Department of Justice Studies

Welcome to the Department of Justice Studies

The Justice Studies Department has had many iterations during its time at SJSU. Starting as a Police School we then became a major called Criminal Justice, and finally have transitioned to what we know as Justice Studies. One thing has stayed true regardless of the name, we are here to help students succeed in the fields of criminal justice, social justice, and more.

Read the '23-'24 Justice Studies Annual Report

Fall 2024 Commencement

Congratulations Class of 2024!

Click here for more information on Fall 2024 Commencement!

Adriana Vazquez-Chavez, a student assistant with the Record Clearance Project, holds hands before embracing Carmen Navarro, whose son was cleared of past convictions, at Family Justice Center in San Jose. (Shae Hammond/Bay Area News Group)

Photo Credit: Shae Hammond/Bay Area News Group

The life-changing work of the Record Clearance Project was featured on the front page of the Mercury News in December 2024. The story recounts a record clearance hearing in court, an expungement rights presentation in jail, and interviews with current and former students and clients. One former client who volunteers at presentations told the reporter, “It’s awesome to give back, to share my life with somebody and say, ‘Hey expunge it, because there is a pot of gold at the end of this rainbow.’" The Record Clearance Project endeavors to help more people reach that end of the rainbow.

For more information

Award Ceremony

Congratulations to Carol Santos, Peggy Stevenson, Shawna Bolton, and Jeremiah Garrido for their outstanding awards and service in the department and community! Carol Santos was awarded the 2023-24 College of Social Sciences Staff Excellence Service Award, Peggy Stevenson the 2023-24 College of Social Sciences Meritorious Service Award, Shawna Bolton the 2023-24 College of Social Sciences Teaching Excellence Award for Tenure Track Faculty, and Jeremiah Garrido the 2023-24 College of Social Sciences Teaching Excellence Award for Lecturer Faculty. At the award ceremony the Department of Justice Studies won four of the six awards. We are proud to have these outstanding people in our department!

We're Here to Help

Confused about graduation requirements for your Justice Studies major? Do you know how to enroll in your internship or senior seminar? Unclear about which classes to take next semester? If you answered yes to any of these questions, our Department Major Advisors can help.

Contact An Advisor

Need Assistance? SJSU Cares.

SJSU Cares is here to provide assistance when you need it most. Resources and services are provided for SJSU students facing unexpected financial crises. If you’re having trouble paying for food, housing, or other bills, visit their webpage above, or put in a direct request for assistance below.

Request Assistance

About Us

Take a deeper dive into the history of the department of Justice Studies, learn more about our expert faculty, our mission, and more.

Applications and Admissions

Ready to apply to the Department of Justice Studies? We have all of the information you need when it comes to declaring a major, finding a scholarship, and more.

Degrees

With two graduate degrees, two undergraduate degrees, and four minors to chose from, we at the Department of Justice Studies have something for every interest.

Current Students

Discover the many resources we have available to ensure our current graduate and undergraduate students have all of the support they need during and after their studies.

Research, Projects and Events

Explore the various faculty research projects, opportunities to participate, and the events that we in the Department of Justice Studies hosts for our students.

Eddith Kinney and students at award ceremony

Alumni

Meet some of our distinguished alumni and how you can help support the future of the Department of Justice Studies.

Justice Studies eStore

Stop by the Justice Studies Main Office (MH 524) to pick up your merchandise. Bring your receipt to claim your items!

Order online today!