy.
Courses in this minor focus on critical thinking and action, and may include:
- Power, Oppression and Social Change
- Introduction to Public Policy
- Peace, Justice and Conflict Studies
- Advocacy and Social Change
- Social Welfare Policy
- Criminal Justice
- Environmental Justice
Hands-On Learning Opportunities
You’ll complete an internship focused on advocacy or policy change, which could include:
- Working with a local nonprofit to advocate for housing access or food justice
- Interning at a public policy organization or community foundation
- Contributing to research or campaigns related to health equity, criminal justice reform, or economic mobility
These experiences are supported by faculty mentorship and help you gain professional skills in communication, organizing, and ethical leadership.
Scholarships
While there are no specific scholarships for the social policy and advocacy minor, students may qualify for general academic scholarships or financial aid.
Facilities & Resources
Students benefit from close connections to local organizations, advocacy networks, and opportunities to participate in community-based research and events. Faculty bring expertise in peace studies, public health, political science, and sociology.
Faculty
All FacultyRobert Brenneman
Regina Shands Stoltzfus
Professor of Peace
Justice
and Conflict Studies
Ready to get started?
More majors & minors
All Majors & MinorsInterdisciplinary Studies
As an Interdisciplinary Studies major at Goshen College, you’ll have the freedom to chart your own academic path by combining courses from multiple fields to match your unique interests and career goals.
Information Technology
As an information technology major or minor at Goshen College, you’ll develop the skills to design, implement, and manage computer systems that drive business, communication, and innovation.
Sociology
As a sociology major at Goshen College, you’ll investigate the forces that influence human behavior, identity, and inequality—and learn how to be a force for justice and social transformation.
Game Development
At Goshen College, you can explore the fast-growing world of game development through a flexible, interdisciplinary minor that blends technology, storytelling and visual design.
Theater Education
If you’re passionate about theater and feel called to teach, the theater education minor at Goshen College is a powerful way to prepare for licensure to teach theater in grades 5–12.
Writing
As a writing major or minor at Goshen College, you’ll hone your voice and develop the confidence to write with purpose, clarity, and creativity.
Biology
If you’re curious about the natural world, Goshen College is the place to turn that curiosity into discovery. Here, you won’t just study biology—you’ll experience it firsthand.
Sports Management
As a sport management major or minor at Goshen College, you’ll gain the knowledge and experience to excel in the fast-paced world of sports.
Pre-Physical Therapy
If you're considering a career in physical therapy, Goshen College provides a rigorous, hands-on pathway that prepares you for advanced study in this high-demand health field.
Public Health
Whether you plan to work in community health, epidemiology or health policy—or pursue graduate study in public health, medicine or healthcare administration—being a public health major or minor at Goshen College will prepare you to make a meaningful impact.
Music in Worship
This interdisciplinary program weaves together musical excellence, theological insight, and spiritual formation to prepare you to lead worship in churches, ministries, and faith-based organizations.
Anabaptist-Mennonite Studies
At Goshen College, the Anabaptist-Mennonite Studies minor invites you to explore this rich faith tradition—from its 16th-century European origins to its influence across Asia, Africa and the Americas today.
Entrepreneurship
As an entrepreneurship minor at Goshen College, you’ll gain the skills and experience needed to turn your ideas into action.
Chemistry
As a chemistry major at Goshen College, you'll build a strong scientific foundation while exploring how chemistry can change the world—whether you're interested in developing life-saving medications, designing sustainable materials, or inspiring future scientists.
Social Work
As a social work major at Goshen College, you’ll develop the knowledge, skills and ethical grounding to work in a variety of settings—from schools and hospitals to community organizations and government agencies.
Global Economics
Whether you’re interested in international development, financial analysis, public policy, or environmental economics, this program equips you with a foundation in ethical leadership, sustainability, and global citizenship.
Piano Pedagogy
If you love the piano and want to share that passion with others, the Piano Pedagogy minor at Goshen College is the perfect way to turn your talent into a meaningful teaching career.
Pre-Medicine
With a rigorous academic foundation, extensive hands-on learning opportunities and supportive faculty mentors, our program is designed to prepare you for the academic and personal demands of medical school.
