B.S./M.S. or M.A. accelerated program

About accelerated degrees in criminal justice

An accelerated bachelor's/master's program is available for students currently admitted in the Bachelor of Science in criminology and criminal justice (BSCCJ) program. This allows students to graduate with a B.S. in criminology and criminal justice and a Master of Science (M.S.) in criminology and criminal justice (on-campus) or a Master of Arts (M.A.) in criminal justice (online).

What’s the difference between the M.A. and M.S.?

The Master of Arts in Criminal Justice online program (MACJ) is a professional degree designed to provide criminal justice agency professionals with coursework in criminology and the operation of the criminal justice system to provide the knowledge and skills required to advance a career in the criminal justice field. The program provides valuable training in research methods and statistics, program planning and management, policy analysis, and program evaluation.  

• Program is 33 credits/11 classes
• Rolling Admission: Admission is available for Fall, Spring, or Summer semesters
• Classes are either session A or B (7 ½ weeks in fall and spring, and 6 weeks in summer), summer classes are offered
• GRE not required for admission
• Students take a capstone course (no thesis option)
• Practitioner Degree
• 100% online, no in-person classes available

The Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice on-campus program (MSCCJ) is a research degree program designed to provide students with a high level of theoretical and empirical knowledge about crime and criminal justice. The program provides students with the advanced research skills needed for careers as criminal justice researchers, leadership roles in criminal justice and related agencies and organizations, and for continued study in doctoral programs in criminology and criminal justice.    

• Program is 33 credits/11 classes
• Available to start in Fall semesters only. Fall Application Priority deadline: January 1
• Late applications accepted after January 1 for Fall admission
• Classes are session C (entire semester), very limited summer class options
• GRE not required for admission
• Thesis and non-thesis degree completion options are available
• All classes offered on ASU’s downtown Phoenix campus taught in-person

Eligibility requirements

Students interested in this program must meet the following eligibility requirements:

1. 75-90 credits completed
2. Completion of research methods (CRJ 302 or ASU course equivalent) with a minimum grade of B
3. Completion of statistics (CRJ 303 or ASU course equivalent) with a minimum grade of B 
4. Cumulative ASU GPA of 3.40 or higher

Students earning a B.S. in criminal justice can count up to 12 credits/4 classes of 500 level coursework toward both undergraduate degree requirements and graduate degree requirements.

Benefits of the Accelerated Program

• Up to 12 credits/4 classes of CRJ 5xx level graduate courses would apply toward both your undergraduate degree requirements and graduate degree requirements.  
• If students complete 12 credits/4 classes as a 4+1 student, students would only need to complete 21 credits/7 classes to graduate with a master’s degree.
• Students pay undergraduate tuition for graduate courses taken as a 4+1 student (up to 12 credits/4 classes).
• Having a master’s degree generally allows employees to earn a higher salary, demonstrates that employees have advanced knowledge in CCJ, and enhances the opportunities for career promotions and advancement.

Application procedure 

Students must apply for admission to the program. All applicants must submit the following the following materials:

• A personal statement, not exceeding five pages, that describes the applicant’s prior education, relevant professional experience, and career goals. The statement should address how the graduate program will help the applicant achieve those goals.
• A current resume.
• An application (link to application available from CCJ graduate advisor).
• An unofficial ASU transcript (can be obtained from your MY ASU).

Interested students should contact a CCJ graduate advisor before applying to the 4+1 program. Please send an email to gradsccj@asu.edu for more information and specify if you are interested in applying to the online MACJ program or the on-campus MSCCJ program.

Admitted students

Students will be considered undergraduates until all B.S. program requirements have been completed. Undergraduate students accepted into the 4+1 accelerated program will be eligible to take up to 12 credits/4 classes of graduate-level courses while in undergraduate status. Students will work closely with a 4+1 program advisor to register for graduate level courses that will be integrated into the student's program.

In consultation with an advisor, the student will develop an integrated plan of study leading to the dual degrees. Note, however, that all colleges, schools, divisions, and departments establish certain academic requirements that must be met before a degree is granted. Advisors, directors, department chairs, and deans are available to help the student understand these requirements, but the student is responsible for fulfilling them. At the end of a student's course of study, if requirements for graduation have not been satisfied, the degree is not granted. For this reason, it is important for all students to acquaint themselves with all regulations, to be informed throughout their college careers, and to be responsible for completing all requirements.

Questions

Please email gradsccj@asu.edu for more information or questions about the 4+1 program.