Justice Studies

Bachelor of Science
Major, Minor
School of Arts and Sciences
4-Year Degree
Overview
In the justice studies program, we break down justice into its ethical, social, and political components to analyze their significance and evaluate their consequences. Our program encourages you to pay attention to justice in relation to your particular areas of interest—to forge an independent path of study towards a meaningful career. Throughout our program, you will explore intersections beyond the conventional study of crime, such as gender, ability, race, class, and citizenship status.
Who It's For
Justice studies appeals to students who want a curriculum that cultivates self-awareness and analytical skills. Entering the competitive field of law and justice requires students to have a solid foundation in cultural and legal subject matters. If you want an interdisciplinary approach to justice, we have the program for you.
Key Benefits
- Our program values the complex nature of knowledge related to social justice and ethics.
- We stress the importance of the interpretation of existing bodies of knowledge and their corresponding research methods.
- Our small class sizes will give you space for the discussion-based education you need.
- Justice studies faculty members come from a variety of specialties, providing multiple approaches to questions prominent in the field.
About the Program
Our program’s holistic approach helps students understand why institutions may not behave a certain way. Students are encouraged to take interdisciplinary coursework that exposes them to different ways of thinking about the nature of justice.
What You'll Learn
- Develop effective verbal and written communication skills
- Develop, critique, and conduct research
- Demonstrate collaborative problem-solving skills
- Develop critical thinking skills
- Develop practices of global responsibility
- Develop a broad, interdisciplinary understanding of justice concepts and ethics
- Critically engage with current justice studies literature
Plan of Study
Liberal Education Courses
You must complete the WCore program or join the Honors College (and complete requirements) to fulfill your liberal education credits.
Sample Courses
Law and Society
Through this course, you will explore the relationship between the legal system, law, and current controversial issues regarding race, ethnicity, class, and gender. You will learn how to analyze contemporary American legal issues using the theories of Durkheim, Marx, and Weber.
Economic Justice
Economic injustice stems from the scarcity of resources. How should we, as a society, allocate resources to achieve both fairness and efficiency? This question is connected to religion, class, gender, poverty, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and more. Join us to analyze the concept of justice through economies’ points of view.
Want to learn more about the Justice Studies program?
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Request More InfoCareer Opportunities
Westminster’s justice studies major is intended for students planning to attend graduate school or careers in community service. Our students are prepared to succeed in law, social justice, public administration, environmental protection, and urban affairs.
Potential Careers
- Public policy analysis
- International development
- Media
- Literacy
- Migration
- Health
- Community organization
- Violence prevention
Student Success
Given the rigorous nature of our program, justice studies prepares students for a successful, post-collegiate career. Our students have been admitted to the following graduate and professional programs over the past few years:
- Arizona State University
- Brock University (Canada)
- Michigan State University
- Pacific University
- University of Utah
Related Programs
The program can also be taken as a minor, which will enable you to view justice through broad lenses.
Tuition and Aid
There's No Better Investment Than You
Westminster College knows you want an education where you matter—a place that will serve as a launchpad for a successful career and a meaningful life. Westminster will work with you individually through every step of the financial aid process. From scholarships to grants and loans, Westminster helps you make it happen.
With the highest percentage of students who complete one or more internships in the state, Westminster students hit the ground running with real-world experience. Plus, 90% of students were either employed or attending graduate school within 5 months of graduating. With a Westminster degree, you don't have to choose between a successful career and a fulfilling life.
You’ll be automatically considered for scholarship and grant opportunities.
In addition to general merit scholarships, other scholarship programs are available to support you throughout your time at Westminster.
Check Out ScholarshipsYour tuition, fully paid.
All students should have the ability to explore their passions. Westminster College is proud to cover the cost of tuition for qualifying students through the Westminster Commitment.