CURRENT STUDENTS
Information
As a current student in the School of Criminal Justice, you may have questions regarding your academic program, career options, or specific courses. If your questions focus on your academic program or adding criminal justice as an additional major, be sure to visit our Advising page to make an appointment with an academic advisor. We generally recommend you visit your advisor at least once per semester to make sure you are making progress toward your degree.If you are wondering how you can prepare for your career (or decide which career path to take), visit the Career Services page which provides valuable information about internships and career opportunities in criminal justice.
Other commonly requested information about course schedules, overrides, study abroad and other issues can be found below. Students can also call the main office at (517) 355-2197 for assistance.
ACADEMIC PROGRAM
Here is a list of our available academic programs:
ASSOCIATIONS
Academic Associations
- American Criminal Justice Association
- Alpha Phi Sigma
- National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice
American Criminal Justice Association
The American Criminal Justice Association (Lambda Alpha Epsilon, Mu Sigma Upsilon chapter) is devoted to the advancement of professionalism in all areas of criminal justice. Its objectives are to supplement a student’s criminal justice major with social and educational activities outside of the classroom, develop professionalism in the field of criminal justice among its members, promote awareness of criminal justice issues, provide a unified voice for students and promote high standards of ethical conduct within the field.
AJCA has more than 152 active chapters on campuses nationwide and is not just a college student organization; it contains members working in the criminal justice field, and related agencies also participate in LAE activities. For more information regarding the national chapter, visit http://www.acjalae.org
More information on membership in Lambda Alpha Epsilon can be found in Room 560 Baker Hall, 655 Auditorium Road. Interested students can also contact any of the academic or career advisers in the School of Criminal Justice.
Alpha Phi Sigma
Alpha Phi Sigma (APS) is the nationally recognized honor society for criminal justice students. With more than 250 chapters nationwide, APS is made up of student members who share a commitment to learning and improving the criminal justice field.
The society offers leadership and group organizational experiences to students who want to make the most of their time in college and is a strong resume builder. Members receive a membership certificate, lapel pin and honors cords to be worn at graduation. Typical activities include presentations by high-level guest speakers, volunteer activities and field trips and tours, which allow members the opportunity to make useful connections and gain additional hands-on experience. Members also develop lasting personal and professional friendships through social activities during the academic year.
Eligibility requirements, membership costs and upcoming meeting dates can be found at http://www.cj.msu.edu/~career/aps.html
National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice
The National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice (NABCJ) is a multi-ethnic, nonpartisan, nonprofit association of criminal justice professionals and community leaders dedicated to improving the administration of justice.
The MSU chapter is the first student NABCJ chapter in the Midwest. The mission of the association is to serve as a professional and social network for African-American undergraduate and graduate students in the field of criminal justice.
Students will gain valuable communication, networking and leadership skills. Programming throughout the academic year focuses on enhancing professionalism in criminal justice, community service, networking and social activities. For information on membership, contact Barbara Kolar at kolarba@msu.edu
CJ LISTSERV
Subscribe to the CJ Listserv, an electronic forum for CJ students, and receive information about scholarships, graduate assistantships, job opportunities, classroom and scheduling changes, upcoming school events and more. Students can contribute information about their educational experiences at MSU. Faculty and staff will frequently distribute important information via the listserv, so all CJ students (undergraduate and graduate) are strongly encouraged to sign up.
How do I subscribe?
