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Social Justice Studies

Social Justice explores the ideals of justice, the realities of injustice, and practical solutions to bridge the gap between the two. In your studies, you'll examine a broad range of issues including economic justice, environmental justice, criminal justice, and fundamental human rights as well as assess solution sets to address social inequalities.

What Can You Do with Social Justice?

Our majors have gone on to become, to name a few:

  • conflict resolution specialists
  • community organizers
  • public policy analysts
  • employees in:
    • NGOs
    • human rights groups
    • alternative media
    • environmental organizations

Major in Social Justice Studies - 40 Credit Hours

The Bachelor of Arts in Social Justice Studies (SJS) offers a sociologically-based foundation of knowledge and skills to examine the ideas of justice, realities of injustice, and change strategies to bridge the gap between the two. It prepares students for graduate work, law school, and a broad range of careers in areas including public policy, business, social activism, human services, public health, foreign affairs, and humanitarian relief.

What do SJS Majors do with their degree?

They go to Law School, Medical School and Graduate School in programs such as Social Work, Public Health, School Counseling, and Criminology. They join service programs including Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, Urban Teachers, and City Year. They pursue advocacy, activism, and diplomacy through police force training, teacher training, community organizer training, and training to become a diplomat in the U.S. Foreign Service. They also join the for-profit sector, including accountancy firms, brokerage firms, import/export firms, and defense contractors. The possibilities are endless!

Core Courses

  • SJS 165: Introduction to Social Justice Studies
  • SJS 323: Social Justice and Change
  • SJS 470: Social/Political Activism
Additional hours come from courses involving Logic, Reasoning and Research Methods and Professional Development as well as electives and related hours from several departments making this a truly interdisciplinary major.

Minors in Social Justice Studies - 18-20 Credit Hours

Social Justice and Inequalities

The minor in Social Justice Studies (SJS) offers a sociologically-based foundation of knowledge and skills to examine the essential connections between social values, structured inequalities and social change. 

Criminology

The Criminology minor focuses on the social-scientific study of crime and the criminal justice system, including juvenile and adult criminal behavior, policing, the criminal and civil courts, and corrections. Suitable for students in any major.

Thematic Sequences in Social Justice Studies - 9-10 Credit Hours

Ojectives

  • Explain how various sociological and philosophical theories of justice contribute differently to human rights and social justice-based policies, programs, and declarations/covenants at both national and global levels.
  • Evaluate consistencies and disparities between micro- and macro-level efforts to achieve social justice.
  • Develop core sociological concepts and theories across the three levels of courses.
  • Facilitate and guide personal insight and reflection for acting in a morally just way.

SJS1: Social Justice and Inequalities - 9 Credit Hours

The goal of the Social Justice and Inequalities thematic sequence is to introduce students to social justice studies from a sociological perspective, with particular focus on social inequalities.

SJS2: Social Justice, Law, and Crime - 10 Credit Hours

The goal of the Social Justice, Law, and Crime thematic sequence is to introduce students to social justice studies from a sociological perspective, with particular focus on law and crime.

For More Information

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Department of Sociology and Gerontology

375 Upham Hall
100 Bishop Circle
Oxford, OH 45056