New Major in Urban Community Change: B.A. in Community Organizing

Posted by West Chester University on April 6, 2021

As part of the Rustin Urban Community Change Axis (RUCCAS), West Chester University is offering the region’s first interdisciplinary undergraduate Bachelor of Arts in community organizing.  Our program is gearing toward students who SEEK to change the world through community and leadership;THRIVE in an interdisciplinary, supportive, multi-racial learning environment; and LEARN through experiential as well as rigorous academic opportunities.

The RUX major was created in response to the nationwide shortage of trained, committed individuals to fill non-profit, community organizing, and other cross-sector jobs within urban communities and organizations.  Hands-on, in-depth experiences with community organizations are at the heart of the RUX course of study. The thriving Youth Empowerment and Urban Studies (YES) minor is the basis for this curriculum—but RUX adds depth in both the theory and practice of community organizing, including courses in sustaining the self as a change-maker, community organizing praxis, and a capstone 100 hour internship.  As with YES, many of these experiences will be within the City of Philadelphia, or in the region, working closely with organizations like those in the PHENND network.  We know from our own alumni and similar programs across the country that this degree will lead youth and career-changers into jobs as well to be prepared as grounded leaders in our communities.

To find out more, request a brochure, be added to our newsletter, or refer to students, contact RUCCAS Director Dr. Hannah Ashley at hashley@wcupa.edu or visit our website.