University of Michigan

What you'll study

This interdisciplinary master’s emphasises practical skills in grassroots organising, coalition building, policy advocacy and leadership alongside theoretical foundations in social justice, power analysis and community development. The programme combines core seminars, method-focused courses, practicum placements and a capstone project or thesis.

• Core modules: courses typically cover community organising theory, ethics of advocacy, leadership and mobilisation strategies, and participatory program design.
• Research and methods: classes in qualitative and quantitative research methods for community settings, program evaluation, needs assessment and community-based participatory research (CBPR).
• Policy and legal context: study of public policy processes, policy analysis for advocacy, legislative advocacy techniques and the legal environment for non-profits and civic action.
• Skills and practicum: instruction in campaign planning, message framing, media and digital organising, fundraising and organisational development, usually reinforced by a supervised practicum placement with a community organisation, advocacy group or government office.
• Electives and specialisms: options often include housing and urban policy, health equity, youth organising, labour and workplace organising, environmental justice, and immigrant and refugee rights.
• Capstone or thesis: students complete a practicum-driven capstone project or an applied thesis that demonstrates the ability to design, implement and evaluate an organising or advocacy initiative.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold an accredited bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Relevant professional experience in community work, non-profit organisations, advocacy campaigns, public agencies or related fields is highly valued and may strengthen an application.

• Academic background: a degree in social work, political science, sociology, public policy, education, public health or a related discipline is common among applicants, though interdisciplinary backgrounds are welcome.
• Experience: employers and admissions committees look for evidence of community engagement, leadership in civic contexts, volunteer service, or professional experience in organising or advocacy.
• Supporting materials: typical application materials include academic transcripts, a statement of purpose describing advocacy interests and goals, letters of recommendation (often including at least one professional reference), and a résumé or CV. International applicants will need to meet the university’s English language requirements.
• Additional considerations: some applicants may be invited for an interview; a portfolio of past projects, campaign work or evaluations can be advantageous.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue roles that combine community-engagement skills with policy influence and organisational leadership. The programme prepares students for a wide range of careers in the public, non-profit and civic sectors.

• Community organiser, campaign director or field organiser for advocacy campaigns
• Program manager or director in non-profit organisations and community development corporations
• Policy analyst or advocacy specialist in think tanks, NGOs or governmental agencies
• Coalition coordinator, civic engagement manager or public affairs officer
• Consultant in participatory research, community assessment and evaluation
• Leadership roles in social movements, labour organisations, housing and tenant advocacy, public health outreach, and education equity initiatives

Why study at University of Michigan

The University of Michigan offers a strong combination of academic rigour, interdisciplinary resources and deep connections to community partners across Michigan and beyond. Students benefit from faculty with expertise in organising and social policy, access to research centres focused on civic engagement and social innovation, and practicum opportunities that place them with local advocacy organisations and municipal agencies.

Located in a region with active grassroots movements and a diverse urban-rural context, the university supports applied learning and public scholarship. The programme’s network of alumni and partnerships enhances career placement and provides ongoing mentorship for graduates pursuing change-making roles in communities and institutions.