Online Bachelor of Arts in Social Justice and Human Rights
Arizona State University’s online Bachelor of Arts in social justice and human rights provides you with deep theoretical and practical knowledge of these two related fields. You’ll examine some of the most critical issues related to race, gender, sexuality, immigration and more while also learning the skills needed to lead positive change for marginalized communities.
Quick facts
Next start date: 05/19/2025
Total classes: 40
Weeks per class: 7.5
Total credit hours: 120
Make a difference with a career in social justice and human rights
This program prepares you for a rewarding career where you can make a difference in your community and around the world. If you’re interested in volunteering or working for organizations that advance the causes of social justice and human rights, this program may be a great fit for you. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared to work in community-engaged advocacy and effectively support marginalized groups.
The skills you’ll develop in this program
A social justice and human rights degree is an interdisciplinary program that prepares you to advocate for rights and equality in local, national and global contexts. This program draws from a variety of social science disciplines including politics, sociology, history, anthropology and linguistics. Examining perspectives from all of these disciplines will prepare you to address pressing issues related to racial justice, immigration, feminism, refugee rights and more.
In addition to gaining broad expertise in these topics, you’ll be equipped with transferable skills from across the social sciences, including writing, communication, research and statistical analysis of human rights data. As you hone your skills in writing and research, you’ll gain essential knowledge related to rights and justice by taking nine credit hours from three different interdisciplinary tracks:
- Identity and place.
- Law, citizenship and migration.
- Social justice and inequality.
Get the opportunity to participate in research with faculty
As a student, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in research with faculty for funding or academic credit through the New College Undergraduate Inquiry and Research Experience program. The faculty you meet throughout your courses can help you connect to other faculty who share your interests and have space for an NCUIRE student. This research can strengthen your resume and allow you to stand out among the competition when entering the workforce.
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.”
Social justice and human rights courses
Courses in this program approach human rights and justice topics, including political, social and cultural perspectives. Most classes culminate with a paper that showcases the area-specific knowledge you developed in that course. The program culminates with a capstone course in which you’ll showcase the skills you’ve developed throughout the program and prepare for future employment.
What you can do with a social justice and human rights degree
This program prepares you for a career advocating for social justice and protecting human rights. Upon graduation, you can pursue jobs at nonprofits and inter-governmental organizations, such as Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, United Nations, domestic violence shelters and various social justice organizations. You’ll also be qualified to apply for positions within government agencies, advocacy organizations, aid groups and more. Many graduates also go on to law school and pursue careers as public interest attorneys. Additional potential careers include, but aren’t limited to:
Advocate
Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES)
Community Health Worker
Community Specialist
Government Programs Specialist
Mental Health Counselor
Political Analyst
Politician
Social Services Director
Study with some of the brightest, most innovative academic minds in the world
Prepare for the full New College experience curated by world-renowned faculty who are some of the brightest, most innovative academic minds in the world. Areas of expertise include psychology, anthropology, geography, political science, cybersecurity, forensic science and more. Our faculty strives to create an environment that prepares students to take their place in the world using the skills they’ve learned to pursue careers that benefit their communities.
Study with some of the brightest, most innovative academic minds in the world
Prepare for the full New College experience curated by world-renowned faculty who are some of the brightest, most innovative academic minds in the world. Areas of expertise include psychology, anthropology, geography, political science, cybersecurity, forensic science and more. Our faculty strives to create an environment that prepares students to take their place in the world using the skills they’ve learned to pursue careers that benefit their communities.
How to apply
first-year student
You’re considered a first-year student for application purposes if you’ve never attended college or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours.
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.
Study at one of the top-ranked universities in the nation
ASU is a global university recognized for its commitment to innovation, research and high-quality academic programs. Our university has been recognized with peer-reviewed honors from U.S. News & World Report.
#1
in innovation for 10 consecutive years, ahead of Stanford and MIT.
Top 10
best online bachelor’s programs.
Top 10%
best global universities.
80%
of graduates reported their experiences at ASU inspired them to explore new career opportunities.
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.
