on campus
Social Justice & Human Rights, MA - Advising
In communities here and around the world, oppressed people respond in novel and creative ways, both to contest and to transform injustice, whenever it may occur. You can gain deeper knowledge to better understand these troubles in order to work toward solutions. This program provides opportunity for hands-on experience with scholars and advocates. We will cover everything you need to know about the Social Justice and Human Rights, MA program as well as application tips, tuition, fees and more.
Join us at an information session to determine if this program meets your research and career goals.
For admission requirements please visit ASU Degree Search and download the Next Steps Checklist.
After you submit your application to the master’s in social justice and human rights there are a few things you can do to ensure your file is complete and reviewed by the admissions committee as quickly as possible.
Letters of recommendation. We recommend that you follow-up with your recommenders to ensure that they have received the request and are able to complete the request to provide a recommendation. You can remind your recommenders or update recommenders by visiting MyASU.
Official transcripts. The number one reason that decisions are delayed is because the unofficial transcripts are not complete, do not show prerequisite coursework (when applicable), do not have the applicant name, or the institution name. Please request an official copy of your transcript be submitted to Arizona State University as quickly as possible.
If unofficial transcripts are not uploaded at the time of application, official transcripts will be required to be submitted before your application will move forward for admission review.
The status of your application is available by logging in to MyASU. After a file is in committee it should take less than 14 days for an admission decision. Please monitor your email as our admissions team will reach out to you with any questions and to provide updates.
Undergraduate students in select majors are eligible to begin graduate coursework during their final semester or year at ASU. Please visit Accelerated Program (4+1) for more information.
Join live sessions with ASU team members who will answer your questions about ASU.
Here are just a few of the virtual events offered:
New Students
Accepting Admission Offer: Register Today
Secure your spot in the program by emailing NCGradAdmissions@asu.edu and informing your faculty mentor.
International Student Admits: Students from other countries (F-1 status) should read and complete next steps for securing a visa.
Deferring Admission Offer
If you are unable to enroll in the term that you originally applied for then please review your options to defer admission.
Declining Admission Offer
We understand that plans change. If you do not wish to attend this program please email NCGradAdmissions@asu.edu with your full name, ASU ID number (located on admissions letter), and your intention to decline the offer. This will help to ensure that ASU advisors do not reach out regarding next steps and registration.
Click here to review your program’s available courses within your semester of admission and select classes for enrollment.
Now What?
Prior to beginning your first course it is important that you read and understand the information available under “Current Students” on this advising website. This includes, but is not limited to, the Program Handbook, Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy, and Graduate College Policies & Procedures. Students are responsible for information contained on this advising website, we recommend that you bookmark this page.
Login to MyASU and complete items listed in Priority Tasks.
Graduate College Field Guide to Grad School
ASU Graduate Admissions Next Steps
Financial Aid & Scholarship Services
Check your ASU email regularly
Save the date for orientation: Fall 2023 TBD
Current Students
Staff Academic Advising Questions
We are here to help! E-mail NCGradAdvising@asu.edu with questions related to policies and procedures to help you navigate graduate school successfully.
SJHR Canvas Organization
Current announcements, program newsletters, past justice briefings, upcoming events, and many more program features and details can be found in the SJHR Canvas organization, also called the "SJR Canvas Student Engagement Site". All new students are added to the organization upon their first semester and will receive an email invitation to join. If you are a current student and do not have access to the organization please email the program director to receive the invite, Tricia.M.Redeker-Hepner@asu.edu.
SJHR Student Listserv
All students are automatically enrolled in the SJHR student listserv. The listserv is the primary way that information is distributed to students, from newsletters and flyers for upcoming events, to professional opportunities like jobs, conferences/workshops, and internships.
Peer Mentorship
What is an SJHR Graduate Mentor?
SJHR Graduate Mentors are returning MA SJHR students who volunteer to help their peers navigate ASU, the Program, and grad school in general. SJHR Graduate Mentors are also willing to help BA JHR students who are considering graduate studies.
Who can be an SJHR Graduate Mentor?
Current MA SJHR students in good academic standing, who have successfully completed at least one year in the Program, can become Mentors.
What kind of commitment am I making?
As an SJHR Graduate Mentor, you are committing to making yourself available to your peers (especially new students), and/or to JHR undergrads, to answer their questions, encourage their success, and help build our community. You must be able to respond to emails in a timely fashion and be open and available to others. We ask that you commit to at least one full semester.
Why should I consider serving as an SJHR Graduate Mentor?
Mentoring experiences contribute to your own skills and development, helping you excel in graduate school and beyond. Peer mentoring helps create and sustain community and solidarity, making our program a more welcoming and supportive place for all. Serving as a mentor encourages you to build better relationships with faculty and advising staff as you find ways to help your peers. Mentoring can enhance your own academic, research, professional, and social networks. Finally, mentoring helps build your CV/resume and gives your professors more to say about you in their letters of recommendation for jobs, internships, PhD programs, award nominations, and more!
How do I sign up and get involved?
Visit and complete the SJHR Mentoring form.
For additional resources and information on peer mentoring (and other kinds of mentoring relationships in graduate school), please visit this link.
