Social Innovation
Master of Arts (M.A.)
Graduate Major
Grand Rapids • Hybrid • 36 Credits
Social innovation is the process of developing and implementing new solutions to address social challenges, improve well-being, and create positive, sustainable change within communities and societies.
Overview
The Professional Master of Arts in Social Innovation (PMASI) at Grand Valley State University is designed to equip individuals with the skills needed to lead and foster innovation within various organizations, businesses, and communities. This 36-credit hour program, offered in a hybrid format, combines face-to-face and online learning. It aims to address complex social issues such as childhood hunger, illiteracy, domestic violence, and environmental justice, preparing students to make a significant impact on daily operations and strategic goals.
The curriculum includes six core courses in social innovation and public administration, three application courses, and three synthesis courses. Topics covered in the program include cross-sector innovation, corporate social responsibilities, civic action, community engagement strategies, environmental justice, and policy development skills. Students also have the opportunity to engage in internships, global learning experiences, collaborative projects, and problem-based learning, providing a comprehensive and practical education.
The program is unique in Michigan, focusing on critical, humanistic, integrative, and interdisciplinary approaches to social issues. It prepares students for a wide range of careers by developing essential skills such as leadership, teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and critical analysis. The combination of flexible hybrid courses and real-world experiences ensures that graduates are well-equipped to address and solve pressing social challenges.
School of Community Leadership and Development
[email protected]
288C DeVos Center
(616) 331-6575
Program Director
Azfar Hussain, Ph.D.
(616) 331-8172
Application Deadline
Applications for admission are accepted on a rolling basis with deadline for fall semester June 1; winter November 1; and spring/summer April 1. Applicants after the deadline will be considered on an individual basis. The $30 fee is waived if previously applied to GVSU.
Career Opportunities
Coordinate or design programs and conduct outreach to promote the religious education or activities of a denominational group. May provide counseling, guidance, and leadership relative to marital, health, financial, and religious problems.
Top skills- Speaking
- Social Perceptiveness
- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 30,327.68 | 10% |
| $ 36,297.70 | 25% |
| $ 46,555.59 | 50% |
| $ 56,278.80 | 75% |
| $ 76,751.21 | 90% |
Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization's budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers.
Top skills- Social Perceptiveness
- Service Orientation
- Management of Personnel Resources
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 46,052.59 | 10% |
| $ 58,199.93 | 25% |
| $ 77,740.98 | 50% |
| $ 94,516.51 | 75% |
| $115,883.60 | 90% |
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities designed to create or maintain a favorable public image or raise issue awareness for their organization or client.
Top skills
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 71,128.62 | 10% |
| $ 88,790.86 | 25% |
| $114,031.10 | 50% |
| $147,388.98 | 75% |
| $183,507.59 | 90% |
Promote or create an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media. May specialize in using social media.
Top skills- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Social Perceptiveness
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 33,850.66 | 10% |
| $ 45,662.41 | 25% |
| $ 58,061.93 | 50% |
| $ 79,902.36 | 75% |
| $108,031.30 | 90% |
A "Best Bang for Your Buck"
By Washington Monthly
The Only Program of It's Kind
In Michigan
"One of the Top Public Universities in America"
- Niche.com
Student Initiated Combined Degree
The Student Initiated Combined Degree program offers students a unique opportunity to combine undergraduate and graduate degree programs that meet their personal, academic, and career goals.
A Unique Degree Experience
Internships, global learning experiences, collaborative projects, and problem-based learning create a unique degree experience.
Meets Skills Demands in Many Fields
Employers post jobs for master's-level social innovation skills such as leadership, teamwork, communication (written and verbal), problem-solving, and qualitative analytics.
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