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.
Faculty and Staff
Dean of Inclusive Excellence
Ph.D., M.A., Purdue University, B.A., Trinity College
Email: hroberson@allegheny.edu
Phone: 814-332-2724
Email: jtompkins@allegheny.edu
Phone: 814-332-2307
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