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Justice Studies, PhD

Take a distinct approach to the study of justice, knowing that no single solution works for everyone. Examine the intersecting forms of injustice, engage multiple visions of justice, and get ready to transform communities by empowering those silenced by inequality.

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A student takes notes in a notebook on a table, studying as part of the Justice Studies, PhD.

Quick facts

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 Doctor of Philosophy program in justice studies at School of Social Transformation invites all qualified applicants.

The diverse community of scholars unites you and faculty across academic boundaries to strategically create social change that is democratic, inclusive and just. The interdisciplinary doctoral program in justice studies prepares you to address complex social problems and become tomorrow's leader.

Curriculum

This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below.

84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation

Required Core (6 credit hours)
JUS 620 Justice Research Methodology (3)
JUS 640 Theoretical Perspectives on Justice (3)

Other Requirement (3 credit hours)
JUS 630 Data Analysis for Justice Research (3) or
JUS 650 Advanced Qualitative Data Analysis (3) or
SST 691 Topic: Quantitative Methods for Qualitative Researchers (3)

Electives and Research (63 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (12 credit hours)
JUS 799 Dissertation (12)

Additional Curriculum Information
For the other requirement course, students may take JUS 630, JUS 650, SST 691 or other methods course at ASU that is approved by the justice studies graduate director.

Students entering the doctoral program with a master's or Juris Doctor degree may complete a minimum of 54 credit hours for the program. In addition to the requirements listed above, coursework includes 15 credit hours of elective classroom hours (nine of which must have a JUS prefix) and 18 credit hours comprising any combination of additional elective courses, reading and conference courses, or research courses.

Students entering the doctoral program without a master's or JD degree are required to complete 84 credit hours. In addition to the requirements listed above, the coursework includes 12 credit hours of 500-level foundation courses, 24 credit hours of elective classroom hours (15 of which must have a JUS prefix) and 27 credit hours comprising any combination of additional electives courses, reading and conference courses, or research courses.


What you'll learn

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

  • Apply knowledge of both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.
  • Differentiate various theoretical perspectives of justice in their written work.
  • Analyze instances of social injustice and identify intersectional solutions that draw on interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approaches grounded in justice studies.

Admission requirements

Here are the admission and application details

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.

U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. personal statement
  4. writing sample
  5. three letters of recommendation (academic references are preferred)
  6. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

The personal statement should be 1.5 to 2 pages, double spaced, and outline the applicant's areas of interest, educational and career goals. The writing sample should be 10 to 15 pages and discuss the research that best represents the applicant's academic thinking and writing skills.

The PhD/JD option allows qualified students to earn a JD from ASU's Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law while simultaneously earning a transdisciplinary doctoral degree in justice studies. Students must apply separately to both programs. Applicants should contact the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law for its requirements.

Application deadlines

Fall
Session Modality Deadline Type
Session A/C In Person 12/15 Final*

*A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Admission Services by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.


Explore expanded study opportunities

ASU offers formally approved and coordinated degree programs at the graduate degree level. These programs include a designated number of approved credit hours that are shared by two degrees. For most concurrent degree programs, you apply once through the ASU graduate application. However, if you want to pursue a concurrent program that includes a law degree, you must submit both the ASU graduate application and the law school application.

This degree is also offered as a concurrent program with the following:

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

Career opportunities

Graduates are prepared to work in justice-related organizations, teach in community colleges and universities, and conduct research in the justice field.

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
SSTgraduate@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.

The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.

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