PhD Justice Studies at Arizona State University

Programme overview

The Doctor of Philosophy program in justice studies at School of Social Transformation invites all qualified applicants. The diverse community of scholars unites you and faculty across academic boundaries to strategically create social change that is democratic, inclusive and just. The interdisciplinary doctoral program in justice studies prepares you to address complex social problems and become tomorrow's leader.

What you will study

84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation Required Core (6 credit hours) JUS 620 Justice Research Methodology (3) JUS 640 Theoretical Perspectives on Justice (3) Other Requirement (3 credit hours) JUS 630 Data Analysis for Justice Research (3) or JUS 650 Advanced Qualitative Data Analysis (3) or SST 691 Topic: Quantitative Methods for Qualitative Researchers (3) Electives and Research (63 credit hours) Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) JUS 799 Dissertation (12) Additional Curriculum Information For the other requirement course, students may take JUS 630, JUS 650, SST 691 or other methods course at ASU that is approved by the justice studies graduate director.

Career pathways

Graduates are prepared to work in justice-related organizations, teach in community colleges and universities, and conduct research in the justice field.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program. All applicants must submit: graduate admission application and application fee official transcripts personal statement writing sample three letters of recommendation (academic references are preferred) proof of English proficiency Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency. The personal statement should be 1.5 to 2 pages, double spaced, and outline the applicant's areas of interest, educational and career goals.

Domestic applicants: USD 13,327 a year (2026-27). Arizona resident tuition. Tuition only for the graduate on-campus (Tempe/Downtown Phoenix/Polytechnic/West Valley) rate band in the ASU tuition estimator, 2026-27: Fall 2026 plus Spring 2027 term tuition summed (full-time flat rate; part-time credit loads Source

International applicants: USD 24,780 a year (2026-27). International tuition. Tuition only for the graduate on-campus (Tempe/Downtown Phoenix/Polytechnic/West Valley) rate band in the ASU tuition estimator, 2026-27: Fall 2026 plus Spring 2027 term tuition summed (full-time flat rate; part-time credit loads ar Source

Entry terms: Fall, Spring and Summer; the terms available for each programme are listed in Degree Search.

Graduate application deadlines are set by each programme office and listed in Degree Search. The nonrefundable application fee is $75 for U.S. citizens, permanent residents, DACA and international online students outside the U.S., and $120 for international students on a nonimmigrant visa studying in the U.S.

Apply through the official page: https://admission.asu.edu/apply/graduate/admission

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