Increasingly, schools and the larger  society are acknowledging this reality, but often school staff and community leaders do not fully understand the history of these patterns in America and in institutions like schools, or the ways that these oppressive forces operate on multiple levels today to harm people from different groups.  It is critical for school and community leaders to understand how they can develop strategies to respond to these challenges and contribute to change.

The Certificate in Racial and Social Justice in Education gives participants an opportunity to come together with a diverse group of  students from a wide range of backgrounds along with highly qualified faculty to grapple with these questions together. Students will learn:

• The history and sources of racial and other oppression in the U.S
• The ways that these oppressive forces play out in and around schools today
• Strategies for confronting and changing the structures and attitudes that perpetuate these patterns

Schools increasingly seek out faculty and staff with the knowledge to improve equity and inclusion in schools. This certificate will prepare students to be successful in positions with a responsibility for addressing these issues.

Why Choose Our Program?

• Diverse faculty with a deep understanding of racial and social justice
• Diverse student body from a wide range of educational and community backgrounds
• Unique dual focus linking education and the wider urban community
• Flexible program that can be tailored to student interests
• Options for hybrid and online courses to fit the schedules of working students

Lower Tuition Option for Online Out of State Students

Are you an online, out of state student? Out of state graduate students who take online courses (only) within the department are charged a “fee-in-lieu-of-tuition” that is largely the equivalent of in-state tuition. So if you are out of state and are interested in attending the Racial and Social Justice in Education program online, don’t let the out of state tuition cost stop you from applying.

The Certificate Can Be Completed

• Fully online
• Mostly face to face/hybrid (evening and weekend classes)
• In combination

Program Requirements

Racial and Social Justice in Education Academic Catalog Requirements

Academic Catalog Requirements Sheet

• Visit the Academic Catalog webpage linked above, then click on the Print Options link in the lower right hand column
• Click the Download Page (PDF) link
• Print or save the condensed program requirements document

Program Admission Criteria

• You must complete a bachelor’s degree prior to admission, have a minimum 2.75 cumulative undergraduate grade point average, and declare your intent to pursue the certificate before completing six credits in the certificate sequence.
• If you have a graduate degree, you must have a minimum 3.00 graduate grade point average.
• If you are not already admitted to the Graduate School, you must complete the UWM Graduate School Online Admission Application. Select “Graduate courses for personal/professional enrichment” as your reason for applying.

Program Information

For general information or questions about the program, contact:

Dr. Aaron Schutz
Professor & Program Coordinator
schutz@uwm.edu