Doctorate in Justice Studies

Justice and Social Inquiry offers an interdisciplinary Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in justice studies. This degree requires 84 credit hours beyond the bachelor's degree, or 54 hours beyond the master's or Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree. A written comprehensive examination and dissertation are required. Potential applicants who want to learn more about this program should examine our Web pages, particularly our description of faculty interests.

It is common for our students to present papers at scholarly conferences and to publish scholarly research articles. The majority of our Ph.D. graduates are teaching at the college or university level. Those interested in the J.D./Ph.D. program should refer to the J.D./Ph.D. concurrent degree information.

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

Required Courses

1. JUS 620 Justice Research Methodology (3)
   Covers the epistemology of knowledge and method in justice research, history and philosophy of social science/critical inquiry, as well as perspectives that link these concerns to research strategies. Critically explores the strengths and weaknesses of the methodologies introduced.
2. JUS 640 Theoretical Perspectives on Justice (3)
   Analyzes philosophical perspectives of justice; linkages between social science theory and justice constructs; applications of justice to social issues.

In addition, students are required to take either of the following two courses:

• JUS 630 Data Analysis for Justice Research (3)
  Bivariate and multivariate techniques of data analysis and hypothesis testing for justice-related research and use of information and statistical programs.
• JUS 650 Advanced Qualitative Analysis (3)
  Advanced qualitative data collection and analysis techniques, including ethnography, in-depth interviews, field notes, coding, transcribing, content analysis and textual analysis.

Application

The Graduate College encourages everyone to apply electronically. In addition, send the following materials to the Graduate College, at the address listed below:

1. Scores from your GRE or LSAT score taken within the last five years.
2. Transcripts from the institutions you have attended or are now attending.

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

You may apply to the interdisciplinary Ph.D. program in justice studies any time throughout the year. However, admission decisions for our department are made by the Graduate College each spring for the following fall semester. The deadline for accepting applications for fall semester is Dec. 14.

Justice and Social Inquiry requires the following materials, mailed to the address listed below:

1. A statement (one-and-a-half to two pages, double-spaced) indicating the program you are applying to, your area of interest and your educational and career goals.
2. Three academic letters of recommendation.
3. A writing sample.

Justice and Social Inquiry Graduate Programs
Arizona State University
P.O. Box 874902
Tempe, AZ 85287-4902

For further information on the doctoral program, please review the Graduate Handbook (PDF) or contact the graduate coordinator, Nancy Winn, at graduate.justice@asu.edu or    480-965-6008