Environmental Justice in Social Work Advanced Certificate
Add an advanced certificate while pursuing your Master of Social Work (MSW) at Adelphi—one that will expand your professional opportunities by giving you the knowledge and skills to effectively promote environmental justice.
Why Earn an Environmental Justice in Social Work Advanced Certificate?
As the effects of climate change worsen, social workers play an increasingly vital role in supporting marginalized communities and highlighting the severe and lasting impacts environmental issues have on them. To respond effectively during critical moments—from assisting with disaster recovery efforts to advocating for at-risk clients—social workers need a keen understanding of the complex forces that make environmental events especially devastating to underserved populations.
This environmental justice in social work program is the ideal credential for MSW students looking to maximize their postgraduate career options. You’ll build on your foundational knowledge of structural inequalities and systemic interdependencies, developing the knowledge and skills to help underserved populations weather the effects of climate change.
Career Fields Related to Environmental Justice in Social Work
An Environmental Justice in Social Work Advanced Certificate opens access to a wide range of careers and endeavors, such as:
- Climate activist
- Community organizer
- Eco-friendly entrepreneur
- Educator
- Emergency manager
- Environmental health and safety specialist
- Eco-therapy practitioner
- Disaster preparedness, response and recovery social worker
- Policy analyst
- Sustainability consultant
- Social worker in conservation and urban planning
- Animal assisted/veterinary social worker
- Natural and land resource management
- Public service
- Sustainable agriculture, building and landscaping
Why Earn Your Environmental Justice in Social Work Advanced Certificate at Adelphi in New York?
- Adelphi is the only school in the New York metro area to offer a social work and environmental justice program—giving you a unique credential and a competitive edge in the job market.
- Complete the Environmental Justice in Social Work Advanced Certificate while seamlessly continuing your studies in either the MSW or Online MSW program.
- Benefit from a curricular emphasis on environmental justice in urban settings, as well as on the impact of rising sea levels and storms, which will prepare you to effectively meet the needs of our local communities.
Exceptional Hands-On Learning
Complement the Adelphi MSW program’s extensive practicums with an additional, targeted placement focusing on environmental justice. You’ll learn to:
- Apply ecological systems theories in direct practice.
- Challenge structures and practices that enable environmental discrimination.
- Tackle projects involving urgent issues such as food insecurity, water access, environmental pollution and the preservation of biodiversity.
- Strengthen your understanding of healthcare disparities, mass incarceration, racism and violence through the lens of ecological justice.
- Promote deeper, stronger connections between humans, other species and natural environments.
Program Info
The advanced certificate program in environmental justice within social work has three components:
- Three electives, including a specialized elective, Environmental Justice in Social Work
- A practicum placement focusing on environmental justice
- A monthly practicum seminar integrating environmental justice coursework content and field placement responsibilities
Application Requirements
Students must be enrolled in the MSW or Online MSW program at Adelphi University to complete this advanced certificate program.
Frequently Asked Questions About Environmental Justice in Social Work
Environmental justice in social work extends the field’s concerns in human rights and equity to address the ways in which environmental burdens and benefits are distributed across privileged and marginalized communities.
Through the provision of assistance to those directly most impacted, advocacy, research, education and community organizing, social workers are uniquely positioned to advocate for sustainable and equitable policies with regard to environmental justice.
Demonstrating a specialization with a focus on communities in need shows your dedication to the social work field and the neighborhoods you want to serve. You will be in a unique professional position to speak as an advocate and specialist, impacting practices, emergency response and legislation to better share the burden of the changing climate and environmental hazards.
Awards & Recognition
