Program Overview
Justice Studies, PhD
The Doctor of Philosophy program in justice studies at the School of Social Transformation invites all qualified applicants. The diverse community of scholars unites students and faculty across academic boundaries to strategically create social change that is democratic, inclusive, and just. The interdisciplinary doctoral program in justice studies prepares future scholars and change agents to address complex social problems and become tomorrow's leaders.
Program Description
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.
At a Glance
- College/school: The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Location: Tempe
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
Concurrent Program Options
Students can choose to create their own concurrent degree combination to match their interests by working with their academic advisor during or after their first semester of study. Some concurrent combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum; students should speak with their academic advisor for more details.
- This degree is also offered as a concurrent program with the following:
- Juris Doctor, JD
Degree Requirements
- 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: Qualitative 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.
Admission Requirements
- General university admission requirements:
- All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
- 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
- Three letters of recommendation (academic references are preferred)
- 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.
Tuition Information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Application Deadlines
- Fall
- Session | Modality | Deadline | Type
- Session A/C | In Person | 12/15 | Final
- Session | Modality | Deadline | Type
Program Learning Outcomes
Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:
- 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.
Career Opportunities
Graduates are prepared to work in justice-related organizations, teach in community colleges and universities, and conduct research in the justice field.