Accelerated Master’s Program (BA or BS/MA)

The Accelerated Master’s program (BA or BS/MA joint degree) makes it possible for highly motivated and qualified undergraduate students who determine early in their postsecondary education that they wish to pursue graduate studies in criminal justice. This five-year joint bachelor of science/master of arts (BA or BS/MA) program makes it possible to earn a baccalaureate degree from the School of Criminal Justice, Newark College of Arts and Sciences (NCAS), University College-Newark (UC-N), or other participating institutions and a Master’s degree from the School of Criminal Justice.

• Program Acceptance Requirements
• Graduation Requirements
• Steps to Graduation

PROGRAM ACCEPTANCE REQUIREMENTS

PROGRAM ACCEPTANCE REQUIREMENTS

1. Completion of ninety-six (96) undergraduate credits in liberal arts subjects (may include transfer credits);
2. Satisfactory completion of the core curriculum requirements of NCAS, UC-N, or Professional School (RBS/SCJ/SPAA);
3. Completion of a criminal justice or justice studies undergraduate major at SCJ;
4. A cumulative grade-point average of 3.2 or better; and
5. Personal statement (includes the essay question).

Careful planning is essential to complete the undergraduate requirements with only 96 credits. This ensures that you are well-prepared, in control of your academic journey, and eligible to apply for the accelerated master’s program.

The accelerated joint degree (BS or BA /MA) is typically available only to students who have completed all their postsecondary studies at Rutgers University-Newark.

Students must also fulfill all general requirements for admission consideration, such as a personal statement that includes the essay question and two letters of recommendation. All applications are due by May 1st and will be reviewed by the MA Academic Oversight Committee.

Students interested in this program should contact the Office of Academic Programs and Student Services for advisement. Application for early admission to the School of Criminal Justice is submitted at the start of the second semester (spring term) of the student’s junior year.

For more details on how to apply, visit: http://gradstudy.rutgers.edu/apply/application-guidelines.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

In order to graduate from the School of Criminal Justice, all undergraduate students must complete the following requirements:

• Successful completion of at least 120 degree credits
• Successful completion of the college’s core curriculum
• Successful completion of one of the major programs of study
• Successful completion of a second concentration
• Successful completion of the writing intensive requirement
• Successfully earning a cumulative grade-point average of 2.0 or better
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STEPS TO GRADUATION

1. Before registering for your final semester schedule an appointment with your Academic Advisor.
2. Before registering for your final semester meet with your faculty advisor in your major and second concentration.
3. Check “The Grad Finale” Blackboard site for graduation and commencement information.
4. Apply for graduation via GradTracker.

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