- Send an email to: listserv@h-net.msu.edu
- Leave the subject line blank, and write this message in the text:
SUB (space) cj-student (space) your name
Example: Sub cj-student John Doe
A welcome e-mail will be sent upon subscribing, along with information about the list and instructions for receiving and posting messages. Questions regarding subscription should be sent to Tim Homberg
CJ SCHEDULE OF COURSES
MSU SCHEDULE OF COURSES
OVERRIDE REQUEST
PLANNING GUIDES
SCHOLARSHIPS
The School of Criminal Justice provides the following competitive scholarships to outstanding undergraduate and graduate students. Funds from these scholarships are intended to cover the costs of books, tuition, and fellowship funds.Applications are accepted until the last Friday in February for the following academic year.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO APPLY
STUDY ABROAD
Study Abroad Opportunities in Criminal Justice
Comparative Law and Legal Systems in the Caribbean
This spring program, open to all majors, offers a unique opportunity for comparative study of two of the world’s major legal systems: the common law system (in Barbados, United States Virgin Islands, and British Virgin Islands) and the civil law system (in Dutch St. Maarten and French St. Martin). Using an array of perspectives, the study of each system will cover the basic aspects of constitutional law, criminal law, civil law, court systems, and legal education. Some attention will also be given to the links between law and religion, politics, economics, race and other cultural aspects of the Caribbean region. Additionally, the program will explore the transition of legal systems from colonial to independent and their relationship to regional and international law. In addition to the program activities, there will be many opportunities to independently explore the islands and travel to neighboring islands during and after the program.
For information regarding this or other overseas studies programs, visit the Office of Study Abroad website at www.studyabroad.msu.edu.
Australia: Its People, Government, Justice Systems and Public Policies
Open to all majors, this spring semester interdisciplinary program offers an exceptional opportunity to study firsthand the people, government and justice systems, and public policies of Australia. The program allows students to study the dichotomous qualities of Australia, from its cosmopolitan environment to its reputation as one of the world's last frontiers.
Scheduled during Australia's summer months of January and February, this overseas studies program is conducive to many sun and water activities during participants' free time. Classes generally meet four times a week, leaving long weekends for individual travel and sightseeing.
View Australia Study Abroad for more information!
Madagascar: Paradise in Peril? Exploring Madagascar's Biodiversity Crisis
Open to all majors, this early summer program is co-sponsored by the Colleges of Social Science, Agriculture & Natural Resources and Natural Science. The three-week program takes students to the island of Madagascar, home to an astonishing eight plant, four bird, and five primate families that live nowhere else on Earth. The program allows students to examine the delicate relationship Madagascar is faced in balancing between human development and environmental protection.
For information regarding this or other overseas studies programs, visit the Office of Study Abroad website at www.studyabroad.msu.edu.
THE PHILIPPINES: JUSTICE AND DEVELOPMENT PRACTICE IN TRANSITIONAL SOCIETIES OF SOUTHEAST ASIA
Many countries in Southeast Asia have undergone significant social and political transformations within the last few decades, partly fueled by experiences of globalization, technology, and the ease by which ideas and information are transferred and disseminated. Many countries have witnessed changes in political structures, changes in governance, leadership, and cultural transitions. This context provides an excellent opportunity for students to learn firsthand the many contradictions, challenges, and opportunities in a transitional and developing society in the areas of justice and legal systems, the dynamics of governance and public citizenship, and environmental protection.
Students in this 6 credit-hour course will be exposed to: (a) the justice/legal system in the Philippines and its historical, cultural, social, and geo-political aspects; (b) the role of public citizenship in governance such as the role of NGOs in addressing social issues (for example poverty, domestic violence, human trafficking); and, (c) with the Philippines rich in natural resources and among one of seven countries comprising the coral triangle, an area that is home to the highest diversity of marine life in the world, the students will also be exposed to the state of environmental management and protections amidst economic pressures for tourism and development. The program will be comprised of lectures by resource speakers for every topical area followed by site visits/field trips to justice agencies and non-governmental organizations where students can interact with agency clients and/or community residents. Students will also participate in a cultural festival, do street tours to get a feel of the living conditions and challenges in this society, participate in a house-building project for slum areas, make trips to museums and attend cultural presentations.
For information regarding this or other overseas studies programs, visit the Office of Study Abroad website at www.studyabroad.msu.edu. Information specific to the Philippines Study Abroad program can be found here.