A liberal arts degree offers a broad and versatile foundation that is exceptionally well-suited for a career in social justice. By fostering critical thinking, strong communication skills, and a deep understanding of diverse cultures and societies, a liberal arts education equips you to tackle complex social issues with nuance and empathy.
Courses in disciplines such as sociology, political science, and philosophy help you analyze systemic problems and develop innovative solutions. The emphasis on research, writing, and ethical reasoning prepares you to advocate effectively, engage in informed policy discussions, and contribute meaningfully to organizations dedicated to social change.
A liberal arts degree combines a deep understanding of societal challenges with critical thinking, fostering key transferable skills essential for enacting social change, such as:
- Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
- Research and Organization
- Leadership
- Communication and Listening
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Written and Oral Communication
Related Interests
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Interested in learning more about what you can do with a liberal arts degree?
Future Students
Current Students
Majors
Each major develops analytical, research, and communication skills that are essential for driving meaningful change.
While this page shows many opportunities and examples of what our students and alumni have done related to this area of interest, this is not an exhaustive list of majors or experiences.
Out-of-Classroom Experiences
Internships
- Civil Rights and Restorative Justice Project at Northeastern School of Law
- U.S. Department of Justice
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
- U.S. Department of State
- U.S. Agency for International Development
- Geisinger Medical Center
- Centre County Planning and Community Development
Research Spotlights
- Underrepresented Perspectives Lab (Janae Sayler)
- Underrepresented Perspectives Lab (Carter Gangl)
Education Abroad Destinations
South Africa
Students in WMNST 399, The Quest for Reproductive Justice in South Africa, collaborated with reproductive justice organizations and conducted research for the South African Women’s Legal Center in Cape Town, examining the history and politics of reproductive justice.
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Netherlands
Students taking CRIM 197 and CRIM 422 participated in an embedded program called “Victimization in the Netherlands” over spring break to learn about the differences in policy problems between the Netherlands and United States.
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Spain
France
Germany
United Kingdom
Post-Graduation Opportunities
Continuing Education
- Law school
- MBA
- Graduate school to study public policy, law, human rights, gender studies, urban and regional planning, sociology, public administration, nonprofit management, and education policy
Job Titles
- Urban Planner
- Human Rights Advocate
- Social Worker
- Policy Analyst
- Community Organizer
- Nonprofit Program Manager
- Public Interest Lawyer
- Education Coordinator
- Advocacy Director
Industries
- Nonprofit Organizations
- Government and Public Administration
- Education
- Health Care
- Legal Services
- International Development
- Corporate Social Responsibility
- Media and Communications
- Research and Academia
- Urban Planning and Housing
Employers
- American Civil Liberties Union
- Teach For America
- Planned Parenthood
- World Health Organization
- Human Rights Watch
- Habitat for Humanity
- Pew Research Center
- The Urban Institute
- United Nations
- Equal Justice Initiative
- Urban Institute
Alumni Career Conversations
Careers in...
Internship
Veronica Figg
’26
Criminology
Criminology
Veronica interned with the Human Trafficking Unit of the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General and The Daily Collegian. My internship with the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General gave her the opportunity to investigate human trafficking and help survivors get justice through the legal system. As a food reporter for The Daily Collegian, she was able to meet wonderful restaurant owners in State College and try some delicious food.
Student LeaderStudent Organizations
Zach Hamer-Lang
’26
History
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Sociology
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Jewish Studies (minor)
History
Sociology
Jewish Studies (minor)
Being part of Queer and Trans People of Color (QTPOC) Zach said, means being a member of a community with a legacy of resistance. Standing alongside the community members, embracing authenticity and existing defiantly are not only ideals, but practices. As president, Zach hopes to create the community that he was looking for when he sought out QTPOC, where individuals can express themselves without their presence or identity being questioned.
Chaiken CenterFirst-Gen
Milan Dukes
’26
Psychology
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Media Studies (minor)
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Sports Studies (minor)
Psychology
Media Studies (minor)
Sports Studies (minor)
Through First-Gen Advocates, which is within the Penn State Chaiken Center, Milan supported her peers and contributed to programming that expands resources for first-generation students. Her own challenges motivated her to create spaces where others feel supported and seen, she said.
International ResearchResearch
Christina Ellis
’26
Integrative Science
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Spanish
Integrative Science
Spanish
Christina was selected by the U.S. National Science Foundation’s Partnerships for International Research and Education (PIRE) fellowship program. She spent eight weeks in Granada, Spain, conducting research while earning academic credit and attending seminars and lab meetings at the University of Granada.
Student Organizations
Laenee McCoy
’27
Anthropology
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Art History
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Korean (minor)
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Classics and Ancient Mediterranean Studies (minor)
Anthropology
Art History
Korean (minor)
Classics and Ancient Mediterranean Studies (minor)
Laenee serves as treasurer of the Indigenous Peoples’ Student Association (IPSA). IPSA’s impact on her extends far beyond administrative duties. Laenee said it’s given her the opportunity to engage with Indigenous voices and histories that are often marginalized, and has reinforced her commitment to listening in hopes of understanding perspectives that challenge dominant narratives.
ItalianUndergrad Research
Alexis Wilson
’26
English
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Italian
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Art History (minor)
English
Italian
Art History (minor)
Alexis applied her linguistic and research skills as a research intern working with Maria Truglio, professor of Italian and of women’s, gender, and sexuality studies, on a digital archive dedicated to preserving the stories of Italian American women living in Centre County. The project collects recorded interviews, transcripts, abstracts and historical information, capturing personal experiences that might otherwise be lost. Alexis’s primary role involved transcribing interviews and creating detailed abstracts.