DO NOT PUBLISH Social Innovation
Want to make a difference in the world? Start here. Rollins’ social innovation major gives students the interdisciplinary knowledge and skills to address societal problems in creative, systematic, and sustainable ways, preparing you to thrive in fields such as public policy advocacy, nonprofit leadership, and community organizing.
Rollins was one of the first colleges in America—and the first in Florida—to be designated a Changemaker Campus by Ashoka U. That means we’re committed to breaking down barriers to institutional change and fostering a campus-wide culture of social innovation—values that students in our program carry into their communities. As a social innovation major at Rollins, you’ll gain the interdisciplinary knowledge and skills to lead lasting change.
Why Study Social Innovation at Rollins
- 1
See the Big Picture
You’ll not only develop a critical understanding of problems that affect marginalized populations, but you’ll gain the interdisciplinary tools to create, implement, and evaluate creative solutions.
- 2
Interact and Advocate
From global field studies to local internships and leadership programs, our major offers ample opportunities for experiential learning, advocacy, and community engagement.
- 3
Do What You Love
With a degree in social innovation from Rollins, you’ll be well equipped to build a productive career and a meaningful life that aligns with your passions.
Interested in Studying Social Innovation at Rollins?
Sign up to receive more information about living and learning at Rollins.
Real World Experience
Hone the knowledge and skills you’re developing in the classroom through internships, research, and service projects on campus and in our community.
See for Yourself
Get a feel for Rollins’ unique brand of engaged learning and personalized attention through one of our virtual or in-person visit experiences.
Take a Closer LookTake a Closer LookPopular Courses
Majors complete 10 courses from at least three different disciplines. Core courses include an introductory course, a core skills course, a topics course examining a range of social problems, a community engagement course, and an independent capstone experience.
SI 200 Introduction to Social Innovation
This is where it all begins. Explore complex social problems and start thinking about solutions and social change.
SI 310 Nonprofit Leadership and Innovation
Examine the inner workings of nonprofit organizations from a leadership and innovation perspective, then decide which practices can help you reach your goals.
CMC 110 Digital Storytelling
Develop the ability to use digital technologies to create multimedia projects and study how narrative structures meaning.
POL 333 Case Studies in Sustainable Development
Explore political concepts of sustainable development, comparing how different states confront everything from population growth to ecotourism.
SOC 111 Social Problems
Follow traditional areas of social-problem analysis, including poverty, sexism, racism, and crime, as they evolve and transform society.
ANT 150 Cultures of the World
Investigate past and present peoples of the world, exploring the diversity and underlying unity of human culture from evolutionary and ecological perspectives.
A Day in the Life of a Rollins Social Innovation Major
“The social innovation major is perfect for me because it gives me the flexibility to combine my core passions for social and environmental change with my love of other areas like art and entrepreneurship.”
Beyond the Classroom
Field Experiences Put your ideas to work in the world through faculty-led field studies and study-abroad programs, Rollins Immersions, and social-innovation competitions and internships.
Community Engagement Form meaningful connections, give back to society, and learn how to make the world a better place—all while building a resume that makes you stand out from the crowd.
Hands On at The Hub Help create social change through hands-on learning at Rollins’ Social Impact Hub, a creative space in Kathleen W. Rollins Hall that provides tools and resources to tackle local and global social issues.
Expert Faculty
Social Innovation Program
Telephone:407.646.2266
-
Barry Allen, PhD
Associate Professor of Environmental Studies
Research interests: Environmental economics, national park policy, sustainable development, and globalization
-
Josephine Balzac-Arroyo, JD, LLM
Assistant Professor of Social Entrepreneurship
Research interests: Environmental law, law and ethics, sustainable development, community engagement, and climate change
-
Dan Chong, PhD
Associate Professor of Political Science
Research interests: International human rights, global poverty, and peace and conflict resolution
-
Dan Myers, PhD
Assistant Professor of Computer Science
Research interests: Computer performance modeling and queueing theory
-
Anne M. Stone, PhD
Associate Professor of Communication
Research interests: The role of communication in improving health and relationships across the lifespan
-
Tonia Warnecke, PhD
George D. and Harriet W. Cornell Department Chair of Social Entrepreneurship
Research interests: International development, economics, gender, and social entrepreneurship