University of Justice – Bachelor of Science in Gerontology Justice (Geriatric Population)

4-Year Degree Plan (8 Semesters) with 4 Specialized Electives

At the University of Justice, we believe that a holistic approach to justice includes protecting the rights, dignity, and quality of life of vulnerable populations—especially adults facing aging, disability, or end-of-life decisions. Our innovative Bachelor of Science in Justice and Human Well-Being offers a rigorous, interdisciplinary curriculum that bridges law, ethics, social services, and healthcare. This four-year plan is designed for students passionate about advocacy, policy, and compassionate care for adults across the lifespan.

The program includes 120 credit hours over eight semesters, with four specialized JUST (Justice Studies) elective courses focusing on adult care, geriatrics, palliative ethics, legal frameworks in aging, and court processes for vulnerable adults. Each course is carefully aligned with transfer equivalencies at the University of Houston (UH) to ensure seamless academic continuity.

Year 1: Foundations of Justice and Social Systems

Semester 1 (15 credits)

JUST 1101: Introduction to Justice and Human Rights (3 cr)

Explores foundational principles of justice, human rights, and social equity. Examines historical movements and international frameworks shaping modern justice systems.

UH Transfer Equivalency: POLS 2310 – Introduction to Political Theory

JUST 1201: Ethics in Public Service (3 cr)

Introduces ethical decision-making in social, legal, and healthcare contexts. Case-based learning on dilemmas in caregiving and justice delivery.

UH Transfer Equivalency: PHIL 2320 – Ethics

ENGL 1301: Academic Writing I (3 cr)

UH Transfer Equivalency: ENGL 1303 – Composition and Rhetoric I

MATH 1314: College Algebra (3 cr)

UH Transfer Equivalency: MATH 1310 – College Algebra

PSYC 1301: Introduction to Psychology (3 cr)

UH Transfer Equivalency: PSYC 1300 – Introduction to Psychology

Semester 2 (15 credits)

JUST 1102: Social Justice and Vulnerable Populations (3 cr)

Analyzes systemic barriers faced by marginalized groups, including older adults, people with disabilities, and low-income seniors.

UH Transfer Equivalency: SOCI 2319 – Social Inequality

JUST 1301: Introduction to Law and Legal Systems (3 cr)

Overview of U.S. legal institutions, civil and criminal law, and the role of courts in protecting individual rights.

UH Transfer Equivalency: POLS 2351 – Law and Society

ENGL 1302: Academic Writing II (3 cr)

UH Transfer Equivalency: ENGL 1304 – Composition and Rhetoric II

BIOL 1306: Biology for Non-Science Majors (3 cr)

UH Transfer Equivalency: BIOL 1310 – Concepts in Biology

HIST 1302: U.S. History Since 1865 (3 cr)

UH Transfer Equivalency: HIST 1378 – United States History Survey II

Year 2: Justice in Health and Aging Contexts

Semester 3 (15 credits)

JUST 2310: Justice in Healthcare Systems (3 cr)

Examines access, equity, and ethics in healthcare. Focus on disparities in treatment and decision-making for aging populations.

UH Transfer Equivalency: HLT 2305 – Introduction to Health Care Systems

JUST 2401: Gerontology and the Aging Society (3 cr)

Multidisciplinary study of biological, psychological, and social aspects of aging in modern society.

UH Transfer Equivalency: SOCW 3362 – Human Behavior and the Social Environment II

JUST 2201: Disability Rights and Legal Advocacy (3 cr)

In-depth exploration of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504, and legal tools for empowering disabled adults.

UH Transfer Equivalency: DIS 3301 – Disability Studies: Rights and Justice

SOCI 2301: Introduction to Sociology (3 cr)

UH Transfer Equivalency: SOCI 1300 – Introduction to Sociology

COSC 1301: Introduction to Computing (3 cr)

UH Transfer Equivalency: COSC 1301 – Introduction to Computing

Semester 4 (15 credits)

JUST 2320: Law and Aging: Retirement, Pensions, and Social Security (3 cr)

Legal and financial dimensions of retirement, including entitlement programs, estate planning, and fraud protection for seniors.

UH Transfer Equivalency: PAPP 3301 – Social Policy and Public Service

JUST 2501: Psychology of Aging and Cognitive Decline (3 cr)

Understanding dementia, Alzheimer’s, and mental health in later life. Emphasis on person-centered care and informed consent.

UH Transfer Equivalency: PSYC 3332 – Psychology of Aging

ECON 2301: Principles of Macroeconomics (3 cr)

UH Transfer Equivalency: ECON 2304 – Introduction to Macroeconomics

PHIL 2301: Logic and Critical Reasoning (3 cr)

UH Transfer Equivalency: PHIL 2321 – Logic and Critical Thinking

Elective (3 cr)

UH Transfer Equivalency: Varies by course

Year 3: Specialized Justice Applications

Semester 5 (15 credits)

JUST 3410: Palliative Care and Justice in End-of-Life Decisions (3 cr)

Ethical, legal, and emotional dimensions of palliative care. Covers advance directives, physician-assisted dying (where legal), and family advocacy.

