Our Graduates

"I graduated from John Jay College with a BA in Humanities and Justice Studies and a minor in English and Political Science. I am a part-time graduate student at Fordham University Graduate School of Education, pursuing a master’s degree in Adolescence Education in Social Studies. As a Humanities and Justice major, I learned how to solve social justice issues by applying communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.  During my academic journey, I received continued support from HJS program advisors and faculty in my research projects and post-graduate career planning. With a humanities degree, I have pursued careers in various education and youth development roles for 10 + years. I am the CUNY Justice Academy (CJA) Transfer Engagement Specialist at John Jay College - CUNY. In this role, I collaborate with faculty and staff to integrate transfer students into John Jay College programs through various outreach and support success workshops to familiarize students with the school’s academic environment."

"The Humanities and Justice major at John Jay transformed me from a passive to an active learner, engaging with my professors and the material, and piqued my interest in justice and law. The unique classes I took—including Critical Thinking, Argument Writing, and Logic—developed my writing and problem-solving skills and helped me prepare for the LSAT and law school. The foundation of knowledge, skills, and intellectual curiosity I developed at John Jay helped me as a student at the University of Minnesota Law School, and it still helps me today in my current position as an attorney with the law firm Nilan Johnson Lewis PA, practicing corporate immigration law."

"My Humanities and Justice major equipped me with the foundational tools to be a civil rights lawyer. Through coursework, I engaged in larger conversations about racial and social justice within policy and legal structures, one that was situated between practical and theoretical questions about transformative change. Taking HJS, history, literature, and philosophy courses allowed me to deepen my understanding of the cross-disciplinary collaboration necessary to formulate policy and legal reform. It also offered unparalleled opportunities to hone my research and writing skills—the same skills I use as a lawyer in service of my clients and communities. And the exceptional HSJ faculty serve as a lifelong support system, providing insightful career and post-graduate. For these and many more reason, I am grateful—and indebted—to being an HSJ alumni."

"My time at John Jay were informative years for me. Most importantly, I walked away with a deeper understanding of researching and its role in getting better at your craft. My only regret is not taking more history classes!"

For more information contact the HJS Program Director, Professor Stephen C. Russell (srussell@jjay.cuny.edu)