Stockton University offers a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice Program (MACJ) degree with a track in Forensic Psychology.  The forensic psychology track examines the coevolution of the criminal justice system and the field of psychology. Students will explore how theory and research in the field of psychology has helped to shape our understanding of criminals and victims, definitions of crime, policing, courtroom procedures, corrections, and criminal laws, among others. The track emphasizes the importance of using research to understand how psychology can be best utilized by the criminal justice system.

There are numerous employment opportunities for those who wish to use psychology in the criminal justice system. Alumni who have taken the Forensic Psychology Track found employment in the following fields:

• Probation/Parole
• Medicolegal Investigator
• Detective in the Prosecutor's Office
• Correctional Case Manager
• Victim's Assistance Advocate
• Drug Treatment Caseworker
• Child Protective Services Specialist

Forensic Psychology Curriculum- 12 credits

In addition to the eight mandatory core courses (24 credits), students in the Forensic Psychology Track will complete two required courses, a track elective, and one additional MACJ elective from any track.

Stockton University offers a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice (MACJ) degree with a track in Homeland Security.  The curriculum for the Homeland Security Track involves an all-hazards perspective, meaning that the program involves discussion about issues regarding the prevention of and reaction to natural and human-made disasters, including terrorist attacks. The legal, moral and ethical issues pertaining to homeland security will be an important component of the curriculum, as will studies of agency participation and cooperation in planning for and responding to crisis. 

Students will graduate with a holistic perspective on challenges encountered in the fields of emergency management and counter-terrorism. Utilizing an interdisciplinary curriculum enables students to gain crucial knowledge and critical thinking skills that are essential in this fast growing and complex field.

There are numerous employment opportunities for those who pursue a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice with a track in Homeland Security:

Homeland Security Curriculum- 12 credits

In addition to the eight mandatory core courses (24 credits), students in the Homeland Security Track will complete two required courses, a track elective, and one additional MACJ elective from any track.

Stockton University offers a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice (MACJ) degree with a track in Justice Studies. The Justice Studies Track allows students to study the field of criminal justice from a broad perspective.

Justice Studies Curriculum- 12 credits

In addition to the eight mandatory core courses, students in the Justice Studies Track will complete four additional MACJ courses of their choosing and may mix and match electives from any of the MACJ tracks. They may also choose an elective course offered by other Stockton graduate programs with the MACJ Program Chair's permission.

The Forensic Psychology Certificate Program will allow professionals engaged in law enforcement and mental health to interact with one another, thus enhancing their understanding of the issues and complexities involved in both the investigation and rehabilitation process of individuals who commit crimes.

Forensic Psychology Certificate- 15 credits

The Homeland Security Certificate Program will allow those with a current degree to become familiar with issues such as disaster preparedness, security, terrorism, and crime analysis.

Homeland Security Certificate- 15 credits

While graduate admissions selection committees review applications until the start of the semester, by applying prior to the Priority Deadline, you can ensure that your transition to Stockton is as smooth as possible: you will be invited to the New Student Orientation Event, and have access to priority registration, which means you may have more options for monthly installments of a payment plan, as well as greater options for class selection.

Priority Deadlines:

Fall: August 1
Spring: December 1

Prerequisite Requirements for Traditional Admission

The following are prerequisite requirements for admission into the program through traditional entry:

1. A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher;
2. Completion the following courses, with minimum grade requirements met:
   • CRIM 1100 with a C or better;
   • CRIM 2141 or equivalent research class with a C or better;
   • CRIM 2145 or equivalent statistics class with a C or better;
   • A social science theories class with a C or better.
   • Forensic Psychology Track students must also have completed PSYC 1100 with a C or better.

Traditional Entry is most appropriate for (1) Candidates with BA/BS degrees from other colleges, (2) Candidates who graduated from Stockton over a year prior to their application to the graduate program, and (3) Candidates who graduated from Stockton, but do not qualify for direct entry.

