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Justice Studies, BA

Do you want to create meaningful change in the world? Gain a broad education in justice, complemented by a solid foundation of liberal arts and social sciences courses that prepare you to promote social, economic and political justice wherever you are.

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A student gestures while seated on campus, reflecting social perspectives in ASU's Justice Studies, BA program.

Quick facts

Courses

120 credit hours
Math intensity: General program math intensity general
First required math course: MAT 114 - College Mathematics
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Additional facts

STEM-OPT extension eligible: No

International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Degree description

The Bachelor of Arts in justice studies is an innovative social science and liberal arts program that examines contemporary and historical social justice and inequality in a variety of contexts, including race, gender, sexuality, citizenship, indigeneity and other significant areas.

This program provides you with a broad approach to understanding justice, both in the legal system and in wider social contexts, including the many social justice issues that occur across countries and cultures. You acquire the kind of broader perspective required in today's workforce, through a liberal arts focus and the requirement to enroll in language courses.

You are equipped with a dynamic knowledge of the world's justice systems and gain the skills to create meaningful change.

In addition to reviewing the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, if you're interested in pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, you can visit The College's website for more information and requirements.

Courses

Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.

Sample courses
JUS 105 Introduction to Justice Studies
JUS 210 Introduction to Ethnic Studies in the U.S.
JUS 301 Research in Justice Studies
JUS 303 Justice Theory
JUS 484 Internship

Course checksheet and curriculum archive

The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.

What If

Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).

Already completed some college courses? Build on your success.

If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.

See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)

What you'll learn

The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.

  • Able to analyze a current justice issue.
  • Explore and analyze key concepts and methodologies in the field.
  • Apply principles in justice studies to research activities or community engagement.

Admission requirements

Here are the admission and application details

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.

First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)

A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.

Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.


Explore expanded study opportunities

This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.

This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:

Graduate advisor
Kayla Elizondo-Núñez
480-965-7682
k-la@asu.edu
General contact
480-965-7682
Learn more about this program
General contact
602-496-0450
Learn more about this program
Graduate advisor
Zee Wilson
602-543-3147
sfisgrad@asu.edu
General contact
480-727-8787
Learn more about this program
Graduate advisor
Kayla Elizondo-Núñez
480-965-7682
k-la@asu.edu
General contact
480-965-7682
Learn more about this program

Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.

Global experience

Human rights, violence, resource conflict and immigration are some of the issues that every country currently faces in some form or another. One of the best ways students can investigate potential solutions is by observing patterns from one culture to another when studying abroad. Students who study issues of justice in another culture can bring a new lens to their own experience and become positive changemakers in the world.

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences recommends specific study abroad programs for students majoring in justice studies.

Paying for college

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Get an estimate

Build the career and future you want

Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:

Career opportunities showing job titles, projected growth rates, median salaries, and links to detailed information
Career Growth Median Salary More Information
College Program Director 1.8% $104,590
Community Specialist 5.5% $56,730
Detective Sergeant 0.2% $93,790
Human Behavior Researcher 5.0% $61,990
Judge 2.8% $153,990
Lawyer 4.7% $159,670
Mediator 4.7% $75,530
Political Analyst -2.0% $142,080
Social Sciences Professor 1.6% $72,990
Social Services Director 7.2% $80,390

Example job titles and salaries listed are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.

Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).


More about careers

Graduates emerge from this program with knowledge and skills designed to advance social justice in a variety of careers. Program graduates work in many fields, including:

  • administration
  • education
  • human welfare and social work
  • law
  • local, state and federal government
  • nongovernmental organizations
  • philanthropy
  • public service fields
  • social advocacy
  • unions

Many graduates go on to graduate school, including law school and other professional degree programs.

Contact information

Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.

School of Social Transformation | WLSN 5th floor
SSTadvising@asu.edu
480-965-7682

Frequently asked questions about degree programs

Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.

Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.

ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.

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