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Justice and Policy Studies Department

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The Department of Justice and Policy Studies offers a range of study options, including a Master of Criminal Justice, majors in Community and Justice Studies and Criminal Justice, and four minors.

The department uses an interdisciplinary approach as it partners with community groups to emphasize understanding public service organizations, problem solving, values in public policies, civic activism and strategies for changing organizations. For example, students in the multi-campus and community course have partnered with the Greensboro Housing Coalition to create a documentary on housing problems and an analysis of the City Condemnation Policy. They students presented their findings at a public gathering that was covered by local media.

Students majoring in Criminal Justice have pursued graduate study and careers in urban affairs, public administration, law, law enforcement, courts, corrections, criminal justice and juvenile justice, among others. Graduates in Community and Justice Studies have built careers in nonprofit community service organizations that focus on mediation, conflict transformation, housing and education reform, prison reform and other social concerns. Alums also have pursued careers in social work, public education, law, public policy and higher education.

Guilford's Master of Criminal Justice focuses on connecting criminal-justice theory to practice. The program prepares students to make a more meaningful contribution to public safety and security and to the wellbeing of your community. Plus, all sworn and non-sworn criminal justice workers receive a 10 percent discount on tuition. Request more information.


College Catalog

For more information about courses for the Justice and Policy Studies Department, visit the online, searchable College Catalog. The Undergraduate Catalog also includes academic department and major information, academic regulations and resources, admission standards and requirements, and tuition, fees, and financial aid information.

Majors, Minors, and Graduate Degrees

"I have seen how many students, especially those of color and women, have been able to create their own space in and around campus."

Reshetta Wells '17
Community and Justice Studies major

 

  • Community and Justice Studies Major: The bachelor of arts in Community and Justice Studies focuses on policies and strategies used by public service and community-based organizations in the context of local, national, and global political and economic contexts. It requires 40 semester hours.
  • Criminal Justice Major: The bachelor of science in Criminal Justice focuses on policies and the history and problems of the American criminal justice system. It requires 40 semester hours.
  • Community Studies Minor: The Community Studies minor focuses on community building, a field that studies how societal institutions systematically undermine respect and authenticity among a community’s citizens, and strategies for developing trust and power among people to address the issues affecting their lives. It requires 16 semester hours.
  • Criminal Justice Minor: The Criminal Justice minor provides non-majors the opportunity to pursue an interest in criminal justice. It introduces students to the complexity of making legal decisions in a moral context. It requires 16 semester hours.
  • Interpersonal Communications Minor: The Interpersonal Communications minor engages students in the study of intrapersonal and interpersonal communication processes and styles. It requires 16 semester hours.
  • Master of Criminal Justice: The Guilford College Master of Criminal Justice is ideal for criminal justice professionals who are ready to advance their career, as well as undergraduate students who plan to earn an advanced degree. It is the only Criminal Justice graduate program in the Triad. All sworn and non-sworn criminal justice workers receive a 10 percent discount on tuition.
  • Organizational Communications Minor: The Organizational Communications minor focuses on methods of communication within organizations and how those methods affect the performance and morale of employees, as well as their impact on teamwork. It requires 16 semester hours.
  • Elon Law Program: Guilford partners with Elon University Law School to offer an accelerated program to students who are interested in a legal career.

Awards and Scholarships

  • JPS Academic Honors for Community and Justice Studies
  • JPS Academic Honors for Criminal Justice 
  • JPS Community Service Award
  • JPS Barton Parks Community and Justice Award, which “honors a graduating senior with demonstrated extraordinary community service, exemplary leadership and innovation in responding to social justice issues, and an understanding of justice grounded in the perspectives of local communities"

Justice and Policy Studies News and Events

Cultivating a Community
Cultivating a Community

Hsar “Ree Ree” Wei ’21 was born in a refugee camp in Thailand. Fleeing oppression, her family emigrated to the United States in 2006. Ree Ree chose to study at Guilford College because of its investment in community-building, its caring atmosphere, and it

Courting Destiny
Courting Destiny

Brittany DeCesare ’15 has spent much of her life on the volleyball court. Her dedication to the sport — and to her studies — paid off many times over at Guilford and beyond.

Master’s in Criminal Justice Program Grows
Master’s in Criminal Justice Program Grows

Since the 2017 launch of the Guilford College Master’s in Criminal Justice, 11 students have graduated from the program. And as the program grows, the College expects to enroll at least 5 to 7 students in each cohort.

Reforming the Future
Reforming the Future

A passionate advocate, Community and Justice Studies major Haydyn Foulke ’22 looks forward to serving on the 2020-21 FCNL Advocacy Corps.

Freedom Fellow
Freedom Fellow

Criminal Justice and International Studies double major Nema Kodio ’22 is one of only 30 people selected worldwide for the Freedom Builders Fellowship.

Leading by Example
Leading by Example

Community and Justice Studies and Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies double major Mattie Schaefer ’20, shares their story of growth and success as a campus leader.

Finding Her Forte
Finding Her Forte

Incoming first-year student Madeyson Dyce ’24 looks forward to living out her dream of attending Guilford College and changing lives for the better

Voice for the Voiceless
Voice for the Voiceless

Community and Justice Studies major Mariam Sheriff ’23 dedicated her summer to uplifting communities with 10For10 and plans to spend her career advocating for social justice.

The Power of Hard Work
The Power of Hard Work

Breanna Barham '22, a double major in Criminal Justice and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, plans to attend law school after completing Guilford's accelerated Master of Criminal Justice program.

My Guilford Story: Macaylee and Michael [VIDEO]
My Guilford Story: Macaylee and Michael [VIDEO]

Guilford College Criminal Justice major Macaylee Eller '22, who is also a Creative Writing minor and an Honors Student, is part of Guilford's Elon Law Program,…

Field of Her Dreams
Field of Her Dreams

A true people person, Grace Calus '23 is majoring in Criminal Justice, with a minor in Psychology, because she knows that no matter what career she chooses she'll be serving others.

Contact Us

Sherry Giles
Sherry Giles

Jefferson-Pilot Professor of Justice & Policy Studies

Christian Matheis
Christian Matheis

Visiting Assistant Professor for Justice and Policy Studies

Will Pizio
Will Pizio

Charles A. Dana Professor of Justice and Policy Studies

Brad Stewart
Brad Stewart

Visiting Assistant Professor for Justice and Policy Studies

Michael Costolo
Michael Costolo

Visiting Assistant Professor for Justice and Policy Studies