Master of Arts in Community Organizing and Social Activism
Graduate Degree
International Partnership for Service Learning (IPSL)
4 Semesters (16 Months)
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- Who the Program Is For
- What You'll Learn
- Tuition and Aid
The Master of Arts in Community Organizing and Social Activism Program at Westminster University
The Master of Arts in Community Organizing and Social Activism (COSA) program is an interdisciplinary graduate degree rooted in hands-on service-learning and international study activities. The program educates future leaders for professional careers in government, nonprofit, and community organization sectors by drawing from international development, nonprofit leadership, global health, international education, human rights/social justice, sustainability, and global studies.
This practical, social justice-focused degree program offers:
- Individual Attention: The program focuses on quality rather than quantity.
- Theory-to-Practice: You will apply learning immediately and directly in the field internationally.
- Global Exposure: Multinational programs are available in Europe, Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
- Transferable Skills: You will build tangible transferable skills that prepare you to master problems from theory to practice.
- International Networks: You will build a global professional network from direct experience that is invaluable for launching an international career.
Who the Master of Arts in Community Organizing and Social Activism Program Is For
The Master of Arts in Community Organizing and Social Activism program is especially for students wanting to meet today’s growing demand for leaders who serve others through careers with government and policy-making organizations, global nonprofits, educational institutions, social enterprises, and community development organizations.
A flexible and individualized program allows you to design your graduate degree experience through interdisciplinary graduate-level study with hands-on volunteer service.
What You'll Learn in the Master of Arts in Community Organizing and Social Activism Program
Students in the Master of Arts in Community Organizing and Social Activism Program will build a global and professional network through professional development experience in service-learning placements with organizations worldwide. You'll practice a model of ethical, reciprocal service and community engagement in marginalized communities across the globe.
The program will help you develop these 5 main competencies:
- A global perspective
- Social development
- Nonprofit, NGO, and social entrepreneurship management
- Service as a professional ethic
- Individual expertise and distinction in the field
Sample courses
- IPSL-681: Global Participatory Action Research
- IPSL-602: Community Organizing and Social Activism
- IPSL-633: Creative Thinking and Entrepreneurship
- IPSL-672: Public Space in Urban Planning
Start Date: To increase your access to the Master of Arts in Community Organizing and Social
Activism program, you can begin the program in Fall (August), Spring (January), or
Summer (May).
Completion time: The Master of Arts in Community Organizing and Social Activism program is a 16-month graduate degree that requires a minimum of 33 credit hours. You can complete additional hours to enhance your graduate degree.
Application Deadline
Completed applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. The GRE isn't required for admission.
Spring 2024 Entry: January 2024
Summer 2024 Entry: August 2024
Our Faculty
Zandy Gordon
Instructor
Thomas Morgan
Executive Director of IPSL
Arianne Newton
Director of Programs, IPSL
Paul Newton
Instructor
13
Average class size
33
Average age of student
plan of study
Program Core: 26–31 Credits
The core 26–31 hours of coursework is designed to give you a solid foundation in community organizing and social activism.
Capstone: 2–7 Credits
The 2–7 hours of capstone coursework is designed to give you hands-on learning opportunities.
Tuition and Aid
There's No Better Investment Than You
Westminster University knows you want an education where you matter—a place that will serve as a launchpad for a successful career and a meaningful life. Westminster will work with you individually through every step of the financial aid process. From scholarships to grants and loans, Westminster helps you make it happen.
You’ll be automatically considered for scholarship and grant opportunities.
In addition to general merit scholarships, other scholarship programs are available to support you throughout your time at Westminster.
Check Out Scholarships