SJSU Catalog

Justice Studies Department

Introduction

The Justice Studies Department provides a broad, research based interdisciplinary curriculum that addresses issues of justice and injustice in our rapidly changing world. The department prepares students for positions in a wide range of justice related careers. Students are also well prepared to pursue further education in justice studies research, law, and policy studies. Our recent graduates have gone on to become professionals within the justice system, have pursued careers in non profit agencies, and have continued their education in advanced degree programs. The Justice Studies Department is a member of the Consortium of Undergraduate Law and Justice Programs.

The BS Degree

The BS degree enables students to be competent professionals in a technologically complex and culturally diverse society. Major requirements are flexible and there are many electives from which to choose. A total of 50 units are required in the major, plus 3 units of introductory statistics.

All undergraduate majors are required to complete a one semester 4-unit internship program except for those students having relevant professional experience (contingent upon approval of the department chair). Internship opportunities are in a variety of public agencies and community organizations. Community college students may transfer a total of 12 units of approved courses toward the major and three units of the required statistics course. Other approved lower division justice studies courses may be used to satisfy general university electives.

The Justice Studies Department offers an 18 unit minor in Justice Studies and cosponsors an 18 unit minor in Legal Studies. The Justice Studies Department also offers a B.S. degree in Forensics Science with either a biology or chemistry concentration. These courses are taught in conjunction with the Biology and Chemistry departments.

The MS Degree

The MS degree prepares students for more advanced graduate study, and for managerial and research positions in the justice studies field. While prospective graduate students are not required to have an undergraduate degree in Justice Studies, they may be required to take additional courses to provide the appropriate foundation in research, statistics and justice studies. Students may transfer 6 units of approved postgraduate courses from other universities. Graduate courses are generally offered at night.

Required seminars emphasize theory, research and policy evaluation. Elective seminars focus on police and social control, law and courts, punishment, juvenile justice, special problems and contemporary topics. The thesis option is designed for those primarily interested in conducting research, and pursuing advanced study toward the doctorate. The non-thesis option is for justice practitioners and/or for individuals interested in managerial positions in the justice system.

Advising

Undergraduate students can see any advisor. A list is posted in front of the Justice Studies Office, MH 508, or available online at www.sjsu.edu/justicestudies/. Students should contact an advisor during regularly scheduled office hours or by appointment. The advisor informs students of major and university graduation requirements, helps in the selection of their coursework, assists students in applying for graduation and provides advice about career opportunities. Graduate students can contact the graduate advisor, Ann Lucas, for advising (408-924-2914).

Scholarships

University, college and departmental scholarships are available. Seven department scholarships are in memory of former faculty members and students: The Willard "Huck" Schmidt Scholarship, the Daniel Lomio Scholarship, the Paula Stone Hubbell Endowment, the Jeffrey Fontana Memorial Scholarship, the Theresa Edel Scholarship, the Kristofer Boaz Claspill Memorial Scholarship, and the Barton Collins Scholarship. Scholarships are awarded Spring semester each year.

Faculty

Faculty members have degrees in criminal justice, law, jurisprudence, linguistics, biology, history, justice studies, political science, psychology, sociology and social work. Research and teaching interests include criminal and comparative law; police; law and society; theory; capital punishment; juvenile justice, child abuse and neglect; family law and family violence; forensics; policy evaluation; immigration; punishment; race and racism; violence; and historical and comparative justice issues. Based on scholarly production and faculty citations, the Justice Studies Department is recognized as a leading justice program in California.