1. WHEN SHOULD I DECLAR THE JUSTICE STUDIES MAJOR? We advise that you declare the justice studies major either in your freshman year or during the first semester of your sophomore year. We strongly advise against declaring the major once you have entered your junior year because it will be very difficult to get the courses you need to graduate on time.

2. MAY I DECLARE MORE THAN ONE TRACK IN THE JUSTICE STUDIES MAJOR? No. Students may choose only one track to concentrate in.

3. MAY I CHANGE TRACKS IN THE JUSTICE STUDIES MAJOR? Space permitting you may change the track you are in after becoming a Justice Studies major.

4. Can I finish the major in one year? No. It is highly unlikely that the major requirements can be completed in one year due to the sequencing of courses. Please see question #5.

5. WHAT ARE THE PREREQUISITES IN THE MAJOR? We have established a set of prerequisites that will be enforced. At registration time:

Students must have completed (or be enrolled in) JUST 200 in order to sign up for JUST 100.  They cannot be taken in the same semester.

Students must have completed (or be enrolled in) JUST 200 in order to sign up for JUST 300.  They cannot be taken in the same semester.

Students must have completed (or be enrolled in) JUST 200 and MATH 220 in order to sign up for JUST 201.  They cannot be taken in the same semester.

Students must have completed (or be enrolled in) JUST 201 in order to sign up for in JUST 400.  They cannot be taken in the same semester.

JUST 200 and MATH 220 must be completed with a C grade.  

This new system will allow all declared justice majors to enroll in any JUST class which does not have JUST 200 or MATH 220 as a prerequisite.  

5. MAY I DOUBLE MAJOR? Yes. Your degree requirement is determined by your first major. That is, if your first major is a BA degree and your second major is a BS degree you do not need to fulfill the requirements for a BS degree. Your first major is the major that will appear on your diploma. You may declare Justice Studies as either the first or second major.

6. MAY I PICK MY OWN ADVISOR? The department will assign you an advisor. Your may request a specific faculty member. Your request will be granted if 1) the faculty member agrees to be your advisor and 2) the department head determines that the resources exist to make this change.

7. AM I PERMITTED TO TAKE COURSES OUTSIDE OF MY TRACK IN THE JUSTICE STUDIES MAJOR? Yes, students may take courses from any track. However, in order to graduate the requirements of their track must be met.

 

8. MAY I MAJOR IN JUSTICE STUDIES AND MINOR IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE? Yes. Students should remember that the two programs are different and that minimal double counting between them will be permitted.

 

9. MAY I TAKE COURSES IN THE JUSTICE STUDIES MAJOR AT ANOTHER SCHOOL AND TRANSFER THE CREDITS TO JMU? Yes. Permission should be obtained in advance from the department head. In addition if the course is taught offered by another department at JMU (i.e. Math, Political Science, Social Work) the permission of that department must also be obtained. Forms are available at the Registrar’s Office. Permission to accept credits from another school is made on a case-by-case basis and is not automatic.