Community Education & Social Change BA
The Community Education & Social Change concentration prepares educational leaders with expertise in social justice, curriculum development, theories of learning, and models of change.
This concentration requires the completion of a minimum of 37 credit hours of in-class coursework and a 6-credit-hour internship. Students are expected to begin their program of study by taking courses in the Social Justice domain. This domain serves as the foundation for the concentration, and students will be required to engage with the other domains through a social justice lens.
Download the program of study, learn about career opportunities, and watch Community Education & Social Change overview video.
Benefits list
Gain practical experience
All Community Education & Social Change majors complete a 250-hour practicum or internship that prepares them for their careers.
Apply theory in practice
Learn the skills you need to translate theories of learning, behavioral change, and organizational development into action through practice.
Gain valuable, transferable skills
Work in a variety of community settings, including:
- Higher education/academic student support services
- Community and philanthropic organizations
- Neighborhood associations
- Humanitarian agencies
- Non-profit, health, and faith-based organizations
- Self-help organizations
Featured class
Focus on issues of social identity, social and cultural diversity, and societal manifestations of oppression. Draws on interdisciplinary perspectives of social identity development, social learning theory, sociological analyses of power, and more.
Featured faculty
Scott Monroe
Professor Monroe's recent applied research has concerned state testing and related topics, such as student growth.
Ysaaca Axelrod
Ysaaca Axelrod's research interests are in early childhood language and literacy development.
Michael Krezmien
Director, Center for Youth Engagement
Dr. Michael Krezmien is the Director of the Center for Youth Engagement and a professor in Special Education at the College of Education.
Darrell Earnest
Dr. Darrell Earnest studies thinking and learning in STEM areas, with a particular focus on the interplay of representations and tools with doing mathematics.
In the spotlight
"I interned as a caseworker for two semesters at Amherst Community Connections. I helped individuals apply for affordable housing and programs like utility assistance and nutrition-supplement programs. I got to learn more about the social and political landscape beyond campus and identify issues that matter to me and that I can take action on."
Community Education & Social Change
Provide educational leadership in community-based organizations through a social-justice framework.