Socio-Legal Studies, Certificate


At a Glance: program details

  • Location:
  • Additional Program Fee: No
  • Second Language Requirement: No
Put your understanding of the legal system into action once you understand the impacts the system has on society and how people experience law in their everyday lives.

Program Description

The distinction between law on the books and law in action, which refers to how people experience law in their everyday lives, is a cornerstone of the certificate program.

The undergraduate certificate program in socio-legal studies offers a model for educating and training students in the study of legal ideas, institutions and practices from the perspectives of the social sciences, law and the humanities.


Program Requirements

Students must complete 15 credit hours with at least 12 credit hours completed at the upper-division level. A minimum grade of "C" (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) is required for a course to count toward the certificate.
Core Theory and Foundation Courses (choose two) -- 6 credit hours
Interdisciplinary Elective Component (choose three) -- 9 credit hours
Interdisciplinary electives must be taken from at least two different academic disciplines. Any course listed below may count towards this requirement. Other courses can be approved by the certificate program director.

Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this certificate.

Enrollment Requirements

Students who have attained sophomore standing (30 credit hours) in any undergraduate degree program at ASU are eligible for admission to the certificate program for socio-legal studies.

A student pursuing an undergraduate certificate must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at ASU. Undergraduate certificates are not awarded prior to the award of an undergraduate degree. A student already holding an undergraduate degree may pursue an undergraduate certificate as a nondegree-seeking graduate student.


Learning Outcomes

  • Demonstrate the ability to apply the fundamental principles of socio-legal studies to specific domestic or international issues through direct community engagement or research.
  • Critically assess core socio-legal theory, concepts and methods.

Career Outlook

Graduates who have combined the certificate in socio-legal studies with their major program of study may be more marketable to employers. They often decide to pursue employment in law, education, public service, and human welfare and social work. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions.

Example Careers

Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions.

Lawyers


  • Growth: 7.5%
  • Median Salary*: 135740
  Bright Outlook

Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers


  • Growth: 1.1%
  • Median Salary*: 94990

Clinical and Counseling Psychologists


  • Growth: 11.4%
  • Median Salary*: 90130
  Bright Outlook

Marriage and Family Therapists


  • Growth: 14.9%
  • Median Salary*: 56570
  Bright Outlook

Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators


  • Growth: 5%
  • Median Salary*: 64030
  Bright Outlook

Mental Health Counselors


  • Growth: 18.4%
  • Median Salary*: 49710
  Bright Outlook

Paralegals and Legal Assistants


  • Growth: 4.2%
  • Median Salary*: 59200

Legislators


  • Growth: 3.4%
  • Median Salary*: 48090

Child, Family, and School Social Workers


  • Growth: 5.3%
  • Median Salary*: 50820
  Bright Outlook

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




Program Contact Information

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