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.”
Applicant type
First-year students can apply to the UW to begin autumn quarter or winter quarter (U.S. applicants only)
An application for general admission to the UW is required for all transfer students. UW accepts general applications for Autumn and Winter with some select majors allowing applications in Spring. Review your intended major’s website for information about which quarters it is open for admission.
Preparation for the major is a factor in transfer admission.
Use the information below to help you prepare for this major. Read more about applying to the UW as a transfer student.
- 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
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.
- Application deadline is April 5th.
Read more about applying to the UW as a transfer student.
Courses REQUIRED for admission:
- 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
- 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.