3 Poverty Studies Degree Programs

The Program in Poverty, Justice, and Human Capabilities (PJHC) provides students with a multifaceted understanding of human well-being both within the US and internationally. This interdisciplinary minor emphasizes a “capabilities approach,” which considers what people are able to do and be – for example, live to old age and engage in economic and political activities – rather than strictly what material goods they possess. The program also acknowledges the central importance of a variety of additional influences on well-being beyond income, such as gender, racial and ethnic disparities, health status, education, human rights, political freedoms, and material necessities like food and shelter. A key goal of the PJHC is to enrich students’ understanding of poverty and inequality so that, regardless of their choice of occupation, they will maintain a longstanding commitment to enhancing the well-being of all people. More generally, the program trains students to be leaders in solving global problems.

Trevecca’s Bachelor of Business Administration in community development combines a solid business foundation with courses in social justice that increase students’ understanding of the causes and challenges of poverty. This degree prepares students to use knowledge of business to improve the lives of those in disadvantaged communities.

Master of Global Human Development (MGHD) prepares students—through coursework, co-curricular activity, and a summer field assignment—to understand the challenges of development and provides them with the tools and experience to address those challenges as successful professionals.