Bachelor of Arts [B.A] [Justice Studies] From James Madison University

To carry out this mission, Justice Studies at James Madison University seeks to:

• Help students develop a comprehensive understanding of Justice Studies.
• Examine and explain justice and injustice and their impact on individuals, communities, institutions and/or nations.
• Understand human behavior and interactive systems with a focus on negotiation and conflict resolution in justice contexts.
• Sharpen students' ability to think and reason critically, to practice sound methodological skills and to communicate effectively.
• Prepare students to utilize and produce scholarship in the field of Justice Studies.

Justice Studies is an interdisciplinary area of inquiry that brings together insights from the social sciences and humanities to explore questions of justice. Through the rigorous empirical and normative analyses of justice and injustice it seeks to help students develop a personal definition of justice, a fuller understanding of the nature of the world in which they live, and identify careers and strategies for action.  Justice Studies values community and civic engagement, encourages students to actively participate in and contribute to their communities, and provides engagement opportunities and resources. Justice Studies is NOT a criminal justice program.   

Justice Studies offers students a choice of three tracks in the major:

• Track A Crime and Criminology

Crime, Criminal Justice, Social Control, Norms, Law

• Track B Global Justice

Democracy, Development, Globalization, Human Rights, Transnational Organizations

• Track C Social Justice

Oppression, Liberation, Distribution, Recognition, Participation

Career Opportunities

The justice studies major includes opportunities for field work and career-related internships as part of the curriculum.

• Peace Corps
• Non-government organizations
• Law enforcement
• Corrections
• Law
• Nonprofit groups (national and international)
• Human services
• Domestic and international security
• Intelligence analysis
• Diplomatic Corps
• Research and graduate study