Certificate
Part-Time or Full-Time
Fall, Spring, Summer
On-Campus
About the Social Justice Graduate Certificate at Loyola
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. Loyola University Chicago's Social Justice Certificate introduces you to these concepts, preparing you for leadership in social advocacy, community and labor organizing, and systemic social change.
Program Structure
The fully online Social Justice Certificate is a 15-credit-hour program that can be pursued full time or part time.
Why Choose Loyola for Your Social Justice Certificate?
Loyola University Chicago has a longstanding history of promoting social justice and change. From our Jesuit tradition to our interdisciplinary approach to social justice education, you will benefit from a reputable, well-rounded graduate certificate program.
- A highly respected institution
- A customizable Social Justice Certificate program
- A fully online graduate certificate in social justice
- A foundation for social justice careers and advanced degrees
- An interdisciplinary approach
- Diverse students and faculty
Attend a university rooted in Jesuit tradition that has a reputation for excellence and social justice advocacy. Both the university and Institute for Pastoral Studies are widely recognized for their ability to develop students academically, personally, and spiritually.
Choose the master's-level social justice courses that align with your interests and professional goals. Loyola's social justice courses online include Social Context of Ministry, Community Organizing and Community Development, Leadership in Social Justice Organizations, and more.
Balance your coursework with your professional and personal commitments. Earn your graduate certificate in social justice completely online, from anywhere in the world.
Take coursework that enhances your understanding of social justice. Our program is designed for students who already hold an undergraduate degree, helping you enhance your professional practice or secure roles that do not require a full graduate degree. If you're interested in pursuing a master's in social justice after completing your certificate, credits from the certificate program can be applied to the MA.
Gain a well-rounded understanding of social justice by taking courses that draw on theology, political science, sociology, and other disciplines.
Get diverse perspectives on social justice issues from faculty and fellow graduate students with a wide range of life experiences, backgrounds, and research interests.
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 Certificate program.
Faculty and StaffSocial Justice: Career Connections
The graduate certificate in social justice prepares you to make change in your community by enhancing your current degree or professional role. It can also be applied toward Loyola's MA in Social Justice.
Specific job options include:
- Pastor
- Minister
- Chaplain
- Counselor
- Human rights advocate
- Lobbyist
- Nonprofit manager
- Public policy analyst
- Social worker
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 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 Certificate learning outcomes, showcasing the commitment to specific skills and growth graduates can expect to achieve following completion of the program.
2024-2025 Catalog
Browse Academic CatalogSocial Justice Studies Results and Skills
The Social Justice Certificate equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to advocate for underrepresented communities and create equitable environments in community-based organizations. After completing your certificate in social justice, you will have developed:
- Advocacy
- Verbal and written communication
- Cultural competence
- Strong ethics
- Research and analysis
- An understanding of social justice issues and how to address them
- Critical thinking
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 recent 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
| Program | Credit Hours | Cost Per Credit Hour | Estimated Tuition and Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Justice Certificate | 15 | $850.00 | $12750.00 |
| Social Justice Online Certificate | 15 | $850.00 | $12750.00 |
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
This program has multiple versions you can apply to. Find specific information about the application process for each program below.
Application Deadlines
The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the Social Justice Certificate are listed below:
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
Application Requirements
Application requirements for the Social Justice 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 minsterial 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
Application Deadlines
The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the Social Justice Online Certificate are listed below:
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
Application Requirements
Application requirements for the Social Justice Online 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 minsterial 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
Official transcripts are those that are sent directly by the college/university to Loyola University Chicago. Transcripts 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.
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.
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 Certificate program is a swift, uncomplicated, and cost-free process. After submission, you can proceed to send and upload any additional requirements.
APPLY TODAYRelated Programs
Certificate | Part-Time or Full-Time | On-Campus | Fall, Spring, Summer
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. This certificate develops the skills you need to help individuals and communities work towards creating a more equitable and just world.
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