Online Bachelor of Arts in Justice Studies

Are you passionate about social justice? Arizona State University’s Bachelor of Arts in justice studies degree online takes an in-depth look at the evolving nature of justice from multiple academic perspectives. You’ll prepare for a career in law, government, politics, education, non-profit leadership and more.

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Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 01/13/2025


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 (BA)? Fill out this form and we’ll get in touch!

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What’s a justice studies degree?

This justice studies degree is a social science-based undergraduate program that examines justice and social inquiry from diverse perspectives. As a justice studies major, you’ll analyze how the definition of justice changes based on classical, contemporary, domestic and global contexts.

This degree is ideal if you want to understand what justice is and how to achieve it, as well as have the desire to drive social transformation.

The skills you’ll develop in this program

This justice studies degree provides you with tools to understand and achieve justice in the U.S. The curriculum includes classic and contemporary philosophies and theories of justice. You’ll gain a broad foundation in social science, the humanities and other focus areas needed for success in the field.

This program will prepare you for a wide range of career paths in law, government, politics, education and more. You’ll develop valuable, transferable skills, such as critical thinking, oral and written communication, collaboration, critical analysis, digital technology and intercultural fluency.

What’s the difference between a BA and a BS in justice studies?

This BA is very similar to ASU’s BS in justice studies online. The primary difference between these two programs is the foreign language requirement in this BA program.

Additionally, if you have an interest in social science, you may lean toward the Bachelor of Arts. If you want to prioritize statistical analysis and quantitative inquiry in your studies, the Bachelor of Science may be better for you.

If you’re interested in pursuing a law degree, earning a BA or a BS justice studies degree will provide a well-rounded education that prepares you for law school. You'll gain abstract thinking skills, the ability to interpret texts and a high reading comprehension, which will help on your Law School Admission Test (LSAT). You'll also learn to think reasonably and logically, which law schools typically look for in candidates.

It’s important to note this isn’t a criminology program. It doesn’t prepare you for a career in criminal justice.

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

Courses in this program run the gamut from justice theories to social inquiry. You’ll explore legal and social philosophies of justice while learning new methods for conducting justice studies research. You can also take a range of electives, such as justice-seeking organizations, ethnic studies and disability rights.


The careers a justice studies degree prepares you for

As a graduate of this program, you’ll have a diverse range of job opportunities available to you to pursue a justice studies career. You’ll be prepared for jobs in law, government, politics, education, community-based works and more. Career examples 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

Learn from professionals in criminal justice and justice law

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:

  • Fulbright American Scholars.
  • Guggenheim Fellows.digit
  • MacArthur Fellows.
  • Nobel laureates.

Learn from professionals in criminal justice and justice law

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:

  • Fulbright American Scholars.
  • Guggenheim Fellows.digit
  • MacArthur Fellows.
  • 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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