Program Overview

Overview of the Master of Arts in Criminal Justice (MACJ) Program

The Master of Arts in Criminal Justice (MACJ) program at Penn State Harrisburg is designed to guide students to become leaders in their field. The program also helps develop research acumen for those students who may wish to consider doctoral studies.

Program Details

• The program teaches students the skills they need to become effective communicators and leaders, able to develop complex policy evaluations and recommendations.
• Graduates find success in:
  • Advanced positions in federal, state, and local criminal justice agencies
  • Nonprofit and advocacy work
  • Case management
  • Policy Research
  • Law school
  • Doctoral studies
• The program offers small class sizes, allowing students to have personal attention from faculty in class and opportunities to work closely with faculty on research projects outside of class.

Curriculum and Concentrations

• The program includes core courses that update students on cutting-edge research to help them lead with evidence-based decisions in their field.
• Course assignments are tailored to real-world applications, such as grant writing.
• Elective courses are often instructed by professionals in the field, including the FBI and the legal profession/judiciary.

Program Requirements and Admission

• The program requires students to have a strong foundation in criminal justice or a related field.
• Admission criteria include:
  • A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
  • A minimum GPA of 3.0
  • Letters of recommendation
  • A personal statement

Research Areas

• The program focuses on various research areas, including:
  • State, local, and federal law enforcement
  • Corrections
  • Drug treatment
  • Victimization
  • Crime control policy

Degree Conferred and Program Code

• Degree Conferred: M.A.
• Program Code: MACJ

Additional Programs

• The university also offers other programs in Criminal Justice, including:
  • Criminal Justice (B.S.)
  • Criminal Justice Policy and Administration (M.P.S.)
  • Accelerated B.S./M.A. in Criminal Justice (IUG)
  • Criminal Justice (A.S.)
  • Criminal Justice (Minor)