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Law, Criminal Justice, and Society (BA)

Are you considering law school or graduate study in the social sciences after Pitt? Are you interested in pursuing a career in one of the many criminal justice professions or advocacy organizations? The Law, Criminal Justice, and Society (LCJS) major examines the workings of the criminal justice system in the broader context of society and the legal system. A core curriculum fosters comprehension and critical analysis of the legal system, criminological theory, criminal justice institutions, criminal law, and social inequality. Students also will complete six credits of professional skills and a capstone course on ethics in criminal justice. The LCJS major equips students with the knowledge and skills they need to pursue advanced degrees in law and social science, and to succeed as professionals and advocates in the justice-oriented professions and organizations that serve American society’s diverse and dynamic communities. This major is offered jointly between the Dietrich School and the College of General Studies.

Students completing this major will:

  • examine the major institutions of the criminal justice system, and situate the workings of these institutions in a broader legal, social, and historical context;
  • develop knowledge and legal reasoning skills in criminal law;
  • examine the law’s conflicting role in securing social order and security, on the one hand, and in creating and reinforcing social inequality on the other; and,
  • develop basic professional knowledge and demonstrate ethical reasoning in preparation for being positive and successful contributors to law and justice-oriented career fields as professionals and/or public policy advocates.

Requirements

A minimum total of 120 credits is required for the Bachelor of Arts degree. Of this total, the LCJS major consists of 36 credits of core and specialization courses. CGS online offerings are marked with (Web) or (Hybrid) on the program page. See our General Education program page for the remaining degree requirements. The 36 LCJS major credits are distributed as follows.

Foundations (6 credits)

Two of the following three courses are required:

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Format: F2F and Web
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Format: F2F and Web 
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Format: F2F and Web 
Core Areas (15 credits)

Select courses according to the guidelines stated. Course selections must comprise a total of at least 15 credits.

Theories of Crime

Choose one of the following courses.

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Criminal Law

Choose one of the following courses.

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Format: F2F and Web
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Format: F2F and Web 

Power, Inequality, and Social Change

Choose two of the following courses.

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Format: F2F and Web
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Format: F2F and Web | Note: or SOC 0471 Deviance and Social Control
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Note: or PS 1201 Constitution and Civil Liberties
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Format: F2F and Web
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Special Topic: Critical Issues in CJ (section 75xx) | Format: Web
Special Topic: Violence & Non-Violence (section 70xx) | Format: F2F
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Note: Effective Spring 2026, this course is offered under this category. It was previously listed under CJ Institutions.
  • Pitt Prison Education Project (PPEP) Course Codes and Topics Vary  
Credits: 3 to 6

Criminal Justice Institutions

Choose one of the following courses.

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Format: F2F and Web
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Format: F2F and Web
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Format: F2F and Web
Electives (6 credits)

Choose two courses from list A or one course from each list A and B. Please keep in mind that course selections must comprise a total of at least six credits.

List A

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Note: Effective Spring 2026, this course is offered under this category. It was previously listed under Power, Inequality, and Social Change.
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Format: F2F and Web | Note: Effective Spring 2026, this course is offered under this category. It was previously listed under CJ Institutions.
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Format: F2F and Web | Note: Effective Spring 2026, this course is offered under this category. It was previously listed under CJ Institutions.
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Format: F2F and Web
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Note: Available as of Spring 2025.
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Format: F2F and Web
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Format: F2F and Web
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Format: F2F and Web
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Format: Web
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  • LCJS 1561 - JUVENILE DELINQUENCY or:
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Note: cross-listed with PUBSRV 1300
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Format: F2F and Web
Credits: 3 to 6

List B

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Format: F2F and Web
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Format: Web
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Format: Web
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  • NON-LCJS Any non-LCJS subject code that is included in this major and not used to fulfill any other major requirement.
Credits: 3
Professional Skills (6 credits)

Select at least one course from each category. Course selections must comprise a total of at least 6 credits.

Research / Practical Skills Course

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Format: Hybrid
Note: can be taken for up to six credits, and credits four through six can be applied to the Elective - List A requirement.
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Format: Web
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Note: may be restricted to Psychology majors.
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Professional or Public-Oriented Writing Course

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Format: F2F and Web
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Capstone (3 credits)
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Format: Synchronous

Writing Course

Students must complete at least one W-course in the major. LCJS 1700 Ethics in Criminal Justice will fulfill this requirement.

Program Notes

Grade Requirements

A minimum GPA of 2.0 in courses for the LCJS major is required for graduation.

Satisfactory / No Satisfactory Credit Option

Students may apply up to six credits of coursework taken on an S/NC basis to the LCJS major; however, the two foundations courses and the capstone must be taken for a letter grade. Student may apply up to nine credits if at least three of those credits are earned as part of a Study Abroad course that applies toward the major.

LCJS Subject Code

The LCJS subject code replaced both the ADMJ and LEGLST subject codes beginning Spring 2022.  If you have taken ADMJ or LEGLST courses prior to Spring 2022, review the Course Equivalency Chart

Program Planning Checklist

Use the Law, Criminal Justice, and Society BA checklist (PDF) to plan and track your progress in the major.

Internships

Real-world experience in the criminal justice system is important to your success. As part of the program, you’ll have the option to complete an internship within a local agency or facility. Learn more about internships »

Global Experiences / Study Abroad

We encourage CGS students to consider spending a break, semester or summer abroad. The Global Seminar on Wrongful Conviction in London will give you a global perspective on courts and corrections. Explore study abroad opportunities »

Need Advising for This Program

Requirements are subject to change. Check with a CGS academic advisor before registering.