Application Materials for Traditional Entry Admission

To be considered for traditional entry admission into the MACJ program, applicants must submit the following materials prior to the deadline:

1. Click here to start your application.
   
   • If you are a recent Stockton graduate, check to see if you qualify for the Direct Entry Option
2. A non-refundable application fee of $50, paid through the  Online Application
3. A graduate application essay submitted through the  Online Application 
4. Three current letters of recommendation submitted electronically via the  Online Application 
   • At least two of three application letters from faculty are recommended
   • Strong application letters reference student motivation and competencies relevant to success in graduate school (e.g., writing, reading, speaking, critical thinking, etc.).  Recommenders are encouraged to provide specific details or examples to highlight graduate-level competencies.
5. Graduate Record Examination (GRE): School Code 2889
   • Testing requirements are waived for students with a master's degree or GPA of 3.5 or higher
6. Resume
7. Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended (including Stockton) should be mailed, emailed,  or dropped off directly to Graduate Admissions:
   
   By mail:
   Office of Graduate Admissions, N-Wing 007a
   101 Vera King Farris Drive
   Galloway, NJ 08205-9441
   
   Electronically:
   gradschool@stockton.edu
   
   
8. Submission of Prerequisite Coursework Chart through the Online Application.

9. To review international applicant deadlines and admission criteria, please click here.

Prerequisite Requirements for Direct Entry Admission

The following are the prerequisite admission requirements for direct entry admission into the MACJ program:

1. Current student or very recent graduate (within one year of application to the graduate program) who majored in Criminal Justice or Psychology at Stockton;
   • Other Stockton majors may be eligible with permission of the graduate program Coordinator.
2. A cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher;
3. Completion of the following prerequisites with minimum grade requirements met:
   • CRIM 1100 with a C or better on the first attempt;
   • CRIM 2141, PSYC 3242 OR equivalent research class with a B or better on the first attempt of the class;
   • CRIM 2145, PSYC 2241, OR equivalent statistics class with a B or better on the first attempt of the class;
   • A social science theories course with a grade of B or better on the first attempt of the class;
   • CRIM 36xx capstone course OR PSYC 36xx senior seminar with a B or better on the first attempt of the class
   • Forensic Psychology Track students must also have completed PSYC 1100 with a C or better on the first attempt of the class.

Students who have withdrawn from the Criminal Justice dual-degree program are not eligible for direct entry if they withdrew from a graduate course or earned a grade of B- or below in a graduate course. 

Application Materials for Direct Entry Admission

To be considered for direct entry admission into the MACJ program, applicants must submit the following materials prior to the deadline:

1. Click here to start your application. 
2. Resume

Two graduate Certificates in Criminal Justice are offered at Stockton through the Master of Arts in Criminal Justice (MACJ) Program: Forensic Psychology and Homeland Security. 

The certificate programs are ideal for individuals who want to further their education beyond their current degree, but are not necessarily interested in the full master's degree. Students who show great academic promise in the certificate program have the option to seamlessly transition into the full MA program if they decide to continue their education. Students who decide to continue on to the MA degree will be able to apply all of their certificate credits to the MA. 

Prerequisite Requirements for Admission into a Certificate Program

1. A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher;
2. Completion of CRIM 1100 or at least two years or relevant Criminal Justice professional experience;
3. Forensic Psychology Certificate students must also have completed PSYC 1100 with a C or better.

Application Materials for Admission into a Certificate Program

To be considered for admission into a MACJ Certificate Program, applicants must submit the following materials prior to the deadline:

1. Click here to start your application.  
   
   • If you are a recent Stockton graduate, check to see if you qualify for the Direct Entry Option
2. A non-refundable application fee of $50, paid through the Online Application
3. A graduate application essay submitted through the Online Application 
4. Three current letters of recommendation submitted electronically via the Online Application 
   • At least two of three application letters from faculty are recommended
   • Strong application letters reference student motivation and competencies relevant to success in graduate school (e.g., writing, reading, speaking, critical thinking, etc.).  Recommenders are encouraged to provide specific details or examples to highlight graduate-level competencies.
5. Resume
6. Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended (including Stockton) mailed or dropped off directly to Office of Graduate Admissions
7. Submission of Prerequisite Coursework Chart through the Online Application.

No. Holders of any undergraduate degree from an accredited institution can apply for this program. The only undergraduate courses that applicants must have prior to starting the program are Introduction to Criminal Justice, Research Methods, Statistics, and a social science theories course. 

You may attempt up to three courses as a non-matriculated student. To register for a course as a non-matriculated student, please complete the Non-Matriculated Student Application Form.

Yes, you have three options:

• Pursue an additional Master's Degree.
• Apply to our certificate program in Forensic Psychology or Homeland Security. The certificate programs are 15-credit programs.
• You may take up to 9 credits as a non-matriculated student.

Criminal justice is a growing field in New Jersey and throughout the country. According to researchers from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics the outlook for several criminal justice occupations through 2026 is positive. The aggregate need nationwide is great, generated by the demand for employment in state and local government. The need for police and detectives is expected to rise by over 50,000 jobs by 2026.  Employment opportunities for probation officers, correctional treatment specialists, private detectives and investigators, and judges and hearing officers are also expected to increase steadily for the next ten years.