Online Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies

Are you interested in social transformation as related to your career or personal life? Through your pursuit of a Bachelor of Science in justice studies online, you’ll conduct advanced research into historical, cultural, economic and sociopolitical forces that impact social justice. You’ll also explore timely and relevant topics with award-winning faculty.

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Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 10/16/2024


Total classes:

Total classes: 40

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 120

Degree questions, answered

Have questions about the Justice Studies (BS)? Fill out this form and we’ll get in touch!

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What is a justice studies major?

This is an interdisciplinary program that focuses on social justice and the forces that impact our society. You'll evaluate concepts of justice related to legal, governmental and societal institutions, as well as broader social dynamics. You’ll also work alongside dedicated professors to rethink the framing of justice issues while centering on the experiences of diverse communities.

Through your coursework, you’ll explore the impact of the following factors on justice:

  • Disability.
  • Gender.
  • Immigration.
  • Indigeneity.
  • Race.
  • Sexuality.
  • Socioeconomic status.

The topics covered in this justice studies program

This program incorporates a range of topics beyond the legal system, including global and local politics, the economy, community organization and activism. You’ll also conduct an in-depth analysis of how justice is perceived, promoted and undermined.

The five core areas of study for a justice studies major are:

  • Citizenship, migration and human rights.
  • Globalization, sustainability and economic justice.
  • Law, policy and social change.
  • Media, technology and culture.
  • Social identities and communities.

The skills you’ll develop as a justice studies major

You’ll learn quantitative and qualitative research skills while building a strong foundation in areas such as law, public policy and social change. Your courses may also include researching current events and analyzing how to transform unjust social arrangements. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to gain career experience through our internship program with 180+ placements around the world.

Upon graduating, you’ll be prepared to create meaningful change through governmental agencies, the legal system, public policy, nongovernmental organizations and social justice activism. You may also go on to take the LSAT in preparation for law school.

Will my diploma say ‘online’?

No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”

Justice studies courses

Your coursework will focus on theory and research that allow you to understand the social dynamics of justice. You may also choose electives that are relevant to your interests, such as disability justice and advocacy, human rights, environmental justice, immigration and more.


The jobs a justice studies major is prepared for

Beyond the legal field, justice studies majors are prepared for careers in a variety of areas, such as economics, education, politics, public service and more. Potential career paths for graduates include, but aren’t limited to:

College Program Director


Growth: 3.5 %
Salary: $99,940

Community Specialist


Growth: 6.5 %
Salary: $47,290

Detective Sergeant


Growth: 1.5 %
Salary: $86,280

Human Behavior Researcher


Growth: 4.8 %
Salary: $50,470

Judge


Growth: 2.2 %
Salary: $151,030

Lawyer


Growth: 7.5 %
Salary: $135,740

Mediator


Growth: 5.0 %
Salary: $64,030

Political Analyst


Growth: 6.6 %
Salary: $128,020

Social Sciences Professor


Growth: 2.6 %
Salary: $75,390

Insightful educators and top researchers in justice studies

From Royal Society and American Academy Fellows to Marshall and Barry Goldwater Scholarship recipients, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is home to prestigious students and faculty members who include:

  • Ford Foundation Fellows.
  • Guggenheim Fellows.
  • MacArthur Fellows.
  • National Institute for the Humanities grantees.
  • National Science Foundation grantees.
  • Nobel laureates.

Insightful educators and top researchers in justice studies

From Royal Society and American Academy Fellows to Marshall and Barry Goldwater Scholarship recipients, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is home to prestigious students and faculty members who include:

  • Ford Foundation Fellows.
  • Guggenheim Fellows.
  • MacArthur Fellows.
  • National Institute for the Humanities grantees.
  • National Science Foundation grantees.
  • Nobel laureates.

How to apply

I am a future

You’re considered a first-year student for application purposes if you’ve never attended college or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours.

Learn how to apply.

Don't meet admission requirements?

You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.

To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.

*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.

Don't meet admission requirements?

You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.

To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.

*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.

Join a leading school in cultural and social change

As part of The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the School of Social Transformation focuses on transformational knowledge across society. This includes creative research approaches to themes and questions embedded in broader historical, social and cultural contexts. We prepare our students to be informed members of the public. Our graduates are interdisciplinary, team-oriented problem-solvers who can thrive in any environment, career or pursuit.

8:1


student-to-faculty ratio.

48


tenure and tenure-track faculty.

35%


first-generation students.

57%


of students are racially or ethnically diverse.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

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