Choose U of GImprove LifeNews
Justice and Legal Studies Major

Justice and Legal Studies (JLS)

Admission Requirements

Explore the Relationship Between Law, Society and Justice

 Customize Your Degree

As a JLS major, you'll customize your degree to your interests by choosing one of the following areas of emphasis: Canadian Politics and Governance, Global Relations and Governance, Gender and Sexuality, Arts and Humanities, and Business and Management.

 Investigate Ethical Demands and Tensions

As you explore the relationships between law, politics, government and society, you'll critically examine key ethical demands and tensions and identify their moral and cultural foundations, both domestically and internationally.

 Build Your Legal Career Foundation

Gain specialized skills in legal research, critical thinking and an understanding of legal processes in Canada to pursue further studies in preparation for careers in law and politics, socio-legal studies, political science, and more.

What Can You Do with a Degree in Justice and Legal Studies?

Justice and Legal Studies graduates are primed to tackle global and local legal and justice issues, equipped with a solid foundation of practical and theoretical experience and abilities in law and politics, socio-legal studies, political science and more.

Here are a few careers our graduates have successfully pursued:

  • Paralegal
  • Lawyer
  • Policy Analyst
  • Journalist
  • International Aid Worker
  • Public Relations Specialist
  • Immigration Officer
  • Non-Governmental Organization
  • Customs Officer
  • Government Relations

Do you want to gain a deeper understanding of how justice and legal institutions shape and are shaped by government and society?

Join one of the premier law and politics departments in Canada to find out how the law and legal processes can either enhance or frustrate the pursuit of justice and the goal of improving life. Through the Justice and Legal Studies program, you will explore law, justice and judicial processes in Canada and in a global context, preparing you for a career in a legal profession.

Students in the Justice and Legal Studies JLS program may also be interested in studying Criminal Justice and Public Policy, Political Science, Sociology, or other majors.

JLS Course Calendar

Gain Valuable Experience Through Co-op

The co-op program gives you the opportunity to gain relevant work experience, build professional networks and develop essential interpersonal skills needed to succeed in the workplace, all while getting paid and earning your university degree.

The JLS co-op program includes three co-op work terms in addition to eight academic semesters, for a total of four and a half years of study at the University of Guelph.

JLS Co-op Calendar

Kate Puddister
Students will benefit immensely from delving into real-world cases and will have a fantastic hands-on opportunity to prepare their capstone project based on real-world scenarios.

Kate Puddister
Justice and Legal Studies
Read Kate's story

Scholarships

In 2021, more than $42.7 million in scholarships was awarded to U of G students. Learn more about applications, requirements and available Scholarships.

Explore Available Scholarships

Tour Our Campus

Through virtual tours, presentations, webinars and in-person tours, get familiar with the University of Guelph campus.

Book a Tour

Have Questions?

Learn more about how to connect, discover, and engage with programs, facilities and life at the University of Guelph.

Request More Info

Students

Talk to a Current Student

Don’t just take it from us – hear from one of our many students on their experiences with Guelph, integrating into U of G life, and much more. Start chatting with students from Canada or international students.

Are you ready to Improve Life?