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’s of science in 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.

Interested in the master's program? Uniformed officers 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. In addition to the Undergraduate Catalog, information includes academic department and major information as well as academic regulations and resources; admission standards and requirements; tuition, fees and financial aid information; and a message from President Jane K. Fernandes.

Majors and Minors

"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

Criminal Justice Master’s: The Master of Arts in 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. Uniformed officers receive a 10 percent discount on tuition.
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.
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

Wiser Justice [VIDEO]

The Wiser Justice Program brings Guilford to incarcerated women and men.