Master of Science in Justice Studies

Justice and Social Inquiry offers a Master of Science in justice studies, which commonly involves 30 hours of course work and six hours of thesis. For the applied project/capstone experience, 36 credit hours are required, which includes six hours of the applied project.

For additional information on Justice and Social Inquiry graduate programs, please see our Graduate Handbook.

Required Courses

The master's degree program requires that students complete four core courses. Students must earn a grade of "B" (3.00) or better in each core course. These foundation courses are:

1. JUS 500 Justice Research Methods (3)
   Presents theories and methods of qualitative and quantitative research with emphasis on development of designs most relevant to justice issues.
2. JUS 501 Justice Theory (3)
   Acquaints students with classical and contemporary theories and philosophies of social, economic, political, and criminal justice, including an assessment of their relevance to contemporary justice issues.
3. JUS 509 Statistical Problems in Justice Research (3)
   Studies statistical methods specific to justice and social inquiry.
4. JUS 521 Qualitative Data Analysis (3)
   Analyzes qualitative data (e.g., field notes, in-depth interview transcripts and document analysis); coding programs; qualitative evaluation.

Application

The Graduate College encourages everyone to apply electronically. You may apply to Justice and Social Inquiry's Master of Science program at any time throughout the year. However, admission decisions are made only once each year during the spring for the following fall semester. The deadline for accepting applications for fall semester is Dec. 14.

In order to process your application promptly, you are encouraged to apply electronically. In addition, send the following materials to the Graduate College, at the address listed below:

1. Transcripts from the institutions you have attended, or are now attending.
2. GRE scores (or LSAT score) taken in the last 5 years.

Graduate College Admissions
Arizona State University
P.O. Box 871003
Tempe, AZ 85287-1003

Applicants must submit these items directly to Justice and Social Inquiry by the same deadline:

1. Personal statement (1-1/2 to 2 pages, double spaced) outlining areas of interest, educational and career goals.
2. Three letters of reference (academic references are preferred).
3. A writing sample (research that best represents your academic thinking and writing skills and a minimum of ten pages).

For further information on the master's program, please review the Graduate Handbook or contact the graduate coordinator, Nancy Winn, at graduate.justice@asu.edu or  480-965-6008.