Justice Studies, PhD
Community, Justice, Rights, crime, law, social
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.
The Doctor of Philosophy program in justice studies at School of Social Transformation invites all qualified applicants.
The diverse community of scholars unites you and faculty across academic boundaries to strategically create social change that is democratic, inclusive and just. The interdisciplinary doctoral program in justice studies prepares you to address complex social problems and become tomorrow's leader.
- College/school:
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Location: Tempe
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
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:
84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation
Required Core (6 credit hours) Other Requirement (3 credit hours) Electives and Research (63 credit hours) Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information 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.
JUS 620 Justice Research Methodology (3)
JUS 640 Theoretical Perspectives on Justice (3)
JUS 630 Data Analysis for Justice Research (3) or
JUS 650 Advanced Qualitative Data Analysis (3) or
SST 691 Topic: Quantitative Methods for Qualitative Researchers (3)
JUS 799 Dissertation (12)
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.
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
- 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.
The PhD/JD option allows qualified students to earn a JD from ASU's Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law while simultaneously earning a transdisciplinary doctoral degree in justice studies. Students must apply separately to both programs. Applicants should contact the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law for its requirements.
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 12/15 | Final |
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.
Graduates are prepared to work in justice-related organizations, teach in community colleges and universities, and conduct research in the justice field.
School of Social Transformation
|
WLSN 5th floor
SSTgraduate@asu.edu
480-965-7682
Program term definitions
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
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. 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.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.

