Lakehead University is expanding graduate degree program offerings in central Ontario with the launch of the Master of Social Justice Studies program, now offered at the Orillia Campus.
Professors and current and former Lakehead students attend the launch of a new graduate degree program in Social Justice Studies now offered at the Orillia Campus.
Designed for established career professionals wanting to expand their competencies or a student who's just graduating from university, the Master of Social Justice Studies degree prepares students to work, research, and advocate for a more just and inclusive world.
"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," explained Dr. Glenda Bonafacio, dean of Lakehead's Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities. "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."
Learning from faculty and researchers in fields like Indigenous learning, media, film and communications, political science, and criminology, students will engage with issues such as race, gender, poverty, and the environment.
Through coursework, practicum, and research or creative project-based learning, 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.
"Since we launched the degree program in 2016 in northwestern Ontario, 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," said program advisor Dr. Kevin Brooks.
The two-year program is designed to be flexible and accessible-courses are delivered in-person and online, allowing students to balance academic study with professional and personal responsibilities.
Applications are now open for September 2026.
For more information, visit https://www.lakeheadu.ca/programs/departments/social-justice.
