As a Women’s and Gender Studies minor at Goshen College, you’ll explore how gender and identity shape our lives, cultures, and institutions
Social Policy and Advocacy
Minor
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.
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.