Program Overview
Arizona State University's Justice Studies PhD program prepares future scholars and changemakers to address complex social issues through an interdisciplinary approach. The program equips students with the knowledge and skills to analyze and assess social problems, design transformative solutions, and contribute to the advancement of justice studies. Graduates are well-positioned for careers in academia, research, policy analysis, advocacy, and non-profit management.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
At Arizona State University's School of Social Transformation, the Justice Studies PhD program welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. This interdisciplinary program unites students and faculty from diverse academic disciplines to create lasting social change through democratic, inclusive, and just strategies. The program prepares future scholars and changemakers to address complex social issues and become tomorrow's leaders by equipping them with the necessary knowledge and skills.
Objectives:
- Examine the multifaceted nature of justice.
- Engage with diverse perspectives on justice.
- Develop the ability to analyze and assess social problems.
- Design and implement transformative solutions to societal challenges.
- Contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field of justice studies.
Description:
The Justice Studies PhD program offers a unique approach to the study of justice, recognizing that no single solution fits all situations. Students delve into the complexities of injustice and explore multiple perspectives on justice, equipping them with the tools to empower marginalized communities and promote social justice. The program's interdisciplinary nature allows students to draw from various fields, fostering a comprehensive understanding of justice issues and their solutions.
Outline:
Content:
The Justice Studies PhD program encompasses a comprehensive curriculum covering various aspects of justice, including:
- Theoretical frameworks of justice
- Social movements and activism
- Law and legal systems
- Criminal justice and criminology
- Gender, race, and class inequalities
- Intersectionality and social justice
- Research methods and data analysis
Structure:
The program requires the completion of 84 credit hours, including coursework, a written comprehensive exam, a prospectus, and a dissertation.
Course Schedule:
The program offers courses throughout the academic year, with flexible scheduling options to accommodate students' needs.
Modules:
The program's curriculum is organized into modules, each focusing on a specific area of justice studies. Some examples of modules include:
- Justice Research Methodology
- Theoretical Perspectives on Justice
- Data Analysis for Justice Research
- Advanced Qualitative Data Analysis
- Law and Social Justice
- Criminal Justice and Inequality
- Gender, Race, and Class in the Justice System
Assessment:
The Justice Studies PhD program employs various assessment methods to evaluate student learning and progress. These include:
- Coursework: Regular assignments, exams, and projects assess students' understanding of course material and their ability to apply theoretical concepts to real-world situations.
- Written Comprehensive Exam: This exam evaluates students' knowledge of the core concepts and theories in justice studies.
- Prospectus: Students develop a research prospectus outlining their dissertation topic and research methodology, demonstrating their ability to conduct independent research.
- Dissertation: The dissertation serves as the culminating project of the program, requiring students to conduct original research on a justice-related topic and present their findings in a scholarly manner.
Teaching:
The Justice Studies PhD program features a diverse faculty of renowned scholars and experienced practitioners. The faculty members are committed to fostering a collaborative learning environment and providing students with personalized mentorship. The program utilizes various teaching methods, including:
- Lectures: Faculty members deliver lectures to introduce key concepts and theories in justice studies.
- Seminars: Small-group discussions allow students to engage with course material in depth and explore different perspectives.
- Independent Research: Students conduct independent research projects under the guidance of faculty advisors.
- Guest Speakers: The program regularly invites guest speakers from various fields to share their expertise and experiences with students.
- Fieldwork: Students have opportunities to engage in fieldwork, applying their knowledge to real-world situations.
Careers:
Graduates of the Justice Studies PhD program are well-positioned for careers in various fields, including:
- Academia: Teaching and research positions in colleges and universities
- Research: Conducting research on justice-related issues for government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private companies
- Policy Analysis: Developing and analyzing policies related to justice issues
- Advocacy: Working with organizations and communities to promote social justice
- Non-Profit Management: Leading and managing organizations dedicated to social change
Other:
The Justice Studies PhD program provides students with opportunities to participarte in conferences and workshops, network with other scholars and practitioners, and gain valuable experience through internships and other professional development activities.
