Lakehead University's campus in Orillia is will be offering a new post-graduate degree with a Master of Social Justice Studies program that was launched on Thursday.
It was previously only offered at the university's flagship campus in Thunder Bay, but the program will hold its first classes in Orillia in September and is accepting applications.
The university says the program is designed for those wanting to expand competencies and prepares students for a "more just and inclusive world."
“Our graduates have gone on to medical school and law school, others hold influential leadership, policy and advocacy roles with local non-profits, government, and community development organizations,” the program advisor, Kevin Brooks, said in a news release.
Courses will be delivered in a hybrid model, mixing both in-person and online classes. They will feature faculty and researchers from fields ranging from Indigenous learning to criminology, which aims to engage with broader social justice issues. Program faculty also come from a variety of fields.
“In this program we explore and tackle inequalities and oppressive structures of power to understand why they persist and what is required to bring about social change,” Glenda Bonafacio, dean of Lakehead’s Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, explained. “We look at our relationships with each other, with the institutions and resources that structure our lives, as well as our relationship with the environment.”
The predeceasing program in Thunder Bay had offered several paths for students pursue during the two-years (coursework, research project, creative project, or practicum), similar to what is planned for the Orillia program.
"Students have the opportunity to tailor their education to fit their interests and apply their knowledge to build better social, economic, and democratic policy and practice," the university added regarding the Orillia launch.
Lakehead says on its website that application reviews will begin February 1, lasting until May 1.
