Faith-Justice Studies Minor

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Overview

The faith-justice studies minor at Saint Joseph’s University challenges students to consider existing social beliefs and priorities in light of Gospel values and faith-based social justice traditions.

What is the Faith-Justice Studies Minor?

This interdisciplinary, self-designed minor enables students to integrate their major area of study with inquiries into faith and social justice issues. Courses focus on social justice, civic engagement and personal transformation. These courses are drawn from across the university and include offerings such as:

  • Justice and Sustainability
  • Workforce Diversity
  • Introduction to International Business
  • Economic Ethics
  • Latin-American Politics
  • Philadelphia: Black and White
  • Christian Medical Ethics
  • Social and Political Philosophy and Social Problems

Ways to Study Faith-Justice Studies at Saint Joseph's University

The faith-justice studies program at Saint Joseph’s University is only available as a minor. Minors must take a minimum of six courses. You may use three credits of a senior independent project (for example, an honors thesis project) to satisfy one of the course requirements. To do so, you must submit a proposal signed by a faculty mentor or departmental chair from your major within the first six weeks of the semester.

What Can I Do with a Faith-Justice Studies Minor?

The faith-justice studies minor will invite you to analyze the institutions and structures that exist within our society. You will question prevailing systems that systematically contribute to modern-day social problems including poverty, racism, human rights violations, violence and more. The program will equip you with the analytical skills necessary to pursue a wide range of fields, including positions in:

  • Sociology
  • Psychology
  • Research
  • Education
  • Theology
  • Economics

How Will a Faith-Justice Studies Minor from Saint Joseph's University Prepare Me for a Career?

Faith-justice studies courses are designed to help analyze institutions and social structures. Additionally, some of these courses contain a community-based learning component, offering the opportunity to apply your knowledge and experience in a hands-on setting. During your senior year, you will be asked to create and submit a brief portfolio of your work to illustrate your understanding of the faith-justice studies program, offering the opportunity to create a book of work that can be used to showcase your experience on interviews for internships and full-time positions after graduation.

Course Catalog Information

Related Programs

Theology Major

Theology majors acquire and hone tools for critical analysis of the Bible, key doctrines, including those concerning Jesus Christ, Church and tradition history and religious authority. The program also includes the study of ethics, including personal and communal morality, as well as the importance of interfaith relations. All majors in the humanities also acquire important skills that are essential in any career: how to distinguish truth from conspiracy theory; how to read carefully; how to write effectively; how to think creatively; how to formulate evidence-driven arguments; and how to speak persuasively.

Sociology

The Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice at Saint Joseph’s University provides students with opportunities to analyze and assess human behavior and its impact on society. The sociology department is comprised of expert teachers and active researchers working to understand society and make positive, practical applications of their findings. Sociology majors go on to work in government, law, public service, criminology, research and nonprofit organizations.

Psychology

The Department of Psychology offers courses in all of the major subfields of psychology, as well as a clinical concentration of courses in support of those who are interested in pursuing careers in clinical psychology, counseling psychology and related mental health fields.