Social Innovation, M.A.

The Professional Master of Arts in Social Innovation (PMASI) is designed to prepare individuals to foster and lead innovation throughout their organizations, businesses, and communities in ways that impact daily operations and strategic goals.

The program trains students to critically examine and address complex social problems such as childhood hunger, illiteracy, domestic violence, air pollution, food deserts, contaminated drinking water, poverty, and homelessness.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The PMASI program consists of 36 credit hours of coursework. There are no prerequisites and students with any bachelor's degree may be accepted. Courses will be offered as hybrid, meeting both in class and online. In-person courses will meet at the Robert C. Pew Campus in downtown Grand Rapids. The program features courses in social innovation, public administration, social work, and management.

Six core courses in social innovation and public administration: 18 credits

Three application courses for project: 9 credits

Three courses of synthesis coursework: 9 credits

WHY STUDY SOCIAL INNOVATION AT GRAND VALLEY?

In-demand. Sustainability consultants make a median salary of $60,926 in the United States according to PayScale.com.

Desired skills. Nationally, employers post jobs for masters level social innovation skills such as leadership, teamwork, communication (written and verbal), problem solving, and analytical/qualitative skills. Local and regional organizations include social innovation as desired skills in job descriptions.

Flexible. Courses are hybrid, offered in a combination of face to face and online.

Unique. This program is the only professional social innovation program in Michigan offering a focus on critical, humanistic, integrative, and interdisciplinary approaches to social issues.

LOCATION & FORMAT

Classes for the program are a combination of online and in-seat at Grand Valleys Allendale Campus and the Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids Campus.

Format: Hybrid

Mission & Vision

Mission

Cultivating engaged global citizens through innovative interdisciplinary programs and diverse community partnerships.

Vision

The Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies will be a regional and national model for creative inquiry, integrative programming, inclusive practices, and student empowerment.

Guiding Principles

We value:

A collegial and collaborative student-centered environment where we support each other and work together, both within the college and across campus, in an open and transparent manner.

Cultural diversity and diversity of voices as a foundational principle in our curriculum, programming, and practices.

Community engagement through educational initiatives and experiential learning.

Interdisciplinary research and teaching that challenges and expands perspectives.

Risk-taking and innovation that encourages alternative approaches to scholarship, teaching, and learning.

Social, environmental, and financial sustainability in all that we do.