Program Description
The distinction between law on the books and law in action, which refers to how people experience law in their everyday lives, is a cornerstone of the certificate program.
The undergraduate certificate program in socio-legal studies offers a model for educating and training students in the study of legal ideas, institutions and practices from the perspectives of the social sciences, law and the humanities.
Program Requirements
Students must complete 15 credit hours with at least 12 credit hours completed at the upper-division level. A minimum grade of "C" (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) is required for a course to count toward the certificate.
Core Theory and Foundation Courses (choose two) -- 6 credit hours
Interdisciplinary Elective Component (choose three) -- 9 credit hours
Interdisciplinary electives must be taken from at least two different academic disciplines. Any course listed below may count towards this requirement. Other courses can be approved by the certificate program director.
Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this certificate.
Enrollment Requirements
Students who have attained sophomore standing (30 credit hours) in any undergraduate degree program at ASU are eligible for admission to the certificate program for socio-legal studies.
A student pursuing an undergraduate certificate must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at ASU. Undergraduate certificates are not awarded prior to the award of an undergraduate degree. A student already holding an undergraduate degree may pursue an undergraduate certificate as a nondegree-seeking graduate student.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate the ability to apply the fundamental principles of socio-legal studies to specific domestic or international issues through direct community engagement or research.
- Critically assess core socio-legal theory, concepts and methods.
Career Outlook
Graduates who have combined the certificate in socio-legal studies with their major program of study may be more marketable to employers. They often decide to pursue employment in law, education, public service, and human welfare and social work. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions.
Example Careers
Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions.
Lawyers
- Growth: 7.5%
- Median Salary*: 135740
Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers
- Growth: 1.1%
- Median Salary*: 94990
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
- Growth: 11.4%
- Median Salary*: 90130
Marriage and Family Therapists
- Growth: 14.9%
- Median Salary*: 56570
Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators
- Growth: 5%
- Median Salary*: 64030
Mental Health Counselors
- Growth: 18.4%
- Median Salary*: 49710
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
- Growth: 4.2%
- Median Salary*: 59200
Legislators
- Growth: 3.4%
- Median Salary*: 48090
Child, Family, and School Social Workers
- Growth: 5.3%
- Median Salary*: 50820
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
Program Contact Information
If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly.
For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.
Concurrent degree programs are specially designed academic programs which provide high-achieving undergraduate students the opportunity to complete two distinct but complementary bachelor degrees at the same time. Students must meet minimum admissions standards for both programs and be accepted individually by both colleges offering the concurrent program.
Students pursuing concurrent degrees earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. ASU offers students two ways to earn concurrent degrees: by choosing a predetermined combination or creating their own combination. Predetermined combinations have a single admissions application and one easy to follow major map. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor. Either way, concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
ASU students may accelerate their studies by earning a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in as little as five years (for some programs) or by earning a bachelor’s degree in 2.5 or 3 years.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master’s degree. These programs, featuring the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty, allow students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years.
Accelerated bachelor’s degree programs allow students to choose either a 2.5- or a 3-year path while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students can opt to fast-track their studies after acceptance into a participating program by connecting with their academic advisor.
This is only the first required math course. This program may contain additional math courses; See Major Map for details.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the General level: MAT 142
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Moderate level: MAT 117, MAT 119, MAT 170, MAT 210, SOS 101, CPI 200
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Substantial level: MAT 251, MAT 265. MAT 266, MAT 267, MAT 270, MAT 271, MAT 272, MAT 274, MAT 275
To add a minor, please consult with the academic advisor for your major.
To add a certificate, please consult with the academic advisor for your major.
A rolling deadline means that applications will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis until the semester begins. International students should be mindful of visa deadlines to ensure there is time to produce necessary visa documents. Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit application materials as soon as possible for consideration.
A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Graduate Admissions by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Graduate Admissions.
