Wealth and Poverty Certificate examines critical challenges of the 21st century

Students who are interested in how classism, racism, sexism, and other forms of inequality are produced, experienced and resisted in people's daily lives might find the Wealth and Poverty Certificate very beneficial in advancing their career interests.

"Income and wealth inequality is growing in most parts of the world, and that trend is so very evident in our own community," said Yeong Kim, associate professor of geography in the College of Arts and Sciences.

“There’s an urgency driving increased interest in inequality research,” Kim said, noting a recent Nature article (“The rise of inequality research,” June 2022). "Indeed, one of the great anxieties of our time is the growing concern that worsening inequality will be long-lasting. Recognizing and addressing this concern, the Wealth and Poverty Certificate offers OHIO undergraduate students a special opportunity to have a broader understanding of poverty and inequality in the United States and around the world."

Aiming to address economic growth, wealth distribution, poverty, inequality, and empowerment issues in both domestic and international settings, the certificate's interdisciplinary combination of courses provides students with a better understanding of the ways class, race, ethnicity, and gender shape inequality of opportunities within and between countries.

The certificate requires 18 credit hours, including an introduction course, a service learning course, and the capstone seminar, as well as three elective courses offered across the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and professional schools.

"The knowledge, analytical skills and practical experiences gained in this interdisciplinary certificate program will help students become well-informed, active and critical global citizens," Kim noted. "The awareness generated through the courses taken and research projects conducted prepare them for many of the critical challenges of the 21st century."

Kim noted that students in the certificate can contact her at kimy1@ohio.edu or use this form to add a major or certificate.