Certificate
Part-Time or Full-Time
Fall, Spring, Summer
On-Campus
About the Social Justice and Social Enterprise Certificate at Loyola
A strong understanding of social justice—and issues of inequality and fairness in society, including issues related to power, privilege, and discrimination—is integral to any profession that deals with social issues, services, or programs. If you're interested in combating racial, economic, or gender disparities in a current or future role, Loyola's Social Justice and Social Enterprise Certificate develops the skills you need to help individuals and communities work towards creating a more equitable and just world.
The certificate curriculum combines social justice and business principles to provide you with the theoretical and practical foundation you need to advance social justice work. Our program is designed for students who have completed an undergraduate degree or are currently enrolled in graduate programs and want to deepen their understanding of social justice issues.
Program Structure
The social justice and social enterprise certificate program can be pursued full-time or part-time. Classes are held on weekday evenings at Loyola's Water Tower Campus, conveniently located off the Red Line in the heart of Chicago, and the majority of the courses are also offered online.
If coursework is planned strategically and only online classes are chosen, this certificate may be completed entirely online. However, this may result in the certificate taking more time to complete based on available online course rotation.
Why Choose Loyola for Your Social Enterprise Certificate?
The graduate certificate in social justice and social enterprise offers a solid foundation in social justice principles and equitable, innovative business practices. You'll learn how to challenge systemic inequalities, create social value using business methods, lead with integrity, and measure the social impact of policies and actions.
- A foundation for a career—or further graduate study
- More opportunities to serve
- Rooted in faith and Ignatian values
- A metropolitan location full of opportunities
- Diverse students and faculty
Designed for students who already hold an undergraduate degree, this certificate program offers specialized coursework that can help you secure new opportunities in social justice that do not require a full graduate degree. Or, if you want to pursue a graduate degree once you begin the program, you can apply your courses to the MA in Social Justice (must apply within 8 years of graduation).
Whether you already work in a social organization or leadership role or want to make a career change, the graduate certificate in social enterprise prepares you to serve in new ways. With a stronger understanding of social justice challenges, equitable practices, and diversity, you'll be empowered to create change and serve as a more effective advocate.
The Social Justice and Social Enterprise Certificate program draws upon Loyola's values of integrity, service, justice, and faith-based leadership. Housed within the Institute of Pastoral Studies, this certificate program will help you examine your own values while developing ethical judgment and theological reflection.
Loyola is located in the heart of Chicago, a hub of professional development and social justice internship and work opportunities.
Gain diverse perspectives on social justice issues in the classroom. In the Social Justice and Social Enterprise Certificate program, you'll learn from multicultural faculty and peers with a wide range of life experiences, professional goals, and backgrounds.
Meet the Faculty
Loyola is proud to have talented and nationally-recognized scholar-teachers as part of our diverse community of exceptional faculty, students and staff. Loyola faculty are known for their commitment to teaching, the dissemination of knowledge through innovative and interdisciplinary scholarly research, and a commitment to social justice and cura personalis, or care for the whole person. Visit the Institute of Pastoral Studies faculty and staff directory to learn more about the teachers and mentors involved with the Social Justice and Social Enterprise Certificate program.
Faculty and StaffSocial Justice Work: Career Connections
A graduate certificate in social justice and social enterprise can enhance your current position or lead to new possibilities in public policy, social service, ministry, advocacy, teaching, and urban planning roles.
Specific job options include:
- Case manager
- Grant writer
- Lobbyist
- Nonprofit program associate
- Victim advocate
Because Loyola is a member of the Jesuit network of 27 colleges and universities nationwide, our graduates can access career advising services, resume and interviewing assistance, career fairs and events, and employment listings in our Career Services center, as well as at career centers at other U.S. Jesuit colleges and universities.
Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook is a good place to start exploring the job outlook and pay potential for specific careers and fields that interest you.
Curriculum and Program Outcomes
While courses for the Social Justice and Social Enterprise Certificate program may vary from semester to semester, Loyola’s extensive Academic Catalog will always house the official listing of courses, programs of study, academic policies, degree requirements, and specialization or concentration options.
Additionally, this resource will provide Social Justice and Social Enterprise Certificate learning outcomes, showcasing the commitment to specific skills and growth graduates can expect to achieve following completion of the program.
Loyola University Chicago’s Institute for Pastoral Studies is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and is currently under a Warning pertaining to ATS Standards 2.6-7 on Educational Evaluation.
