Learn: Why Study SJPS Today?

A degree in SJPS is for students who:

  • Want to develop critical research and analytical skills
  • Believe in becoming inclusive change agents in their community and around the world
  • Are interested in expanding their awareness of social justice and peace issues
  • Want to expand their understanding of the interlocking nature of poverty, violence, racism, sexism, colonization, disability, religious persecution, environmental degradation and other forms of oppression
  • Wish to participate in local and international experiential learning opportunities

Program Structure

(image: SJPS Program Structure Pie Chart)

Academic Learning - This innovative cross-disciplinary program offers core courses in social justice and peace, combined with advanced topical courses drawn from a variety of disciplines including Sociology, English, History, Religious Studies, and many others. While this degree can be pursued independently, students can combine their degree in Social Justice and Peace Studies with a major or minor in a variety of different disciplines because there is so much flexibility in this program.

Experiential Learning -  The SJPS program is rooted in experiential learning because we believe in the importance of taking the academic learning into the community and into the world. There is a community based learning course in the third year that engages students in local issues of justice and peace that provides community engagement and deepened understanding of local and regional issues. And there are numerous optional global experiential learning opportunities such as First Nations communities in Canada, Dominican Republic, Ecuador and Italy.

Social Action –  The SJPS program provides numerous opportunities to put our theory into practice. Through activism and community peace building we work to be innovative social change agents in our communities and in our global world.