In recent years, civil society organizations have become major players in processes of setting social policy, shaping it and executing it. In Israel today, thousands of civil society organizations are active in the fields of social policy, including welfare, health, education and housing. Today more than ever, there is a real need in these organizations for experts in social policy who will promote their aims.
The Paul Baerwald School for Social Work and Social Welfare specializes in studying various aspects of social policy. The study of social policy is a central part of the research and teaching of many of the school’s faculty. This expertise of senior faculty members, together with the increasing demand from civil society organizations, form a solid base for the existence of a specialization in social policy within the Schwartz programs.
The specialization allows students to deepen their knowledge in fields of social policy, and their shaping and execution by civil society organizations. During the specialization students will gain knowledge and tools about influencing policymaking, advocacy and lobbying, and will carry out projects that will enable them to take an active part in changing policy in social issues that interest them and that are on the current social agenda.
Additionally, students in this specialization will be able to develop research on social policy topics. Those interested will be able to join the extensive research activity on social policy topics currently going on at the school by writing a thesis, active participation at the Center for Studying Civil Society and Philanthropy in Israel, joining the research group on social policy and working with faculty members who research this topic.
The specialization includes courses and seminars that focus on various aspects of social policy and topics such as disabilities, health, multi-cultural groups and more, as well as advanced knowledge of the research methods unique to this field and courses on organization and management of non-profits and social services.
Students who complete studies in this specialization may have the specialization noted on their diploma.
A student who fulfils all his academic and financial requirements, including successful completion of the final paper/final exam at the date set by the University will be awarded the degree of MA in Non-Profit and Community Organization Management.
Components of the final grade:
For further details regarding the entitlement to a degree, the final calculation and verbal definition of the final grade, see Teaching and study procedures at the University website.(In Hebrew)