What degree should I get to be an advocate?

Asked by: Jerel Funk  |  Last update: November 13, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (18 votes)

You'll need at least an associate or a bachelor's degree in a field like criminal justice, social work, human rights or psychology. There are certificates available, too, which when combined with a degree, can open up more job opportunities.

What is the best degree for advocacy?

Helpful degrees: criminal justice, public administration (undergrad and graduate). LGBTQ+ Rights – The fact that LGBTQ+ people often experience significantly higher levels of harassment, bullying and violence means that impassioned advocacy is always needed.

How do I start being an advocate?

Lay Advocates can get involved by joining advisory councils and boards of directors; seeking public speaking and education opportunities; participating in letter writing campaigns; and supporting activism. Sometimes people advocate for themselves (self-advocacy) and sometimes people advocate for others.

What are careers in advocacy?

Careers in communication, in advocacy organizations, and in consulting firms
  • Communication Specialist,
  • Public Relations Manager,
  • Advocacy Coordinator and Project Manager,
  • Director of Advocacy and Research,
  • Project Manager,
  • Program/Campaign Manager,
  • Advocacy and Strategic Communication Specialist,
  • Advocacy Consultant,

What degree do I need to be a victims advocate?

The minimum education requirement for how to become a victim advocate is a bachelor's degree. The field of study varies, but the degree may be in psychology, forensic psychology, social work, sociology, or criminal justice.

Best Undergrad Major For Law School (and College Degree)

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Do advocates need a degree?

You'll need at least an associate or a bachelor's degree in a field like criminal justice, social work, human rights or psychology. There are certificates available, too, which when combined with a degree, can open up more job opportunities.

Where do victim advocates make the most money?

Highest paying cities for Victim Advocates near United States
  • San Francisco, CA. $41.33 per hour. 3 salaries reported.
  • Windham, CT. $37.99 per hour. 10 salaries reported.
  • New Orleans, LA. $25.02 per hour. 4 salaries reported.
  • Tuba City, AZ. $21.30 per hour. 3 salaries reported.
  • Kansas City, MO. $21.08 per hour. 3 salaries reported.

How do I get a job as an advocate?

Pursue education or training

If you intend to work in a field like victim advocacy, you might need to get a degree in criminal justice or counseling. Similarly, a career in youth advocacy might require a degree in social work.

How to get paid to be an advocate?

A full-time worker in a social impact organization

This may be the most obvious way to get paid as an activist. Find your way into an organization that works for social change, creates environmental impact, or does political advocacy — and get hired in a position that matches your skills and experience.

How to become a human rights advocate?

Do you want to pursue a career in human rights?
  1. #1: Commit to small actions. ...
  2. #2: Get educated on human rights issues. ...
  3. #3: Join a local group. ...
  4. #4: Get involved in the political process. ...
  5. #5: If you're a student, look for classes and degrees in relevant fields. ...
  6. #6: Get experience.

How to get certified as an advocate?

National Advocate Credentialing Program®

Apply for the NACP to become a Credentialed Advocate. NACP promotes a minimum of 40 hours of pre-service training, recognizes previous years of paid or volunteer advocacy experience, and requires continuing education for all NACP-credentialed advocates.

What are three things you need to be an advocate?

3 Ways to Be a Successful Advocate
  • Passion For an Issue. The first part of being an advocate will likely be the easiest for most. ...
  • Dedication to Communication. The next part of the recipe for being an advocate, is typically the most intimidating for those new to advocacy. ...
  • Commitment to Building Relationships.

How to become a social justice advocate?

15 Ways to Advance Social Justice in your Community
  1. Examine your beliefs and habits. ...
  2. Educate yourself about social justice issues. ...
  3. Discover your local organizations. ...
  4. Take positive action in your own community. ...
  5. Harness the power of social media. ...
  6. Attend demonstrations and protests. ...
  7. Volunteer. ...
  8. Donate.

Which degree is best for advocate?

Students with a science background find it easy to pursue a BSc LLB as a career in law. With this law degree, you can find diverse roles such as Advocate, Legal Advisor, Solicitor, Legal Manager, and Law Officer and can expect an average salary of 3 - 6LPA.

Can I get a degree in activism?

The Master of Arts in Community Organizing and Social Activism program is especially for students wanting to meet today's growing demand for leaders who serve others through careers with government and policy-making organizations, global nonprofits, educational institutions, social enterprises, and community ...

What is the highest salary of advocate?

Highest Paid Lawyer in India [2025 Updated]
  • Harish Salve. Rs. ...
  • Gopal Subramanium. Rs. 5.5 lakh to Rs. ...
  • K. Parasaran. Rs. ...
  • Abhishek Manu Singhvi. Rs. 6 lakh to Rs 11 lakh.
  • K. K. Venugopal. Rs. 7 lakh to 10 lakh.
  • Palaniappan Chidambaram. Rs. 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh.
  • Mukul Rohatgi. Rs. 6 lakh to 9 lakh.
  • C. Aryama Sundaram. Rs.

Do you need a degree to be an advocate?

Education/training

Most advocates have at least a bachelor's degree. While you're in school, consider your interests and the field you want to be an advocate in. As an example, if you want to work as a victim advocate, you'll need a degree in criminal justice, social work, or psychology.

What are the three types of advocacy?

Advocacy is also about helping people find their voice. There are three types of advocacy - self-advocacy, individual advocacy and systems advocacy.

Is being an advocate a career?

There are a multitude of workplaces that social service workers and advocates may find themselves. Since clients consistently need help with legal, medical, financial, and psychological issues, there are many different fields a graduate can gain employment to advocate for clients' rights and needs.

Can you be an advocate without being a lawyer?

If you are interested in becoming a legal advocate, you might consider volunteering first in a niche that you are particularly interested in. While most legal advocacy jobs demand at least some legal experience or education along with a willingness to learn, some require a law degree.

What careers use advocacy?

11 careers in advocacy
  • Parent educator. ...
  • Support coordinator. ...
  • Social services director. ...
  • Family service counselor. ...
  • Advocacy manager. ...
  • Mental health case manager. ...
  • Support specialist. ...
  • Grants manager.

What is the best degree for a child advocate?

A career as a Child Advocate offers a fulfilling and essential role in society, dedicated to protecting and promoting the rights and well-being of children. This career path typically begins with obtaining a bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, or a related field.

Do you need a degree to be a victim advocate?

Victim advocates may hold a bachelor's degree in social work or a related field such as psychology or criminal justice. However, some professionals pursue a graduate degree such as a master's in social work because of the field hours and certifications included within higher education programs.

How do advocates get paid?

Regardless, the compensation of client-specific attorneys is determined, directly or indirectly, in one of four ways: flat fee, hourly, on a contingency fee basis, or on retainer. Flat fee payment arrangements: This is a task-based method of payment.

Is victim advocate a stressful job?

While advocating for victims of crime is rewarding and meaningful work, many advocates experience challenges related to job stress and trauma exposure. Working with people who have experienced trauma and injustice can be overwhelming.