Accelerated Bachelors to Masters

Are you interested in a career in Criminal Justice? The MACJ program is designed for students to
advance their careers and make a meaningful impact within the criminal justice field. This graduate
program provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary education in criminal justice, offering
specialized pathways that cater to the evolving needs of today’s criminal justice landscape.

The accelerated Bachelor’s and Master of Arts in Criminal Justice degree will allow students to complete
their degree in five years. Students from any major can apply to this program.

Please get in touch with your advisor or program director Hyoungah Park at hpark1@saintpeters.edu, for information on the MACJ Program.

The Accelerated Bachelor’s to MACJ degree program offers several advantages:

• Accelerates the attainment of an advanced degree
• Facilitates seamless transition to a master’s degree
• Increases students’ marketability in the Criminal Justice field.
• Saves students time and money (first nine credits are included in full-time undergraduate tuition
  for a saving of around $9,000.)

Admission Requirements
Any student may apply to the program upon completing 60 credits and, upon acceptance, take three
graduate courses (nine credits) within their last 30 credits.

Specific admission requirements include:

• Successful completion of 60 credits
• Cumulative major GPA of 3.3 or higher, Major GPA of 3.0 or higher, and Cognate Course GPA of
  3.0 or higher at the time of application and when the BA degree is completed
• Complete the Bachelor’s degree in four (4) years or less
• Submission of the graduate application and personal statement (250+ words)
• Official transcript(s) will be obtained from Enrollment Services upon completion
• Two letters of recommendation from the school of Undergraduate Degree
• An interview may be required

Students may apply to the program by November 1st , but not later than March 1st , before their last 30 credits.

Credits and Curriculum
The Master of Arts in Criminal Justice degree program is a 36-credit program. If accepted into the
accelerated program, students will take up to nine graduate credits in either the fall or spring within
their last 30 credits. (Note: Undergraduates cannot take graduate courses during the Winter Trimester.)
Graduate courses taken while an undergraduate are billed at the undergraduate tuition rate and fulfill
course requirements for the Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.

Students will meet with the MACJ program advisor to choose from the courses listed below. The
bachelor’s degree will be awarded upon completing all undergraduate degree requirements. (Note: The
University will apply the initial nine graduate credits to the graduate transcript upon completing 12
additional graduate credits.)

• CJA 616 U.S. Constitution and Criminal Justice Administration
• CJA 665 Advanced Criminological Theory
• CJA 674 Criminal Justice Policy Formation and Analysis
• CJA 658 Ethical Issues in Criminal Justice Administration
• CJA 650 Research Methods in Criminal Justice
• GB 511 Organization Behavior and Organizational Development
• AC 501 Managerial Accounting

Upon completion of the bachelor’s degree, students take all graduate courses and enroll in at least two
courses each subsequent trimester until they complete the degree. All graduate courses are billed at the
graduate tuition rate. Upon completing the remaining graduate credits, the students will be awarded a
Master of Arts in Criminal Justice.
(Students can complete the program in ONE YEAR after receiving their bachelor’s degree.)

Learning Goals

Our MACJ program emphasizes a balance between theoretical knowledge, practical application, and
advanced research, equipping students with the skills required to lead and innovate in various criminal
justice roles. Students will engage in rigorous coursework, hands-on experiences, and a capstone project or comprehensive exam, preparing them for real-world challenges and leadership positions within
criminal justice agencies, government, nonprofit organizations, and private sectors.

Students will be able to:

• Develop advanced analytical skills to critically examine criminal justice issues, policies, and
  practices.
• Cultivate problem-solving and decision-making skills to address contemporary challenges in
  criminal justice.
• Gain proficiency in research methods and statistical analysis applicable to criminal justice
  research.
• Develop skills to conduct independent research, focusing on applied research projects relevant
  to criminal justice policy and practice.
• Demonstrate an understanding of ethical issues in criminal justice, including ethical decision-
  making and the impact of ethical practices on justice outcomes.
• Understand and apply knowledge of legal standards, regulations, and rights in criminal justice
  settings.
• Acquire knowledge of administrative practices, including management principles, budgeting,
  and organizational behavior within criminal justice organizations.
• Understand strategies for leadership and effective policy-making in the criminal justice system.
• Analyze criminal justice issues from a global perspective, with an understanding of international
  criminal justice systems and transnational crime.
• Develop cross-cultural communication skills and awareness of global human rights standards
  related to criminal justice practices.
• Develop expertise in cybercrime typologies, digital forensic techniques, and cybersecurity
  strategies.
• Gain practical skills in investigating cybercrimes and applying digital forensic methods to detect
  and respond to cyber threats.
• Learn to leverage technology, including data analytics and artificial intelligence, to enhance
  criminal justice practices and policies.
• Understand the role of emerging technologies in crime prevention, investigation, and justice
  administration.
• Enhance written and oral communication skills to effectively convey complex criminal justice
  information to diverse audiences, including stakeholders and policymakers.
• Develop the ability to present research findings and policy recommendations clearly and
  persuasively.
• Apply theoretical knowledge to practical issues through a capstone project, focusing on real-
  world criminal justice challenges.
• Develop skills in designing, executing, and presenting an applied research project contributing to
  criminal justice.