Psychology
Our small class sizes and hands-on learning approach ensure that you won’t just study psychology—you’ll apply it. You’ll have opportunities to conduct original research, present at conferences and complete internships that build your resume and connect classroom learning to real-world settings.
Engineering Physics
Whether your goal is to work in engineering design, research or continue into graduate school, you’ll graduate equipped with strong analytical skills and a foundation in both physics and engineering.
Music for Social Change
As a music major with a concentration in Music for Social Change at Goshen College, you’ll learn how music can be a powerful force for transformation—in individuals, communities, and the world.
Broadcasting
In our award-winning broadcasting program, you’ll jump into hands-on experiences from your very first year—opportunities that students at larger schools often wait years to get.
Recreation and Sport
Whether you want to get up and move yourself or help others do the same, the recreation and sport minor from Goshen College can equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful physical activity leader!
Pre-Veterinary
Through our pre-veterinary track, you'll receive excellent preparation for veterinary school while building a strong foundation in biology, chemistry and animal science.
Film Production
As a film production major, you’ll explore every aspect of filmmaking—from directing and producing to editing and sound design—while building the technical skills and creative vision to make your mark in the industry.
English
At Goshen College, you’ll immerse yourself in the power of language—reading great literature, crafting compelling stories, and sharpening your writing and critical thinking skills.
Deaf Studies
With a Deaf studies degree, you’ll be equipped to work at the intersection of language, access, and advocacy in diverse fields.
Physics
As a Physics major or minor at Goshen College, you’ll explore the inner workings of the universe—from the tiniest particles to the vastness of space.
Criminal Justice & Restorative Justice
In the criminal justice and restorative justice program, you learn to address crime, harm, and injustice in ways that go beyond punishment—focusing instead on healing, accountability, and systemic change.
Graphic Design
As a graphic design major or minor at Goshen College, you’ll develop the artistic and technical skills to communicate ideas visually in a wide range of media.
Women’s and Gender Studies
As a Women’s and Gender Studies minor at Goshen College, you’ll explore how gender and identity shape our lives, cultures, and institutions
Peace, Justice & Conflict Studies
As a Peace, Justice and Conflict Studies major at Goshen College, you'll delve into the complexities of conflict and the pathways to peace.
Molecular Biology & Biochemistry
Whether you’re interested in medicine, research, biotechnology, or genetics, this program gives you the scientific foundation and hands-on experience to pursue your goals with confidence.
History Pre-Law
While pre-law is not a major, it is a carefully guided academic track that pairs well with majors like history, political studies, peace and justice, business, English and more.
Nursing
As a nursing major at Goshen College, you'll study in new state-of-the-art facilities and join a program with a rich history of excellence.
Secondary Education
Our nationally accredited program blends subject-specific expertise with hands-on classroom experiences and inclusive teaching strategies, preparing you to make an impact in diverse school environments.
Conflict Transformation
As a conflict transformation studies major at Goshen College — a place known for its peace witness and global engagement — you’ll learn how to respond to conflict with insight, compassion and practical tools.
Sign Language Interpreting
Goshen College offers one of the few four-year bachelor’s degree programs in sign language interpreting in the region. Our program emphasizes hands-on learning, real-world experiences and a strong foundation in ethics and communication.
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
As a TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) major or minor at Goshen College, you’ll gain the skills and cultural understanding needed to support English language learners in classrooms and communities, both locally and globally.
Disability Studies
This interdisciplinary program equips you to understand the lived experiences of people with disabilities and examine how societies define and respond to difference.
Sustainability Management
This interdisciplinary program combines core business principles with environmental science and social systems, giving you the insight to understand global challenges and make ethical, impactful decisions.
Political Studies
Whether you’re interested in law, government, education, advocacy or nonprofit leadership, this program equips you with the critical thinking and communication skills to lead with insight and purpose.
Spanish
As a Spanish major or minor at Goshen College, you’ll learn to communicate confidently and effectively in one of the most widely spoken languages in the world.
Environmental & Marine Science
From Indiana wetlands to coral reefs in the Florida Keys, you’ll build the knowledge and skills to tackle today’s most pressing environmental challenges.
