Law, Justice, and Society (BA)
Explore the relationship between law and society while building the critical thinking, research, and communication skills needed for careers in justice, public service, policy, and beyond.Ìý
Why choose this program?
Law influences nearly every part of our lives. In this interdisciplinary program, you'll explore law, justice, public policy, and social issues while developing the skills to understand complex challenges and create meaningful change.Ìý
Law, Justice and Society brings together perspectives from political science, history, sociology, philosophy, anthropology, and legal studies. You'll learn how laws are created, interpreted, and applied, and examine how they affect and are shaped by people, communities, and institutions.Ìý
Courses are taught by experienced researchers, instructors, and legal professionals who connect classroom learning to real-world issues. Through research, discussion, and critical analysis, you'll build valuable skills in communication, problem solving, and ethical decision-making.Ìý
Whether you're interested in law school, public policy, human rights, criminal justice, or community leadership, this program provides a strong foundation for a wide range of future opportunities.
"I feel really prepared for every field I want to work in." − Louisa Steigenberger, '24
Careers
You'll develop strong analytical, research, writing, and communication skills that can lead to careers in law, non-profits, education, criminal justice, social work, business, and public service. Many students also pursue law school or graduate studies.Ìý
As a student of Law, Justice, and Society, you'll graduate with an understanding of legal systems, public policy, and social issues. You'll have the skills and expertise you need to work in justice-related fields, community organizations, government agencies, or advocacy roles, or to build upon by continuing toÌýprofessional or graduate programs.
What you will learn
You'll explore the relationship between law, justice, politics, and society while developing skills in critical thinking, legal reasoning, research, writing, and ethical decision-making. You'll learn to analyze complex issues from multiple perspectives and communicate evidence-based arguments.Ìý
Sample courses
- Introduction to Philosophy: Ethics, Social and Political PhilosophyÌý
- Political Worlds: The Global DomainÌý
- Introduction to Gender and Women’s StudiesÌý
- Introduction to SociologyÌý
- Introduction to Law I and Law II
- Legal Thinking
- Forensic Psychology
- Locked Up: A Global History of Incarceration
- Human Rights: FoundationsÌýÌý
- Processes of JusticeÌýÌý
- Criminal Law, Crime and Punishment, 1890 to the PresentÌýÌý
- Sociology of LawÌý
- Ethics, Law and Society
- Ethics, Justice and EconomicsÌýÌý
- Honours Seminar in Law, Justice and SocietyÌý
- Transitional JusticeÌý
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Hands-on experience
Engage with real-world legal and social issues through research projects, simulations,Ìý debates, and discussion-based courses. Honours students complete an independent research project under faculty supervision, gaining valuable experience in academic research and writing.
Specialized pathways
Students can also pursue honours research projects, independent studies, and advanced training in social research methods. Select students will have the opportunity to participate in a paid work term for credit.
Customize your degree
Due to this program being interdisciplinary, students can combine Law, Justice and Society with other areas of study across Arts and Science. Choose from major, double major, combined honours, concentrated honours, or minor options to align your degree with your interests and career goals.Ìý
- MajorÌý
- Double MajorÌý
- Combined HonoursÌý
- Concentrated HonoursÌý
- Minor
- Political ScienceÌý
- Sociology and Social AnthropologyÌý
- PsychologyÌý
- HistoryÌýÌý
- PhilosophyÌýÌý
- International Development StudiesÌý
- Contemporary Studies
- Honours Research Project
- Honours SeminarÌý
- Legal Research and WritingÌý
- Work Integrated LearningÌýÌý
- Certificate in Indigenous StudiesÌý
- Certificate in Black and African Diaspora StudiesÌý
Gain a deeper understanding of law and society while building practical skills in research, analysis, and communication. You'll graduate prepared for a wide range of careers and future studies.Ìý
Admission requirements
Minimum admission requirements
To be considered for admission to this program, you must meet minimum academic criteria:
- Completion of secondary school (Grade 12)
- Achievement of the minimum average for your program of choice.
- Completion of Grade 12 English (or equivalent course).
Admission to many AV¾ãÀÖ²¿ programs is competitive. This means that meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Program-specific admission requirements
Minimum overall average: 70%
Academic English 12
Four additional academic Grade 12 subjects
Students typically enter the program after completing their first year of university study (30 credit hours) or after completing the .
