Lasting change requires building capacity and leadership in addition to providing programs and services. If you’re passionate about changing organizations, communities and systems as well as changing individual lives, the Community Practice for Social Change path will provide you with the skills to make a lasting, sustainable difference in society.
This specialty area is a macro social work concentration for those who want to improve individual and community well-being and focus on promoting social change and social justice. In this program, you will:
- Acquire techniques to recognize and build on the strengths and resiliency of all human beings in social change work at the micro, mezzo and macro levels
- Learn to advocate for vulnerable populations to receive needed support and join efforts to promote social, economic and environmental justice
- Develop and apply communication and process skills that facilitate engagement of community members and community-based organizations
- Learn to conduct evaluations of the programs and services provided by organizations and communities and how to use research and evaluation to strengthen practice and policy
Related Opportunities
Explore additional programs and opportunities you can pursue to enhance your Master of Social Work (MSW) degree.
- Advanced Standing
- Certificates
- Combined graduate study (3+2 social work)
- Dual degrees
- Interprofessional education
Sample Courses
For a complete list of courses and course descriptions, visit the General Bulletin.
- “Assessing and Engaging Community for Social Change”
- “Community Practice Policy: Analyzing and Changing Social Policy”
- “Needs Assessment and Program Evaluation”
- “Planning and Implementing Social Change”
Examples of Field Education Sites
Possible field education placement sites for the Community Practice for Social Change path include: