Understand Youth. Support Change. Strengthen Communities.
Program Overview
The Juvenile Justice minor at Elizabeth City State University focuses on the study of youth within the justice system, including the causes of juvenile delinquency and the structures designed to respond to it. This program provides students with an understanding of how social, legal, and community systems interact to address issues affecting young people.
Housed within the Criminal Justice program, the minor prepares students to examine the unique challenges and approaches involved in working with juveniles in legal and social service settings.
Who Should Minor in Juvenile Justice?
This minor pairs well with majors such as:
- Criminal Justice
- Social Work
- Psychology
Students interested in youth development, social systems, and justice-related careers will benefit from the knowledge and skills developed in this program.
Why Choose a Juvenile Justice Minor?
This minor enhances your degree by providing insight into the juvenile justice system and the factors that influence youth behavior and outcomes.
Through this program, you will:
The program supports a deeper understanding of how communities and institutions respond to youth-related issues.
What You’ll Study
The Juvenile Justice minor includes coursework focused on youth, crime, and the justice system.
Areas of study include:
- Introduction to criminal justice concepts
- Juvenile delinquency and youth behavior
- Legal and social responses to juvenile crime
- Corrections, rehabilitation, and prevention strategies
- Social factors influencing youth and crime
Students explore how legal systems, social environments, and policy decisions impact young individuals.
Program Structure
You will receive a structured set of Criminal Justice (CJ) and related courses.
- Includes core coursework in criminal justice and juvenile justice
- May include elective courses focused on youth, sociology, or social services
- Designed to be completed alongside a major
At Elizabeth City State University, minors are typically defined as a group of prescribed and elective courses totaling approximately 18–24 credit hours.
Students are encouraged to work with an advisor to select courses that align with their academic and career interests.
Career Opportunities
The Juvenile Justice minor develops skills in analysis, communication, and understanding human behavior, which are valuable in careers focused on youth and community support.
Students may pursue careers in:
- Juvenile justice and corrections
- Probation or parole services
- Social work and youth services
- Law enforcement
- Community outreach and nonprofit organizations
- Counseling or rehabilitation services
This minor is especially beneficial for students interested in working with youth, addressing social issues, or pursuing careers in criminal justice or public service.
Hands-On Learning
This minor emphasizes critical understanding and real-world application.
Students will:
- Analyze issues related to juvenile crime and justice
- Explore prevention and intervention strategies
- Examine the role of community and social systems
- Apply critical thinking to real-world challenges
Coursework encourages students to connect theory with practical approaches to supporting youth.
Interested in adding the Juvenile Justice minor?
Connect with your academic advisor to learn how this program fits into your degree plan.