2024-2025 Catalog
Browse Academic CatalogSocial Justice and Social Enterprise Certificate Results and Skills
After completing the certificate program in social justice and social enterprise, you'll:
- Have a deeper understanding of social justice issues
- Be able to enhance your work in social justice or in social organizations
- Exercise faith-based leadership in social justice work
- Contribute to systemic social change
- Gain business and leadership skills relevant to your career interests
- Have the option to pursue an MA in Social Justice (within 8 years of graduating)
Costs, Scholarships, and Aid
Loyola University Chicago is committed to making your graduate and professional studies a reality. Our Cost & Financial Aid page can help better inform you about the costs and potential funding opportunities through scholarships, loans, and aid for graduate and professional education.
If you are a current Loyola undergraduate or alum, you may be eligible for a Returning Rambler discount. Learn more and see if you qualify on our Returning Rambler Scholarship page.
Tuition and Costs
The estimated tuition and fees for the Social Justice and Social Enterprise Certificate totals $13275.00, or 15 credit hours at a cost of $885.00 per credit hour. Please note that tuition and fees for all of Loyola's academic programs are subject to change.
For more detailed information about tuition and fees, and a breakdown of how these costs are calculated on a yearly basis, please visit Tuition and Fees from the Office of the Bursar.
Institute of Pastoral Studies Financial Aid & Scholarships
More information about financial aid opportunities can be found on the Institute of Pastoral Studies Financial Aid page.
Appointments and Events
Whether you’re just beginning your search, in the midst of the application process, or eager to explore our graduate and professional programs, our admissions staff is here to assist you every step of the way.
Schedule an AppointmentThe Institute of Pastoral Studies offers graduate open houses, information sessions, individual appointments, open Zoom and text sessions, and a multitude of other ways to get to know us better.
View all EventsVisit and Connect With Us
With our visit opportunities, you can tour our beautiful Chicago campuses and learn more about Loyola's ties to one of the most prestigious cities in the world.
Application Process
Application Deadlines
The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the Social Justice and Social Enterprise Certificate are listed below. Please keep in mind that both the application and the required materials must be submitted by the specified deadline.
Fall, Spring, & Summer
Rolling admission
Recommended Deadlines
Fall: July 15
Spring: December 10
Summer: April 15
Final admission is 10 days before the start of classes
Students should also consider QSB academic calendar and quarter system
Application Requirements
Application requirements for the Social Justice and Social Enterprise Certificate include:
Official transcripts from all institutions attended
2 Letters of Recommendation
3.0 Minimum GPA
Statement of Purpose
Statement of Purpose Details
Please submit a 1,500-word essay describing your personal, educational, professional, and ministerial background and how these have prepared you for the specific MA or Certificate program for which you have applied. In your essay, also address the following:
Prior undergraduate or graduate study in theology or philosophy, if any
The ways in which your professional life and any volunteer service have emphasized spiritually, community and social justice
A theological book(s) that has helped to shape your understanding of your proposed vocation and course of study
Your vision of ministry, your strengths relative to this vocation, significant influences on your faith life (including ministerial mentors or role models), and the professional context in which you see yourself working upon completion of your program
Why you are choosing to pursue this degree at Loyola's IPS
Official Documents
Applicants must submit official transcripts from all institutions attended. Official transcripts are those that are sent directly by the college/university to Loyola University Chicago. Transcripts (with U.S. educational credentials) sent by the student to Loyola are considered unofficial documents, and while they may be utilized for initial review of your application, official transcripts are still required. Official documents should be sent by the institution to gradapp@luc.edu. Official documents should be sent by the institution to gradapp@luc.edu.
International Applicant Requirements
An official English language proficiency exam is required for international applicants whose native language is not English. If you have non-U.S. educational credentials, you are required to submit an official transcript evaluation. The transcript evaluation cannot be waived, and unofficial transcripts will not be accepted for international applicants.
Please visit our International Applicant Requirements page for specific information regarding the application process for international students.
Start Your Application
Applying online to the Social Justice and Social Enterprise Certificate program is a swift, uncomplicated, and cost-free process. After submission, you can proceed to send and upload any additional requirements.
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Certificate | Part-Time or Full-Time | On-Campus | Fall, Spring, Summer
Whether you plan to work in politics, nonprofit organizations, or faith-based settings, those you serve will need leaders with a strong understanding of social justice issues and how to promote equality in everything they do. This certificate introduces you to these concepts, preparing you for leadership in social advocacy, community and labor organizing, and systemic social change.
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