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, you’ll conduct advanced research into historical, cultural, economic and sociopolitical forces that impact social justice, while exploring timely and relevant topics with award-winning faculty.

Learn more

Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 10/11/2023


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?

The Bachelor of Science in justice studies is an interdisciplinary major focused on social justice and the historical, cultural, economic and sociopolitical forces that impact our society. In this program, you'll evaluate concepts of justice related to legal, governmental and societal institutions, as well as broader social dynamics. You’ll work alongside dedicated instructors 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 injustice:

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

What topics does a Bachelor of Science in justice studies cover?

 

This degree 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.

What skills can I develop with a Bachelor of Science in justice studies?

 

In the Bachelor of Science in justice studies program, 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.

When you complete this degree, you may use these talents to create meaningful change through governmental agencies, the legal system, public policy, nongovernmental organizations and social justice activism. On the path to careers in legal advocacy, graduates may go on to take the LSAT in preparation for law school.

Featured courses in the bachelor’s degree in justice studies

Your coursework will focus on theory and research to prepare 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. Program courses include:


JUS 301: Research in Justice Studies (SB)


JUS 302: Statistical Analysis for Justice Studies (CS)


JUS 303: Justice Theory (L)


JUS 105: Introduction to Justice Studies (SB)


JUS 210: Introduction to Ethnic Studies in the U.S. (C)


JUS 235: Disability, Justice and Advocacy (C)


JUS 214: The Pursuit of Justice in the 21st Century (SB)


What can I do with a Bachelor of Science in justice studies?

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 are not 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

From Royal Society and American Academy fellows to Fulbright Scholars, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is home to prestigious students and faculty members.

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

Insightful educators and top researchers

From Royal Society and American Academy fellows to Fulbright Scholars, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is home to prestigious students and faculty members.

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

Bachelor of Science in justice studies admission requirements

I am a future

You are considered a first-year student for application purposes if you have not attended college at all, or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours (with a minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA).

1. Review competency requirements

2. Review other admission requirements

3. Complete online application

4. File your FAFSA

5. Request ACT or SAT scores

Don't meet admission requirements?

You can still gain admission to 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 the Earned Admission Pathway is right for you.

Don't meet admission requirements?

You can still gain admission to 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 the Earned Admission Pathway is right for you.

A community of dedicated peers

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, political, geographic and cultural contexts. We prepare our students to be informed members of the public. Our graduates are interdisciplinary, team-oriented, real-world problem-solvers that 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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