Help Create a More Just World
Build leadership skills, learn how to expand your sphere of influence and explore ways you can be a change agent and advocate for social justice within your workplace and community.
The Bachelor of Liberal Arts in Leadership and Social Justice at St. Edward’s — an online, part-time program — supports emerging leaders in a range of fields that impact social justice issues. Subject matter is brought to life by merging theory and real-world experiences.
Core courses guide you in strategizing and reflecting on your goals for engaging in social justice work, and help you develop strong skills in critical thinking and oral and written communication. Elective courses allow you to examine leadership and social justice within multiple areas: the arts, education, history, language, philosophy, political science, religious studies, social work, sociology, and women’s and gender studies.
Why earn your Leadership and Social Justice degree at St. Edward’s?
Whether your passion for social justice leads you to a role in the nonprofit sector, criminal justice system, social work field or with a humanitarian cause, one thing is certain: The advantages of your St. Edward’s education will prepare you to succeed. You’ll find opportunities in and outside the classroom to learn, give back and achieve your goals. And your mentors will support you every step of the way.
Build relationships with your professors
Learn in small classes taught by award-winning professors with years of real-world expertise. They’ll get to know you, help you identify and focus on your goals, and provide guidance and insight during and after your college years. They’ll leverage their experience — and connections — to help you build your network.
Join a vibrant, like-minded community
Inspired by the Holy Cross mission of St. Edward’s, our campus community is passionate about serving others and creating a more just and humane world. In keeping with our mission, you’ll be prepared to approach issues from a perspective of equity, inclusion and human rights.
Reap the Rewards of Austin
Austin is one of the fastest-growing cities and economies in the U.S. and home to numerous Fortune 500 firms and nearly 1,500 nonprofit organizations. Our Austin location, partnerships and connections allow you to immerse yourself in a dynamic business environment that offers a wealth of internships and jobs aligned with improving social conditions.
What are job opportunities for graduates?
This online program prepares students to lead social improvement efforts and work with social-justice focused organizations in roles like these:
- Community Organizer or Activist
- Diversity Officer
- Nonprofit Leader
- Fundraiser
- NGO Project Manager
- Outreach Coordinator
- Case Manager
Explore More Details About the BLA in Leadership and Social Justice
Degree Plan
Major Requirements:
The Bachelor of Liberal Arts in Leadership and Social Justice requires a total of 33 hours of major courses, which include a combination of required leadership, social justice and communication courses as well as electives selected from the arts, education, history, language, philosophy, political science, religious studies, social work, sociology and women’s and gender studies.
Required Courses:
Students complete these three required courses totaling 9 hours:
- Introduction to Leadership and Social Justice – Acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to become a successful change-maker, activist and community organizer. You’ll explore how grassroots movements can transform communities, cultural norms and global systems. Experiential learning strengthens your skills in choosing effective tactics, facilitating groups, active listening, public speaking and catering to specific audiences.
- Leadership and Social Justice Capstone – Integrate the knowledge and skills identified in the St. Edward’s University mission statement, incorporated into the courses included in the program, and honed during the completion of the BLA degree. Through a student-initiated, experiential-learning research project, you’ll demonstrate an understanding of ethical leadership infused with the fundamental tenets of social justice.
Prerequisites: Acceptance into the Leadership and Social Justice major, LDSJ 1301, and senior standing. - Writing and Rhetoric – Choose from a selection of courses that fulfill this requirement. Course topics cover creative writing, professional and workplace writing, grant proposal writing, social media and content writing, and more.
Required Electives:
Students choose eight courses totaling 24 hours, four from the social justice area and four from the leadership area. At least two options from each area must be at the 3000–4000 course level.
For more details, view and download the Undergraduate Course Bulletin (PDF).
The part-time format of the Leadership and Social Justice program provides flexibility for non-traditional students, working adults and transfer students seeking to complete their undergraduate degrees. Major requirements will be completed through a blend of online, hybrid and face-to-face class modalities.