Justice and Society

The Justice and Society major in the Justice and Peace Studies (JPS) Program empowers students to discern their vocations and advance justice, peace, and environmental sustainability in the world.

The interdisciplinary courses allow students to double major and minor in other disciplines, can be tailored to support a broad range of interests, and help prepare students for effective and fulfilling careers in any field.

The flexible curriculum is anchored in Creighton's Catholic, Jesuit tradition, welcomes students of all faith/spiritual identities, and cultivates the Ignatian ideal of cura personalis (care for the whole person) by developing the versatile skills of:

  • Social analysis to diagnose the root causes of problems.
  • Ethical reflection to make moral judgments about pressing issues.
  • Vocational discernment to discover personal and professional pathways to build a better world as one's most authentic self.

JPS alumni are well-rounded women and men for and with others with impactful careers in health care (as doctors, nurses, mental health practitioners, and administrators), law, social work, public policy, education, pastoral ministry, negotiation and conflict resolution, and more.

B.A., Major in Justice and Society Requirements: 40 Credits

Introductory Course3
Select one of the following:
Introduction to Sociology: Self and Society
Introduction to Anthropology: Human and Cultural Diversity
Introduction to Anthropology: Culture, Ecology and Sustainability
Introduction to Anthropology: Social and Cultural Determinants of Health
Sociology/Anthropology
SOC/ANT 301Social and Cultural Theory3
SOC 312Research Design for the Social Sciences3
SOC/ANT 314Statistics for the Social Sciences4
SOC/ANT 316Qualitative Methods, Ethnography, and Engagement3
SOC 411Social Inequality and Stratification3
Service, Justice, and Vocational Discernment6
Models and Heroes of Service and Justice
Land More Than a Job: Justice, Career, and Vocational Discernment
Ethics3
Select one of the following:
Theological Ethics: Social Action and Political Advocacy
Healthcare Ethics: Public Health, Administration, and Clinical Care
Catholic Social Teaching
Border Ethics: Migration, Ecology, and Markets
Peace Studies3
Select one of the following:
An Introduction to Conflict Resolution
Christian Ethics of War and Peace
Ultimate Questions: Reconciliation
Ecological Sustainability3
Select one of the following:
Sustainability Across the Rural Americas
A History of (Un)natural Disasters
History of Environmental Inequalities
Global Environmental History
Philosophical Ethics: Energy and Environment
Environmental Ethics
Environment & Society: Sociological Perspectives
Sustainable Practice: The Examined Life
The Human Induced Climate Crisis: Origins and Solutions
Divine Providence, Catholic Social Teaching, & the Problem of Climate Change
God is Green
Elective Courses6
Choose two courses in any combination from the following:
300+ Anthropology (Cultural or Medical), Communication Studies, Criminal Justice, Education, Encuentro Dominicano, English, Environmental Science, Health Administration and Policy, History, Honors, Justice and Peace Studies, Political Science/International Relations, Philosophy, Psychology, Social Work, Sociology, Sustainability Studies, or Theology chosen in consultation with the JPS director.
Total Credits40