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.

Learn more

Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 05/16/2024


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

* Indicates a required field

This is a required field.
This is a required field.
This is a required field.
Invalid phone number. Please try again.

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.


JHR 100: Introduction to Social Justice and Human Rights (CIVI OR SB & G)


JHR 305: Theory and Practice of Social Justice and Human Rights (CIVI OR SB & G)


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


Growth: 8.6 %
Salary: $38,520

Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES)


Growth: 7.2 %
Salary: $59,990

Community Health Worker


Growth: 14.1 %
Salary: $46,190

Community Specialist


Growth: 6.5 %
Salary: $47,290

Government Programs Specialist


Growth: 2.2 %
Salary: $49,230

Mental Health Counselor


Growth: 18.4 %
Salary: $49,710

Political Analyst


Growth: 6.6 %
Salary: $128,020

Politician


Growth: 3.4 %
Salary: $48,090

Social Services Director


Growth: 9.1 %
Salary: $74,240

Study with some of the brightest, most innovative academic minds in the world

As an online student at ASU, you’ll get the New College experience from the same faculty who teach our courses on campus from anywhere in the world. Our faculty members are some of the brightest, most innovative academic minds in the world. Our areas of expertise include psychology, anthropology, geography, political science, cybersecurity, forensic science and more. Our mission is to create an environment that prepares students to take their place in the world using the skills they have learned to pursue careers that benefit their community.

Study with some of the brightest, most innovative academic minds in the world

As an online student at ASU, you’ll get the New College experience from the same faculty who teach our courses on campus from anywhere in the world. Our faculty members are some of the brightest, most innovative academic minds in the world. Our areas of expertise include psychology, anthropology, geography, political science, cybersecurity, forensic science and more. Our mission is to create an environment that prepares students to take their place in the world using the skills they have learned to pursue careers that benefit their community.

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.

Competency requirements

Additional admission requirements

High school equivalency

Homeschool

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 9 consecutive years, ahead of Stanford and MIT.

Top 5


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.

You might also be interested in

Justice Studies (BA)

Undergraduate

Justice Studies (BA)


Community Advocacy and Social Policy (BA)

Undergraduate

Community Advocacy and Social Policy (BA)


Gender, Women and Sexuality Studies (BA)

Undergraduate

Gender, Women and Sexuality Studies (BA)


Political Science (BA)

Undergraduate

Political Science (BA)