Program Overview

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Justice Studies, BA

The Bachelor of Arts in Justice Studies is an innovative social science and liberal arts program that examines contemporary and historical social justice and inequality in a variety of contexts, including race, gender, sexuality, citizenship, indigeneity, and other significant areas.

Program Description

This program provides a broad approach to understanding justice, both in the legal system and in wider social contexts, including the many social justice issues that occur across countries and cultures. Students acquire the kind of broader perspective required in today's workforce, through a liberal arts focus and the requirement to enroll in language courses.

At a Glance

• College/school: The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
• Location: Tempe or Online
• Second language requirement: Yes
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
• First required math course: MAT 114 - College Mathematics
• Math intensity: General

Curriculum

View 2025 - 2026 curriculum. View curriculum archives.

Concurrent Program Options

Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.

Accelerated Program Options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. Accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving students who want the opportunity to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.

Admission Requirements

• General university admission requirements: All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.

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.

Change of Major Requirements

A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.

Attend Online

ASU Online offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year.

Transfer Options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

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:

• Able to analyze a current justice issue.
• Explore and analyze key concepts and methodologies in the field.
• Apply principles in justice studies to research activities or community engagement.

Global Opportunities

Human rights, violence, resource conflict, and immigration are some of the issues that every country currently faces in some form or another. One of the best ways students can investigate potential solutions is by observing patterns from one culture to another when studying abroad.

Career Opportunities

Graduates emerge from this program with knowledge and skills designed to advance social justice in a variety of careers. Program graduates work in many fields, including:

• administration
• education
• human welfare and social work
• law
• local, state, and federal government
• nongovernmental organizations
• philanthropy
• public service fields
• social advocacy
• unions

Example job titles and salaries:

• College Program Director: $103,960
• Community Specialist: $54,940
• Detective Sergeant: $93,580
• Human Behavior Researcher: $58,040
• Judge: $156,210
• Lawyer: $151,160
• Mediator: $67,710
• Political Analyst: $139,380
• Social Sciences Professor: $75,040
• Social Services Director: $78,240

Accelerated Master's Programs

This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:

• Justice Studies, MS
• Public Administration, MPA
• Science and Technology Policy, MSTP
• Social and Cultural Pedagogy, MA

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.