Social Justice Studies
Program Description
Want to change the world? There’s a major for that! Social Justice Studies focus on understanding the different ways power and privilege work in our society in order to create a better world. As an interdisciplinary major, we combine approaches from political science, sociology, psychology, and history, along with studying art, literature, and popular culture to understand the struggles that people face and to begin thinking about how to help make them better. By examining race/ethnicity, class, gender, sexuality, national origin, and (dis)ability, as well as how these parts of who we are intersect to create individual identities, we are to focus on how to help people and fight for what is right. This major is perfect for any student looking to transfer into programs in race/ethnic studies, Black or African American studies, Latinx/Chicanx studies, Asian/Asian American studies, gender and sexuality studies, LGBTQ+/queer studies, or fields like sociology, history, political science, psychology, English, or cultural studies.
Transfer Preparation
MSJC offers a wide range of course work that prepares students for the workforce or for transfer to four-year colleges and universities. All four-year institutions prescribe their own standards for course evaluation and admissions. Courses that fulfill major requirements for an associate degree in a program at MSJC might not be the same as those required for transfer into a similar major at a four-year university. Please meet with a Counselor to confirm transfer requirements.
Transfer students are advised to do research on prospective majors and careers. The MSJC Transfer Center and MSJC catalog can be helpful tools. Students interested in transferring to CSU’s or UC’s can access major preparation by visiting ASSIST. All students are advised to meet with a counselor at least once a semester to create or update their comprehensive education plan.
Contact Information
San Jacinto Campus
(951) 487-MSJC (6752)
Michael Vincent Arce, M.A.
marce@msjc.edu
- Critically analyze historical and contemporary issues based on social location/identities, including the power structure, oppression, and privilege components as they relate to one intersectional identity.
- Develop an understanding of major sources of inequality, injustice and violence and how these sources may serve as a benefit or detriment to individuals or institutions.
- Identify and analyze the ways injustices are institutionalized in social, political, and economic structures.
- Analyze and identify social justice movements, and practice strategies toward equality, empowerment, transformation, and social change.
- Work and communicate effectively with peers and diverse perspectives to build solidarity within and outside the college community.
- Apply strategies and interdisciplinary understanding of systems of power, privilege and domination including personal, social, cultural, economic, and political consequences to develop a student driven project.
Discover in-demand careers and education options based on your interests! See the list of careers below or explore further by searching for Careers or Programs.
Note: There are no guaranteed positions for students completing these programs. Education and work experience required will vary by employer. The salary and benefits for specific occupations will be dependent on work experience, education, background, and employer. Labor market statistics are from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Census Bureau, O-NET, EMSI.
| Career/Industries | CA Annual Median Salary or Range | Employment Demand or Opening CA |
|---|---|---|
| Lawyer (M, D) | $158,372 | 7,087 |
| Social and Community Service Managers (A, B, M) | $73,906 | 3,406 |
| Social and Human Service Assistants (SM, A, B) | $45,840 | 8,444 |
| Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers (SM, B, M) | $80,089 | 4,556 |
| Social Worker (B, M) | $62,588 | 5,203 |
(degree required: SM some college, C: Certificate, A: Associate degree, B: Bachelor’s degree, M: Master’s degree, D: Doctorate)