IV. Social Change

Introduction to the Social Change Major

1. Introduction to the Major

• In the endeavor to create a better world, Social Change is a specialized academic and practical field, going beyond community issues research to become the art of applying knowledge and action to transform systems. It is a strategic bridge connecting Problem Analysis – Policy Advocacy – and Systemic Action.
• At Bodhisastra University, the Social Change program is designed as a journey of critical analysis and nurturing advanced intervention skills, where learners both acquire sociological, political, and economic theories, and explore methods for community organizing, policy advocacy, and managing change campaigns at national and international levels.
• This is the ideal choice for those who crave to clearly understand power structures – lead movements – and become agents of sustainable systemic transformation.

2. Duration of Training

• Bachelor's: 9 - 12 months (flexible program, suitable for both standard and accelerated study).
• Master's: 9 - 12 months.
• Doctoral: 9 - 12 months.
• The path is streamlined, helping learners pursue in-depth knowledge while conveniently combining it with advocacy work and field activities.
• Especially at Bodhisastra University, you will overcome limitations: Flexible learning - International degree - Impact breakthrough.
• Work experience in community development, policy advocacy, or social activism can be converted into credits, helping to complete a Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctoral degree in just 9–12 months.
• International degrees are consular legalized, opening up global academic opportunities and participation in global social action networks.

3. Training Format

• 100% Online: Comprehensive online learning, flexible for all individuals, especially social activists, policy advocates, and staff of international organizations.

Outstanding Benefits:

• Degrees are widely recognized globally, opening the door to boundary-less career and international cooperation opportunities.
• No entrance English certificate required. A team of professional interpreters will provide support throughout the course, ensuring you fully grasp the intervention models and advocacy strategies.
• Bodhisastra University Vietnam Office Address: 40 Pham Ngoc Thach, Xuan Hoa Ward, HCMC.

4. Levels of Training

• Bachelor of Social Change – Foundation in Analysis and Organizing
• Highlights: Building a solid foundation in social theory, qualitative/quantitative research, and core skills in community organizing, strategic communications, and policy analysis. Enhancing experience through implementing small-scale intervention projects and Stakeholder Mapping.
• Career Opportunities: Development Project Officer, Community Organizer, Analyst and Communications Specialist for Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and international organizations.
• Master of Social Change – Strategic Advocacy and Systemic Transformation
• Highlights: Helps cultivate critical thinking on social justice and develops the capacity to lead Advocacy Campaigns, manage conflict, and design Cross-sectoral interventions. The program focuses on in-depth research and proposing solutions for structural change.
• Career Opportunities: Program/Country Director at international organizations, Senior Policy Advocate, Development Consultant, Lecturer.
• Doctor of Social Change – Theoretical Research and Leadership in Social Innovation
• Highlights: Designed for academics and leaders seeking to conduct pioneering research, creating new theories and models of how social change occurs, particularly in areas like technology and social change, or climate justice. The program requires the completion of a Doctoral Dissertation with significant academic contribution, shaping how we understand and execute social change.
• Career Opportunities: Research Professor in Sociology/Development, Theorist and Strategist for change, Senior Governmental Advisor on complex social issues.

5. Advantages of studying at Bodhisastra University

• Bodhisastra University offers knowledge across borders, combining interdisciplinary academics (sociology, politics, economics) with a focus on social action and transformation. Learners experience a comprehensive program, from theoretical research to practical intervention design, in a multicultural environment that encourages courage and creativity in addressing injustices.
• Bodhisastra University not only imparts knowledge but also accompanies you on the journey of leadership development, helping each individual become the most knowledgeable, decisive, and transformation-activating version of themselves.