History
At Goshen College, studying history isn’t about memorizing names and dates; it’s about uncovering the stories that define cultures, movements, and everyday people, and learning to interpret them with empathy and precision.
Bible & Religion
Goshen College’s Bible and Religion program is for those who feel called to explore faith more deeply, understand the church’s story, and apply their convictions in meaningful, real-world ways.
Theological Studies and Christian Ministries
If you feel called to ministry or want to deepen your understanding of Christian theology and service, the Theological Studies and Christian Ministries minor at Goshen College offers a transformative path.
Sustainability
As a sustainability studies major or minor at Goshen College, you’ll explore what it means to live responsibly—caring for the Earth and its people now and for generations to come.
Pre-Pharmacy
Whether you plan to become a clinical pharmacist, work in pharmaceutical research, or manage a community pharmacy, GC prepares you for the next step with relevant coursework, hands-on learning and mentoring from faculty who care about your success.
Pre-Dentistry
At Goshen College, pre-dentistry students receive an education rooted in scientific excellence, community values and hands-on learning.
Global Studies
As a global studies major at Goshen College, you’ll prepare for a life shaped by global citizenship, intercultural understanding and servant leadership.
Health
Whether you plan to work in healthcare, education, fitness or another field, this program helps you cultivate habits and understanding that lead to long-term wellness and impact.
Art
The visual and fine arts attract creative individuals who strive to carve out their own niche. At Goshen College, the art major and minor offers a variety of concentrations tailored to different artistic passions and career paths.
Computer Science
At Goshen College, you won’t just study computer science—you’ll learn how to think like a problem-solver, create like an innovator, and code with purpose.
Peace and Justice Studies
As a Peace and Justice Studies minor at Goshen College, you’ll explore how people and communities work to resolve conflict, promote justice and build more peaceful societies.
Theater
At Goshen College, your journey as a theater major or minor immerses you in a vibrant, collaborative community where your creativity and voice are celebrated.
Exercise Science
Whether you aspire to be a physical therapist, athletic trainer, strength and conditioning coach, or another fitness professional, this program provides the foundation you need to succeed.
Communication
Whether your passion lies in journalism, public relations, broadcasting, digital media, or film, you’ll gain the skills, knowledge and opportunities to succeed in a fast-evolving media and communication landscape.
Education – Elementary
If you’re passionate about shaping young minds and creating inclusive, engaging classrooms, Goshen College’s elementary education program is the perfect place to start your journey.
Mathematics
Mathematics is more than numbers—it’s a way of thinking critically and creatively that prepares you for diverse careers in science, education, business, technology and beyond.
Multimedia Communication
As a multimedia communication major or minor at Goshen College, you’ll gain the practical skills and creative experience to become a compelling storyteller across platforms—from journalism and video production to social media and strategic communication.
Public Relations
As a public relations major or minor at Goshen College, you’ll learn to strategically manage communication between organizations and the public—whether through digital content, media relations, brand storytelling, or crisis response.
Undecided
Choosing to be undecided means being intentional about finding a path that’s right for you.
Accounting
At Goshen College, you'll join one of Indiana’s top-ranked accounting programs for CPA exam pass rates. Leading accounting firms actively recruit our students, and many graduates secure job offers before even finishing their degree—some as early as their junior year.
Business
Whether your interest is in marketing, finance, management or entrepreneurship, our program is designed to equip you with the skills and real-world experiences to thrive in today’s dynamic global economy.
Marketing
Whether you’re preparing for a career in business, communications, entrepreneurship, or the arts, marketing will give you a valuable toolkit for success in any industry.
Physical Education
As a physical education major or minor at Goshen College, you’ll gain the skills to promote health, movement and lifelong wellness in ways that truly matter.
Music
Whether your goals are to perform, teach, compose, or work in music-related industries, our program offers you rigorous training, real-world experience, and opportunities to grow your talents in a supportive environment.
Musical Theater
As a musical theater minor at Goshen College, you’ll merge your passion for acting, music, and movement into a dynamic and collaborative art form.
Journalism
As a journalism student at Goshen College, you’ll develop the writing, research, and multimedia storytelling skills needed to pursue truth and share compelling stories with the world.