Social Innovation, M.A.
The Professional Master of Arts in Social Innovation (PMASI) is
designed to prepare individuals to foster and lead innovation
throughout their organizations, businesses, and communities in ways
that impact daily operations and strategic goals.
The program trains students to critically examine and address complex social problems such as childhood hunger, illiteracy, domestic violence, air pollution, food deserts, contaminated drinking water, racism, poverty, and homelessness.
Visit the program website for more information.
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Program Overview
The PMASI program consists of 36 credit hours of coursework. There are no prerequisites and students with any bachelor's degree may be accepted. The program features graduate courses in social innovation, public administration, social work, and educational leadership. Courses are offered in a hybrid format, meeting both face-to-face and online. In-person class meetings are held at the Robert C. Pew Campus in downtown Grand Rapids.
- Six core courses in social innovation and public administration: 18 credits
- Three application courses: 9 credits
- Three synthesis courses: 9 credits
Why Study Social Innovation at Grand Valley?
- Nationally, employers post jobs for master's-level social
innovation skills such as leadership, teamwork, communication,
problem-solving, critical analysis, and qualitative assessment.
- It is the only professional social innovation program in Michigan offering a focus on critical, humanistic, integrative, and interdisciplinary approaches to social issues.
- Internships, global learning experiences, collaborative projects, and problem-based learning create a unique degree experience.
- Students select application courses and center their synthesis
coursework around their own career interests and aspirations.
- Courses are hybrid, offering flexibility with both face-to-face
and online options.
Location & Format
Classes for the program are a combination of online and in-seat at the Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids Campus.
Format:Coursework
Topics covered:
- Cross-sector innovation
- Corporate social responsibilities
- Civic action
- Community engagement strategies
- Environmental justice
- Policy development skills
Students also have the option to combine internships, global learning experiences, study abroad, collaborative projects, problem-based learning, and blending of traditional disciplines, resulting in a unique degree experience.
Career Options
Graduates can expect to be employed in the following industries:
- Education
- Government
- Health and human services
- Non-profit organizations
- Sustainability
- Social entrepreneurship
Application Deadline
Applications for admission are accepted on a rolling basis with deadline for fall semester June 1; winter November 1; and spring/summer April 1. Applicants after the deadline will be considered on an individual basis. The $30 fee is waived if previously applied to GVSU.
Admission Requirements
For general requirements for graduate admission, visit Grand Valley State University’s admission section of the online catalog.
Admission into the social innovation program has additional requirements, which are available on this page.
If you have additional questions, please contact our graduate admissions office.
Note: This program does not offer enough consecutive physical classroom presence for a student to qualify for an F-1 visa.
Helpful Links
For More Information
School of Community Leadership and Development[email protected]
288C DeVos Center
(616) 331-6575
Program Director
Azfar Hussain, Ph.D.
(616) 331-8172