Learn about civil liberties

Choosing the right civil liberties program for you

To find the perfect civil liberties program for you, consider your current skill level and your career aspirations. Are you exploring the field for the first time or seeking some advanced knowledge? Then, consider your available time, the cost of tuition, and potential financial aid or scholarships.

Here are a few options to consider:

Courses

To get a good grounding in the subject, consider taking an introductory civil liberties course. This will introduce you to the historical foundations of civil rights, as well as arguments from ground-breaking Supreme Court opinions. This type of course will last around seven weeks, and you'll take it at your own pace. It's perfect for an entry-level position at a civil rights law office, for example.

Certificates

Certificates can help you build skills and verify your expertise to future employers. Certificate program length varies, but most can be completed in a few weeks or months.

Executive education programs

Executive education programs are geared towards working professionals to help them upskill while balancing other work and life commitments. These programs are valuable for those who may already be in the industry but want to add some extra skills to their portfolio.

Degrees

A bachelor's degree will give you a well-rounded education in the field and help you to apply for a variety of available positions. If you already have some experience and want to continue your education, consider becoming a lawyer.

Jobs in civil liberties

If you have some expertise in civil liberties, you can consider a variety of impactful roles across government, non-profits, education, or law. Advanced credentials like professional certifications and master's degrees can accelerate your path to leadership roles by broadening your expertise and highlighting your commitment to professional growth.

Here are some potential careers:

Civil rights lawyer

As a civil rights attorney, you'll advocate for clients whose constitutional or legal rights have been violated, representing them in discrimination cases and other civil liberties challenges. In addition to a law degree, you'll typically need a state license and have to pass the bar examination.

• Required education: Juris doctor degree
• Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) median annual salary (2023): $145,760

Paralegal

A paralegal supports a civil rights lawyer by conducting legal research, organizing their schedules, or drafting documents.

• Required education: Associate degree
• BLS median annual salary (2023):$60,970

Social and community service manager

In this role, you'll design, develop, and supervise programs or organizations that support well-being across society.

• Required education: Bachelor's degree
• BLS median annual salary (2023):$77,030

Learn civil liberties online with edX

The best way to find out about civil liberties is to take some free online courses or other available programs at edX.