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 (in-person), a Master of Arts (M.A.) in criminal justice (online), or a M.S. in crime analysis (online).

What’s the difference between the three programs?

Master of Arts in Criminal Justice online program (MACJ) 

The Master of Arts in Criminal Justice online program (MACJ) is a professional degree designed to equip criminal justice agency professionals with criminology and criminal justice system operations coursework, equipping them with the knowledge and skills required to advance their careers 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 30 credits/10 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), and 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 required

The Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice on-campus program (MSCCJ) 

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
• Every student must take foundational research courses, including research methods and statistics.
• Applicants are reviewed on a rolling basis for admission to spring or fall terms. 
• Classes are Session C (entire fall or spring semester)
• GRE not required for admission
• A culminating experience is required; students can choose a thesis or a capstone culminating experience 

• Classes are taught in person on ASU’s Downtown Phoenix campus

Eligibility requirements

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

• 75-90 credits completed
• Completion of research methods (CRJ 302 or ASU course equivalent) with a minimum grade of B
• Completion of statistics (CRJ 303 or ASU course equivalent) with a minimum grade of B 

• Cumulative ASU GPA of 3.40 or higher

Students earning a B.S. in criminal justice can count up to 15 credits/5 classes of 500-level coursework toward both undergraduate degree requirements and graduate degree requirements.

The Master of Science in Crime Analysis (MSCA)

The Master of Science in Crime Analysis online program (MSCA) is a professional degree focused on crime analysis as a field, applicable to all levels of government --- federal, state and local --- and to positions in private sector organizations with functional and operational activities related to crime analysis. Students study topics relating to the current principles of crime analysis, crime mapping, and advanced statistical tools in crime analysis. 

• Program is 30 credits/10 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
• Practitioner Degree
• 100% online, no in-person classes required

Benefits of the Accelerated Program

• Up to 15 credits/5 classes would apply toward both your undergraduate degree requirements and graduate degree requirements. Talk to your advisor about the specific class requirements for your graduate degree.
• Students pay undergraduate tuition for graduate courses taken as an accelerated student (up to 15 credits/5 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 

1. Schedule an advising appointment

Students interested in joining the accelerated program must meet with Melissa Bryant, Senior Program Manager - Academic Advising, for an advising appointment. During this meeting, you will:

• Review the accelerated degree options (MACJ, MSCCJ, or MSCA)

• Confirm that all eligibility requirements are met

• Discuss how graduate courses will fit into your remaining undergraduate plan

• Be placed into the accelerated program (if eligible)

• Schedule an appointment here: (insert link)

2.  Placement into the accelerated program

Once approved, Melissa will place you into the accelerated pathway. No application materials (personal statement, résumé, transcripts) are required under the updated process.

3.  Meet with your graduate advisor

 After you are officially admitted into the accelerated status:

• You will be connected with the graduate advisor for your selected program (online MACJ, on-campus MSCCJ, or online MSCA).

• Your graduate advisor will guide you in selecting appropriate 500-level courses and integrating them into your undergraduate requirements.

• Students may apply up to 15 credits of coursework to both the undergraduate and graduate degrees. Talk to your advisor about the specifics for your program. Students in the MSCCJ and MACJ programs can apply 3 credits (1 class) of 400-level coursework to both the undergraduate and graduate degrees.

4.  Degree planning and ongoing advising

Working with both your undergraduate and graduate advisors, you will develop an integrated plan of study for completing both degrees. Students remain undergraduates until all bachelor’s degree requirements are completed.

It is the student’s responsibility to stay informed and ensure all degree requirements are met.

Questions?

Please email:  [email protected] for more information.