Justice Studies, MS
Community, crime, law, social
Are you a future scholar or change agent who wants to conduct research and evaluate policies that promote social change? In this program, you'll work with scholars dedicated to creating and implementing innovations to change the world.
The Master of Science program in justice studies is an innovative, interdisciplinary program that prepares students to work, research and advocate on behalf of social justice. Students study a wide variety of topics at the local, national and international levels, gaining the training needed for analyzing social, economic, cultural, political and legal inequalities and promoting pathways to more just societies.
- College/school:
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Location: Tempe
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. 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.
30 credit hours and a thesis, or
30 credit hours including the required applied project course (JUS 593)
Required Core (12 credit hours)
JUS 500 Research Methods (3)
JUS 501 Justice Theory (3)
JUS 509 Statistical Problems in Justice Research (3)
JUS 521 Qualitative Data Analysis and Evaluation (3)
Electives (12 credit hours)
Research (0 or 3 credit hours)
JUS 592 Research (3)
Culminating Experience (3 or 6 credit hours)
JUS 593 Applied Project (3) or
JUS 599 Thesis (6)
Additional Curriculum Information
Each student's program is developed in concert with the advisory committee. The required foundation courses provide students with a fundamental understanding of the theories, methods and analytic techniques associated with the study of justice.
To satisfy the thesis requirement for the degree, candidates must write a thesis and defend it in an oral examination conducted by the student's advisory committee. Students in this option are not required to take JUS 592 Research.
Students who elect the applied project option must enroll in three credit hours of JUS 592 Research before enrolling in JUS 593 Applied Project. Candidates pursuing this option must present their applied project and defend it in an oral examination conducted by the faculty member who supervises the project, and the graduate programs director or designated representative. The applied project typically includes a brief literature review to identify the nature of the issue or problem, and a description of the methodology used and, if relevant, of the program studied, followed by an analysis.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants | International applicants | English proficiency
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:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- personal statement
- writing sample
- resume or curriculum vitae
- three letters of recommendation
- 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.
Mailing addresses and further admission information are available on the ASU Graduate Admission Services website.
Application requirements vary for the accelerated justice studies program. Undergraduate students majoring in justice studies who are interested in and eligible for this accelerated graduate program should contact the academic unit to schedule an appointment with a graduate advisor before submitting an application. Further details about the accelerated justice studies program can be found on the School of Social Transformation webpage.
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 04/01 | Final |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 10/01 | Final |
Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program has the following program outcomes:
- Graduates will be able to demonstrate intersectional knowledge of justice and use an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approach to address societal problems and generate solutions in their projects.
- Interpret and conduct quantitative research.
- Interpret and conduct qualitative research.
- Demonstrate knowledge of various theoretical perspectives of justice in both their written and oral work.
Graduates of the justice studies program are prepared to work in justice-related organizations, teach in community colleges, and pursue doctoral programs and research in the justice field.
School of Social Transformation
|
WLSN 5th floor
SSTgraduate@asu.edu
480-965-7682
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
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. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. 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.
