Law, Criminal Justice, & Society Minor
Explore the connections among law, criminal justice, and society through an interdisciplinary minor designed to complement your major and broaden your understanding of legal and justice systems.
Current Pitt students interested in the LCJS minor should apply directly through the College of General Studies. CGS students interested in adding the minor should contact their CGS academic advisor.
On this page
Minor at a Glance
Complete five LCJS courses to earn the minor.
Build a foundation in law, criminal justice, and their broader social context.
Choose courses that emphasize law or criminal justice.
Many LCJS courses are available in online or hybrid formats.
Shape Your Minor
The LCJS minor is designed to complement a wide range of majors. Choose courses that align with your interests while developing a broader understanding of law, criminal justice, and society.
Explore Law
Build your understanding of legal systems, institutions, policy, and the relationship between law and society through courses focused on legal topics.
Explore Criminal Justice
Examine crime, criminal justice systems, policing, corrections, and other issues related to how societies respond to crime and maintain justice.
Minor Requirements
In order to complete the minor, you will take 15 LCJS credits (five courses), as outlined below. At least three courses must be from the University of Pittsburgh. A 2.0 average GPA is required. Courses used for a minor cannot overlap with courses used for a major, minor, or a certificate.
Core Courses: 9 Credits
Foundations: 3 Credits
Complete one of these two LCJS courses:
LCJS 0100 – Introduction to Law, Criminal Justice & Society
LCJS 0200 – Race, Class, Gender & the Law
Theories of Crime or Criminal Law: 3 Credits
Complete one of the following five courses:
LCJS 1100 – Criminology
LCJS 1110 – Criminological Theory
LCJS 1120 – Crime Prevention
LCJS 1200 – Criminal Law
LCJS 1210 – Criminal Procedure
Criminal Justice or Legal Institutions: 3 Credits
Complete one of these five courses:
LCJS 1400 – The System of Criminal Justice
LCJS 1410 – Law Enforcement and Policing
LCJS 1420 – Corrections
LCJS 1430 – The Juvenile Justice Process
LCJS 1580 – The Legal System
LCJS Electives: 6 Credits
Complete two additional electives with an LCJS subject code. Please keep in mind that course selections must comprise a total of at least six credits. These courses can come from the lists above if not used to fulfill a specific area requirement and/or from the following list:
LCJS 1300 – Law and Politics
LCJS 1310 – Law and Deviance
LCJS 1320 – Civil Rights Law
LCJS 1330 – Emerging Issues in Legal and Social Policy
LCJS 1340 – Law and Social Change
LCJS 1440 – Criminal Investigation
LCJS 1500 – Criminalistics
LCJS 1501 – Criminalistics Lab
LCJS 1505 – Criminalistics 2
LCJS 1510 – Psychology and Law
LCJS 1520 – Cybercrime
LCJS 1521 – Cyber Security, Law, and Money Laundering
LCJS 1530 – Organized Crime
LCJS 1581 – International Law
LCJS 1583 – Sex, Law and Marriage
LCJS 1586 – Consumer Law
LCJS 1590 – Special Topics in Law and Criminal Justice
LCJS 1591 – Perspectives on Violence & Non-Violence in Criminal Justice
LCJS 1592 – Defense Mitigation
LCJS 1599 – Independent Study
LCJS 1610 – Data Analysis in Criminal Justice
LCJS 1620 – Introduction to Legal Research
LCJS 1630 – Writing in the Criminal Justice Professions
LCJS 1700 – Ethics in Criminal Justice (Capstone)
LCJS 1900 – Preservice Internship
Flexible Options & Resources
Plan your minor around your academic goals and schedule. Many LCJS courses are offered in online or hybrid formats.
Explore Online Courses
Browse current online course offerings to see which LCJS courses may fit your schedule.
View Online Course Offerings »Plan Your Minor
Use the LCJS Minor Checklist as a planning tool, and work with your academic advisor before registering for courses.
View the LCJS Minor Checklist »Questions About the Minor?
Wesley Hiers, PhD
Director, Administration of Justice, Legal Studies, and LCJS
Requirements are subject to change. Check with your academic advisor before registering for courses.