Justice Studies, MS
Program Description
Degree Awarded: MS Justice Studies
The MS in justice studies program 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.
Degree Requirements
Curriculum Plan Options
- 30 credit hours including the required applied project course (JUS 593)
- 30 credit hours and a thesis
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.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they 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 applicants must have 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.
Applicants should visit the School of Social Transformation's Master of Science in justice studies webpage for further details on the listed application requirements and application deadlines.
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 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.
Flexible Degree Options
Accelerated program options
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years.
It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's and master's degree with:
BS - Justice Studies
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BA - Justice Studies
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Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. During their junior year, eligible students will be advised by their academic departments to apply.
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Learning Outcomes
- Graduates of the MS program in justice studies will demonstrate the ability to interpret and conduct quantitative research.
- 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.
- Graduates of the MS program in justice studies will be able to interpret and conduct qualitative research.
- Graduates of the MS program in justice studies will demonstrate knowledge of various theoretical perspectives of justice in both their written and oral work.
Career Opportunities
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.
Global Opportunities
Global Experience
With over 250 programs in more than 65 countries (ranging from one week to one year), study abroad is possible for all ASU students wishing to gain global skills and knowledge in preparation for a 21st-century career. Students earn ASU credit for completed courses, while staying on track for graduation, and may apply financial aid and scholarships toward program costs. https://mystudyabroad.asu.edu
Program Contact Information
If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.
- SSTgraduate@asu.edu
- 480/965-7682