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Engage in a dynamic study of how law and justice impact society

The Law, Societies, and Justice (LSJ) Department offers undergraduate students a dynamic and engaged interdisciplinary liberal arts education focused on law, rights, and justice. LSJ coursework analyzes the meaning of justice, the methods used in efforts to realize it, the politics of rights, and the complex roles that legal institutions play in structuring social life. Our faculty’s diverse social science expertise — including anthropology, geography, political science and sociology — provides students with multiple perspectives and contributes to internationally recognized research.  

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Undergraduate Programs

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5 Gates Public Service Law Scholars since 2015  

Careers

Our majors graduate with skills that can be applied to many professional roles — in addition to their subject matter knowledge of justice, law, and human and civil rights. Alumni currently work in non-governmental organizations (NGOs), law, policy, education, technology, and human rights. 

Career Paths

A law, societies and justice degree can lead to a career as a(n):

  • Attorney
  • Journalist 
  • Educator
  • Marketing specialist
  • Consultant
  • International program coordinator
  • Public policy analyst 
  • Public defender 
  • Community advocate
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View law, rights, and justice through a global lens

We encourage students to explore law, rights, and justice in multiple social contexts. Our study abroad programs and experiential learning opportunities give students the chance to learn about these issues in varied and new contexts. These experiences challenge preconceptions and deepen our understanding of our complex social world.

More About Study Abroad 

 

Find Yourself in Law, Societies & Justice

Examine law, legal institutions, rights, and justice around the world. Explore how concepts of rights shape contemporary conflicts. 

 

Department of Law, Societies & Justice Stories

Courtney

Unlearning Poverty

In the Honors course "Abolishing Poverty," students untangle the interwoven complexities that lead to impoverishment.

Anthony Stokes

Seeking Justice, One Case at a Time

As an undergrad interested in criminal justice, Anthony Stokes has visited prisons, met with incarcerated men, and worked on court cases.

Samantha Fredman

How Questions Inspired Action

Law, societies & justice major Samantha Fredman focused on societal inequities through courses and work at a local shelter.