What is justice studies?
Whether you’re interested in working in law enforcement, the legal system, politics, social services, education or the humanities, the justice studies minor will give you a fundamental understanding of justice and legal systems in the U.S. and abroad. You’ll draw on disciplines such as social sciences, humanities and education while examining topics that range from racial justice and immigration law to juvenile delinquency, intimate partner violence, cybercrime and counterterrorism. The minor will enhance your career prospects in a range of fields, including business, academia, government and nongovernmental organizations.
Why study justice studies at UNH?
As a justice studies student at UNH, you’ll have exceptional opportunities to take your learning beyond the classroom. The program offers a study abroad program in Budapest, through which students learn about European justice systems. A major public research university, UNH also encourages students to engage in research projects with faculty through the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program. Additionally, you’ll have the chance to hone your debating skills through the UNH Mock Trial Program.
Potential career areas
- Business
- Community organization
- Human rights advocacy
- Law
- Law enforcement
- Nonprofit administration
Curriculum & Requirements
The justice studies minor is an interdisciplinary program that blends topics from humanities departments (e.g., philosophy), social science departments (e.g., psychology, sociology, women's and gender studies), departments that include both humanities and social science faculty (history, political science) and professionally oriented departments (education, family studies, social work). Topics studied include courts, family violence, rights, substance abuse, juvenile justice, school law, children as witnesses, hate crimes and community policing.
The minor in justice studies requires students to take a total of five courses (20 credits) each with a grade of C- or better in order to complete the program. Students are allowed to "double count" no more than two courses toward their major and minor, and are not allowed to take more than two courses from any one department (except for justice studies).In order to officially declare the minor in justice studies, students will need to submit an intent to minor form to Deb Briand in the Justice Studies Office. This form can be found on our website.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| JUST 401 | Introduction to Justice Studies | 4 |
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
POLT 507 | Politics of Crime and Justice | |
POLT 508 | Supreme Court and the Constitution | |
SOC 515 | Introductory Criminology | |
| Elective Courses | ||
| Select three elective courses from the justice studies approved course list 1 | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 20 | |
- 1
This list is approved and published yearly by the Justice Studies Executive Committee. Departmental offerings that are currently accepted for the minor are listed on the Justice Studies major page.
For program information on the forensics minor, see the Forensics Minor program page.
