Justice studies BA program now offered through ASU Online

February 18, 2021

The Bachelor of Arts in justice studies through Arizona State University's School of Social Transformation gives students an in-depth look at the evolving nature of justice from multiple academic perspectives. For years, it has been available to pursue on campus, but now it is also available through ASU Online.

With an increasing need for diversity in the justice system, it is important that students interested in pursuing a degree in justice studies have an accessible curriculum and options when exploring class formats. Madelaine Adelman, justice and social inquiry professor at the School of Social Transformation, said the online degree creates opportunities that were once nonexistent for students in special situations. student on computer Download Full Image

“More and more we see a range of individuals who, without an online option, would simply not be able to pursue or complete their undergraduate college degree," Adelman said. "This is due to a number of factors such as hours working per week, unpredictable work shifts that preclude planning to get to campus at a particular time, parenting responsibilities for their children or caretaking responsibilities for ill parents, unsustainable commute, etc.”

The on-campus justice studies degree has consistently grown over the years, and with the growing public interest in social justice and political science, justice studies Faculty Lead LaDawn Haglund said it would only make sense that the degree also be offered online.

“Our in-person justice studies degree has been very popular, and we have consistently had a large number of both majors and minors. Moving to the online format will mean that more students will be able to explore and understand issues of justice that are so pressing in the world today. It will also open up the program to people who, for whatever reason, have difficulty attending class in person,” Haglund said.

The justice studies program at ASU allows students to learn from established professionals and gain the skills needed to successfully launch a career in the fields of justice. Courses explore a wide variety of topics including racial justice, genocide, serial killers, and the way that media, culture, environment, gender and ethnicity impact justice.

A degree in justice studies can assist students in pursuing a number of careers in law and teaches students how to better engage in civic thought and community outreach. Greg Broberg, lecturer of the popular “Homicide and Serial Killers” class in the justice studies program, said pursuing a BA in justice studies can help students in ways beyond career goals.

“Whether your long-term goal is law school, working for a nonprofit or government policymaking organization – the interdisciplinary focus in justice studies brings together social science and humanities course work," Broberg said. "Today, answering questions about justice and injustice contributes to your understanding of communities and civic engagement, a critical focus within justice studies."

Megan Barbera

Marketing and graphic design student worker, School of Social Transformation

480-965-6432 mmbarbe3@asu.edu

ASU student planners receive national award for leadership, community advocacy and professional advancement

Arizona State University's Student Planning Association received second place in the 2021 Planning Student Organization awards for best student-led planning group, besting more than 100 other organizations from universities across the nation. Hosted by the American Planning Association, a national trade association for planning professionals, the Planning Student Organization award recognizes s...

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ASU student planners receive national award for leadership, community advocacy and professional advancement

February 19, 2021

Hosted by the American Planning Association, a national trade association for planning professionals, the Planning Student Organization award recognizes student organization excellence in creating activities that “connect students to APA, contribute to their communities, and provide enhanced educational experiences for the students.” ASU’s Student Planning Association received second place in the 2021 Planning Student Organization awards for best student-led planning group. Download Full Image

Over the course of the past year, the Student Planning Association led an array of professional development activities, educational programming and volunteer events that created a welcoming space for urban planning students and others interested in the field.

“For both the Student Planning Association and myself, this award validates the time, effort and commitment we've put into rebuilding our program,” said Laney Corey, Student Planning Association president and Master in Urban and Environmental Planning student. “This time last year, SPA was barely starting back up after being inactive for years. We've put in the work to grow our organization and this national recognition goes to show that our efforts in community outreach, professional development, and member engagement are working.”

From actively engaging Arizona’s chapter of the American Planning Association with new collaborative ideas to participating in annual professional planning conventions to leading development workshops and generating new ways Arizona’s planning professionals can respond to COVID-19 within their local communities, the Student Planning Association has successfully mobilized students to get further involved in the professional urban planning field, while forging beneficial relationships and building community.

“We’ve adapted and grown through challenging situations,” said Kendra Ellner, Student Planning Association board member and Master in Urban and Environmental Planning student. “But we were committed to providing a space for students who wanted to connect and explore their capabilities as upcoming professional planners.”

The Student Planning Association was also recognized for its participation in various community volunteer projects including bimonthly work at Tempe’s Clark Park Community Garden and for co-hosting a successful clothing drive benefiting the International Rescue Committee. Student Planning Association board members also held virtual educational events to educate high school students and others about the impact of urban and environmental planning locally and to raise the visibility of the professional field.

“SPA has done incredible work to strengthen and grow itself as an organization serving planning students at ASU, as well as to build stronger connections with Arizona’s planning professionals,” said Meagan Ehlenz, assistant professor in the School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning and faculty adviser to the Student Planning Association. “I truly cannot emphasize enough the deep commitment, innovation and community spirit of SPA. I have been immensely proud to support their efforts as a faculty member and even more enthusiastic about their leadership efforts within the larger AZ-APA organization.”

With more than 130 student-members, the Student Planning Association is led by an executive leadership board of both graduate and undergraduate students.

“SPA would like to dedicate this achievement to all its hard-working students, faculty and staff that make it all possible to be a part of a wonderful community and help towards success,” Ellner said. “SPA’s goals will continue to foster opportunities for future cohorts and serve as motivation to grow as an organization.”