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Law, Societies & Justice

College of Arts & Sciences

The Department of Law, Societies, and Justice (LSJ) offers students opportunities to understand the complex roles of law in society. Law takes multiple forms and performs a wide array of important functions. At the same time, the work of law is shaped by numerous political, economic, social, cultural, and geographic factors. Because of this, law “on the books” is not the same as law “in action.” Students in the LSJ major develop a deep appreciation for the variety of dynamics that shape the translation of law “on the books” to law “in action.”

Major category: Capacity-constrained

Minor available

Topic(s): Social sciences

website
Degree requirements

Applicant type

Applicant type

Freshmen can apply to the UW to begin autumn quarter or winter quarter (U.S. applicants only)

Read more about applying to the UW as a freshman, including details for programs that provide high school students with college credit (like Running Start).

Law, Societies & Justice is a capacity-constrained major. An additional application is required after you enroll at the UW, and admission may be competitive. Visit the department website for more information.

Quarters of general admission to UW: autumn / winter (U.S. applicants only) / spring / summer

Preparation for the major is a factor in transfer admission.

  • Use the information below to help you prepare for this degree
  • Visit MyPlan to run a degree audit.
  • Use the UW Equivalency Guide to find out how courses taken at a Washington state community or technical college will transfer to the UW.
  • UW college and school graduation requirements

Department admission information

Please contact the department for details about the application process.

This major is capacity-constrained. Completion of prerequisites does not guarantee admission.

Admission is based on:

  • GPA (minimum UW GPA of 2.5 required), with emphasis on the courses required for admission and for completion of major requirements.
  • Personal statement representing the student’s interest in and commitment to becoming a LSJ major.
  • Other evidence of a commitment to the study of society, justice and law.
  • Admitted applicants often show evidence of success in social science courses.
  • Learn more about transferring into LSJ and find a list of recommended social science courses on the department’s website.
LSJ is piloting a third round of Direct-to-Major Transfer application for autumn 2024 For more information about admissions criteria for this program, visit the department’s website. Application deadline is April 5th.

Read more about applying to the UW as a transfer student.

Courses required for the major:

  • English composition C
  • LSJ 200 SSc – Intro to Law, Societies and Justice
  • One (1) 300-level course human rights OR law course (see departmental approved listing)
  • A minimum cumulative UW GPA of no less than 2.5

Entering transfer information:

Total undergraduates: 196
Total from Washington community colleges: 25

Entering transfer GPA (from WA community colleges):

3.75 – 4.00: 10
3.50 – 3.74: <5
3.25 – 3.49: 6
3.00 – 3.24: <5
2.75 – 2.99: <5
2.50 – 2.74: <5
2.49 and below: <5

NOTES: Transfer applicants:

  • Since equivalents to LSJ coursework are uncommon, students who have transferred or will transfer to the UW can apply to the program with evidence of social science coursework.
  • Admittance is conditional: Accepted students must register for LSJ 200 in autumn quarter and earn at least a 2.5 GPA in order to continue in the major.

Career outcomes

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