Funding Opportunities
MA SJHR Program Funding for Students (PDF)
Application for Travel & Research Funds
Travel Research (PDF)
Application for Professional Development
Professional Development (PDF)
Important Student Support Resources
The MA Social Justice and Human Rights program requires 33 credit hours including a 3-6 credit hour culminating experience.
ASU Catalog and Degree Search: Social Justice and Human Rights, MA
Download an MASJHR Checklist (For students admitted for fall 2023)
Download an MASJHR Checklist (For students admitted for fall 2022)
Download an MASJHR Checklist (For students who began 2018 or after)
Download an MASJHR Sample Course Schedule (For students admitted fall 2022)
Download an MASJHR Sample Course Schedule (For students who began 2018 or after)
Plan of Study (iPOS)
What is the Interactive Plan of Study (iPOS)?
The Interactive Plan of Study (iPOS) functions as an agreement between the student, the academic unit, and the ASU Graduate College. It will support you as you make progress toward your degree requirements. (Learn More)
The iPOS allows you to plan for your course load, can guide registration each term, and provides an anticipated timeline for degree completion.
How do I select courses for my iPOS?
At the time of admission to a graduate program in the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences students are provided with a sequence of courses for the first semester and then work closely with the staff and faculty advisors to determine a successful path to degree completion.
How to create an iPOS?
To access the iPOS: Login to My ASU. From the My Programs box, under the Programs tab, select iPOS. Select Graduate Interactive Plan of Study (iPOS). Note: Pop up blockers may need to be turned off. You will find instructions for submitting the iPOS in the downloadable how-to guide.
Individualized Instruction form
Advanced students in the MASJHR program with specialized and well-developed topics may choose to take JHR 580; Practicum, JHR 590: Reading and Conference, or JHR 592: Research as an individualized instruction course, working with a faculty member independently. Please refer to the MASJHR Program Handbook for additional policies.
After consulting with the faculty member with whom you want to work, please complete the Online Individualized Instruction Form. After completing the form, it may take several days to receive the line number to register.
Please submit the request to complete an individualized instruction course two weeks prior to the start of any academic semester.
Internships
If you are interested in completing an internship for academic credit, please follow the steps below:
- Please confirm with your graduate academic advisor that the internship meets your program’s degree requirements.
- Contact the New College Director of Internships, Diane Mallory at diane.mallory@asu.edu or call 602-543-6047.
- Once enrolled in the course, email your graduate advisor at NCGradAdvising@asu.edu to add it to your iPOS or you can log directly into your iPOS to submit a course change approval to ensure the internship is included in your degree requirements.
For detailed descriptions of both the Applied Project and Thesis culminating experience options, please read the Program Handbook.
Applied Project or Thesis Proposal
In the semester prior to beginning Applied Project or Thesis, students must submit an applied project/thesis proposal, which must be approved by the entire committee, as well as the Program Director.
To be eligible for enroll in JHR 593 Applied Project or JHR 599 Thesis, a student must:
- Have an up-to-date and approved iPOS on file;
- Have completed the Core Course Requirements of 18 credit hours (JHR 500, JHR 501, JHR 506, JHR 510, JHR 525, and JHR 584)
- Complete the online SJHR Proposal Registration Form BEFORE the deadline
- Accept invitation to enter the Canvas JHR Thesis/Applied Project Proposal course (the Canvas invite will be sent upon completion of above SJHR Proposal registration form)
- Submit a completed JHR Thesis/Applied Project Proposal to the Canvas course before the deadline
Deadline to register for AND to submit the proposal is 2 weeks prior to the start of the Thesis or Applied Project semester.
Your faculty advisor plays an important role in supporting your success in graduate school. Each enrolled student is assigned an interim faculty advisor to help them get started in the program. Your interim advisor may or may not become your official advisor/committee chair as listed in your iPOS, but they should help you identify your goals, connect you with resources, and network with other faculty. Advisors and students should both be proactive in communicating and holding regular meetings.
Our Faculty
Core Faculty:
MA SJHR program, advise students, serve on committees, and do other supportive work for the program. Below is a list of your program’s faculty who may potentially serve as your faculty chair/advisor. Use the ASU iSearch feature to read more about each faculty’s expertise and research.
- Tricia Redeker-Hepner, MA Program Director
- Heather Smith-Cannoy, BA Program Director
- Natasha Behl
- Audrey Comstock
- Allan Colbern
- Malay Firoz
- Kendall Funk
- Nisa Goskel
- Jennifer Keahey
- Sangmi Lee
- Amit Ron
Associated Faculty:
SJHR associate faculty are tenure-line or non-tenure line faculty in SBS or in other Schools and programs. Their courses may satisfy JHR required or elective credit, and they may serve on student committees and occasionally as advisers. Use the ASU iSearch feature to read more about each faculty’s expertise and research. Some of our current affiliated faculty include:
- Duku Anoyke
- Gloria Cuadraz
- Breanne Fahs
- Liza Hita
- Linda Kim
- Jennet Kirkpatrick
- Ilana Luna
- Majia Nadesan
- Julia Sarreal