UH Transfer Equivalency: NURS 3325 – Professional Nursing and Health Care Systems

JUST 3210: Adult Guardianship and Court Processes (3 cr)

Analyzes court-supervised guardianships, conservatorships, and alternatives like power of attorney and supported decision-making.

UH Transfer Equivalency: POLS 3353 – Judicial Process

JUST 3101: Health Law and Patient Autonomy (3 cr)

Legal rights to treatment refusal, informed consent, and medical decision-making capacity in adult populations.

UH Transfer Equivalency: HLTH 3300 – Legal and Ethical Issues in Health Care

STAT 2301: Applied Statistics for Justice Research (3 cr)

UH Transfer Equivalency: STAT 2311 – Elementary Statistical Methods

Elective (3 cr)

UH Transfer Equivalency: Varies by course

Semester 6 (15 credits)

JUST 3350: Elder Abuse: Recognition, Reporting, and Justice Intervention (3 cr)

Examines financial, physical, and emotional abuse of older adults. Legal responsibilities of professionals and mandated reporting protocols.

UH Transfer Equivalency: CRIM 3350 – Victimology

JUST 3601: Retirement Communities and Housing Rights (3 cr)

Legal standards in senior living, fair housing laws, and advocacy for accessible, safe independent living.

UH Transfer Equivalency: URPN 3310 – Housing and Community Development

JUST 3220: Disability, Employment, and Civil Rights (3 cr)

Focus on workplace accommodations, discrimination litigation, and the role of the EEOC and courts.

UH Transfer Equivalency: BUSI 3301 – Business Law I

COMM 3301: Interpersonal Communication in Crisis Settings (3 cr)

UH Transfer Equivalency: COMM 3300 – Communication in Interpersonal Relationships

Elective (3 cr)

UH Transfer Equivalency: Varies by course

Year 4: Advanced Practice and Field Integration

Semester 7 (15 credits)

JUST 4110: End-of-Life Consent and Legal Documentation (3 cr)

In-depth study of advance healthcare directives, POLST forms, living wills, and court validation of end-of-life wishes.

UH Transfer Equivalency: NURS 4350 – Healthcare Policy and Ethics

JUST 4220: Justice Advocacy in Family and Probate Courts (3 cr)

Practical understanding of probate law, wills, trusts, elder law, and representing vulnerable clients in court.

UH Transfer Equivalency: POLS 4378 – Law and Policy

JUST 4301: Policy Reform in Senior and Disability Services (3 cr)

Students develop legislative proposals addressing gaps in care, access, and dignity for older adults and people with disabilities.

UH Transfer Equivalency: PAPP 4361 – Social Policy Analysis

Capstone Proposal & Research Methods (3 cr)

UH Transfer Equivalency: SOCW 4392 – Social Work Research I

Elective (3 cr)

UH Transfer Equivalency: Varies by course

Semester 8 (15 credits)

JUST 4501: Field Practicum in Justice and Adult Care (6 cr)

Supervised internship in elder law clinics, hospice organizations, disability rights nonprofits, or probate courts.

UH Transfer Equivalency: SOCW 4689 – Field Practicum in Social Work

JUST 4900: Capstone Seminar: Designing Justice-Centered Care Systems (3 cr)

Students present comprehensive policy or program designs to improve care and justice for aging and disabled populations.

UH Transfer Equivalency: POLS 4398 – Senior Seminar in Political Science

Elective (3 cr)

UH Transfer Equivalency: Varies by course

Elective (3 cr)

UH Transfer Equivalency: Varies by course

Key Features of the Program

Specialized Justice Electives: Four JUST courses directly address adult care, end-of-life advocacy, and legal empowerment—areas where demand for informed professionals is growing.

Seamless Transfers: Every core JUST course has a clear UH transfer equivalency, ensuring students can transition easily to UH for graduate studies or dual-degree pursuits.

Interdisciplinary Approach: Combines law, ethics, healthcare, and social science to prepare graduates for careers in elder law, hospice advocacy, policy analysis, or human rights organizations.

Real-World Impact: Field practicum and capstone projects equip students to advocate for dignity, autonomy, and justice in aging and disability communities.

Career Paths for Graduates

Elder Law Paralegal

Patient Advocate in Healthcare Systems

Policy Analyst for Aging Services

Disability Rights Coordinator

Hospice and Palliative Care Counselor

Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for Vulnerable Adults

Nonprofit Program Director in Senior Services

At the University of Justice, we don’t just study law—we build systems of dignity. Join us in shaping a future where justice extends to every stage of life.