Community and Justice Studies
Interdisciplinary Studies
Why Major in Community and Justice Studies at Allegheny College
As a Community and Justice Studies student, you’ll learn about systems of power and inequality, engage with communities, and graduate ready to build a more just and egalitarian world.
Unusual Combinations
Students often combine Community and Justice Studies with:
Division
- Interdisciplinary Studies
Program Type
- Major
- Minor
Number of Credits
44 for major24 for minor
Where Community and Justice Studies Alumni Work Today
Education and Equity Consultant
Public Broadcasting Service (PBS)
Will Tolliver Jr. ’14
Business Analyst
Grant Street Group
Cory Rectenwald ’13
Founder and Co-Artistic Director
Gum-Dip Theatre
Katie Beck ’14
The intention is not to leave this place with a piece of paper. Rather, it is to make you aware of the world that you are stepping into and to teach you to take part in, challenge, and cultivate that world in meaningful, sustainable ways!
Your Four-Year Journey
Year 1: Understanding
In our foundational course, you’ll start to develop a sense of what social issues matter to you. We encourage students to explore lots of different courses during their first year so that they can find where they want to make a difference. You’ll take courses in philosophy, communication and culture, political science, psychology, and more. There are so many possibilities, and this year is all about exploring those possibilities.
Year 2: New Approaches
In COMJ 270 Power, Society, and Social Change, you will engage with social theory in order to clarify your own commitments as a young scholar. You will continue to explore those commitments and also may take elective courses focused on ethics, the importance of place, or the power of political participation. This is the year to begin your community engagement journey if you haven’t already.
Year 3: Delving Deeper
This is a big year. In COMJ 460 Community Organizing and Civic Professionalism, you will learn concrete organizing skills that you can take with you into their community-based work while at Allegheny and beyond. You will also finalize the focus on your COMJ major and take your Junior Seminar, where you’ll learn research methods and develop proposals for your Senior Comp.
Year 4: The Comp
In your last year, you will conduct your Senior Comp and finish any remaining coursework. At this point, you will be deeply involved in community initiatives and will have developed strong relationships with faculty and community members. Some students may serve as teaching assistants and peer mentors, helping younger COMJ students find their path to a better world.
Research and Internships
We’ll set the stage for your success by teaching you how to demonstrate effective community engagement and organizing in concrete, real-world settings.
Our community and justice studies students solidify their skills through independent and collaborative research, internships, community engagement, study away, and more.
Students explore the meaning and power of community by working with local non-profits, government agencies, and grassroots organizations to address real-world issues, from systemic racism to the lack of affordable housing.
Many community and justice studies students carry out independent research or collaborative research with faculty in addition to the Senior Comp.
Allegheny offers sponsored study-away programs in more than 15 countries across the world.
Faculty and Staff
Email: jtompkins@allegheny.edu
Phone: 814-332-2307
Dean of Inclusive Excellence
Ph.D., M.A., Purdue University, B.A., Trinity College
Email: hroberson@allegheny.edu
Phone: 814-332-2724
Featured News
Gator Alumni Apply Lessons Learned at Allegheny to Rewarding Careers in Nonprofit and Government Sectors
Allegheny College’s Blue and Gold Weekend welcomed alumni returning to campus, celebrating not just memories but also the impressive careers they’ve built since graduation.
Program Contact
Heather Moore Roberson
Assistant Professor of Community and Justice Studies; Dean of Inclusive Excellence
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Rather than asking what happened, we ask how we know. Hone in on research and writing skills to better understand the complex relationship between the past and present to prepare for your future.
Address:
520 North Main Street
Meadville, PA 16335
Contact:
814-332-4351
info@allegheny.edu
admissions@allegheny.edu
