Learn how public policy, social work, community organizing, and sustainability leadership can support positive social change. This beginner-level Specialization helps you understand how change happens across communities, organizations, and public systems—and how you can contribute.
Throughout the specialization, you’ll learn to:
Explain how public policy is developed, implemented, and evaluated
Analyze social issues through equity, social justice, and systems perspectives
Understand how social work supports individuals, families, and communities
Assess community needs, priorities, and strategies for collective action
Develop advocacy, action, and communication approaches for social change
Examine how leadership, values, power, and relationships shape sustainable change
You’ll work through case studies, practical exercises, and real-world examples while building skills in critical thinking, communication, problem solving, and leadership. This Specialization is designed for beginners interested in public service, nonprofits, education, social services, community organizations, or sustainability. No prior experience is necessary.
Applied Learning Project
In this Specialization, you’ll complete applied quizzes, reflections, and planning activities tied to real social issues. You’ll work through the public policy process, including issue framing, agenda setting, policy design, implementation, and evaluation. You’ll also examine key themes in social work, including history, social justice, diversity, privilege, and oppression.
In the community organizing and sustainability leadership courses, you’ll assess community needs and priorities, think through strategy for change, and reflect on how values, equity, relationships, power, and leadership shape organizations and communities. By the end, you’ll have practice applying policy, social justice, organizing, and leadership frameworks to real-world challenges.
