Learning Outcomes | Criminal Justice, Law & Society

After Pacific | Students who complete this program may go on to law school or to pursue careers in social policy, criminal justice, law enforcement, juvenile justice, corrections, law, federal and state agencies, and international organizations.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students graduating with a Criminal Justice, Law and Society Major will be able to:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of how historical and contemporary social and legal contexts have shaped the various components of the criminal justice system
  • Apply criminological theories to explain deviant behaviors and the criminalization of non-conformity
  • Explain the construction of social structures and categories (e.g., race, class, gender) and their influence on laws and law enforcement, including the confluence of resultant criminogenic factors
  • Develop strategies to address issues of social change within the context of the criminal justice system
  • Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of one aspect of criminology, criminal justice, or law and its relationship to larger social issues
  • Communicate criminological concepts and/or research in a manner that is appropriate for the intended audience (e.g., race, class, gender, sexuality)

Program Purpose

The major in Criminal Justice, Law and Society (CJLS) explores complex issues of crime, justice and social policy from a multi-disciplinary perspective. Students will explore the theory and philosophy of law and justice in the United States and grapple with the challenges of the pursuit of justice in our complicated and quickly changing social environment. Students pursuing the major in Criminal Justice, Law and Society may pursue careers in social policy, criminal justice, law enforcement, juvenile justice, corrections, law, federal and state agencies and organizations. The CJLS major is also excellent preparation for graduate work in law, political science, sociology, social work, criminology, public administration, education and other academic disciplines.