Justice Studies
Welcome to Justice Studies! We offer a distinctive major that focuses on all aspects of justice. We ask questions about injustice, and examine how institutions, including the criminal justice and legal systems, are involved in promoting justice and injustice. We focus on issues in the Chicago area, but we also look at the whole world, examining immigration, human rights, housing, homelessness, gangs, the media and culture, policing, prisons and jails, and all kinds of violence.
What is Justice Studies?
The Justice Studies Department at NEIU focuses on questions of social justice and the study of structural and intersecting inequalities. We examine how injustices are perpetuated by social systems and institutions, including the criminal legal system. Our courses help students understand the root causes of economic and social injustice, oppression, inequalities, discrimination and other harms. We deeply examine how racism, sexism, homophobia, xenophobia and other dimensions of inequality are more than just the product of individual attitudes; they are built into the structures of U.S. society and global systems.
Majors learn about how people across history and different contexts have struggled to create more just societies through studying theories of justice and social change. Students learn about using law, community organizing, political action, and the creation of alternative social spaces to work on transforming society in the direction of justice.
Before graduating, all majors must participate in an internship in an organization that promotes social justice.
The Justice Studies department offers a major and three minors:
- Justice Studies Major
- Social Justice Minor (for non-majors only)
- Criminology Minor (for majors and non-majors)
- Pre-Law Minor (for majors and non-majors)
If you would like more information, please contact the Justice Studies Department at (773) 442-4790 or justice-studies@neiu.edu.
For more information about the Pre-Law Minor, please contact pre-law@neiu.edu.
Spring 2027 Justice Studies Course Schedule
Advising
Every Justice Studies major and minor is assigned an advisor to help understand the curriculum's requirements and select courses. Justice Studies advisors help efficiently sequence your courses in order to get the most out of the major.
Justice Studies Academic Advisors
- Adam Messinger, Department Chair, a-messinger@neiu.edu
- Maria De La Torre, Associate Chair, m-delatorre@neiu.edu
- Rachel Birmingham-Hoel, r-birmingham@neiu.edu
- J. Adrian Castrejon, j-castrejon5@neiu.edu
- Jesse Self, j-self@neiu.edu
Pre-Law Minor Academic Advisors
- Adam Messinger, Justice Studies Chair, a-messinger@neiu.edu
- John Casey, Philosophy Coordinator, j-casey1@neiu.edu
- Martyn de Bruyn, Political Science Coordinator, mdebruyn@neiu.edu
Pre-Law
Our students share a passion for the pursuit of justice through the law, with many going on to attend law school. For these students, the interdisciplinary Pre-Law Minor may be of particular value. In addition, students should consider the Justice Studies Major, Criminology Minor, and Social Justice Minor, which examine specific forms of injustice and social harm that are shaped by law and public policy.
In addition, for those considering applying to law school, please contact NEIU's pre-professional advisor, David Nissim-Sabat, d-nissimsabat@neiu.edu.
Student Clubs
Getting involved in students clubs is a great way to meet people with similar interests, and also provides a wonderful opportunity to learn new skills and knowledge, and to prepare for life after college.
Social Justice Club
The activities of the Social Justice Club focus on working with local groups in Chicago and beyond to address ongoing justice issues, and to help those who are suffering through natural disasters. Please contact Dr. Vicki Byard at v-byard@neiu.edu for more information on how to get involved with this club.
As a club closely affiliated with the Justice Studies major, club members frequently work with Justice Studies faculty to help its members attend professional conferences, such as those held annually by the Justice Studies Association (JSA) and the Peace & Justice Studies Association (PJSA).
For more information, contact justice-studies@neiu.edu.
Pre-Law Society
NEIU's Pre-Law Society is focused on helping students learn about the practice of law, and about the process of getting into law school. It frequently hosts presentations by law schools and talks by practicing attorneys. Members also meet to learn how to best prepare to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT).
For more information, contact the society's advisor, David Nissim-Sabat, at d-nissimsabat@neiu.edu.
Careers
The focus of the Justice Studies major at Northeastern is not limited to criminal justice concerns. It examines the historical, legal, and social obstacles to creating a more just society. Therefore, students earning a bachelor's degree in Justice Studies can avail themselves of a wide variety of fields that include government agencies, legal institutions, and community service and not-for-profit organizations that examine social and legal justice practices. The curriculum provides academic and experiential training for students to pursue careers in a variety of areas. Please check out "What Can I Do With a Major in Justice Studies" for career suggestions.
Graduate Degrees
Students interested in pursuing a Master’s Degree can explore the graduate programs at NEIU. While the Justice Studies department does not offer a master's program, NEIU does offer several graduate programs that complement and support the program goals of our department.