An independent study can be completed when a student wishes to study a specific topic for which a course is not available. Independent studies are not done often and students are expected to have a high GPA and evidence of strong work in prior classes. Interested students must identify a faculty member and work with him/her to develop the following:
The student and instructor will then sign the completed form and submit it to the student’s academic advisor, who will also sign it. At this time, the advisor will issue an override for CJ 490 (or CJ 890), which will allow the student to enroll for the section. Finally, a copy of the independent study form is given to the student, the instructor, and the College of Social Science. The original is kept on file in the advisor’s office.
MSU provides current and prospective students with a website that can assist with finding out what course equivalencies would be for credit earned at other Michigan colleges and universities, along with some major universities outside the state of Michigan.
Once a student submits a final transcript to Credit Evaluation for review, a credit summary will be sent to the advisor in the student's declared major. The student will then need to meet with an advisor to review how the credit will be applied toward degree requirements. Review the requirements for degree programs online.
There is a wide range of careers to pursue in criminal justice. The University of North Carolina at Wilmington and the United States Department of Labor maintain websites containing detailed information on careers in criminal justice and career outlooks in the field.
Students can also attend career fairs and make contact with professionals in the field through internships or classes. Career and internship opportunities are also posted on bulletin boards in Baker Hall and the Student Reception and Resource Room in 135.
If you are a Freshman or Sophomore, you may change your major via the link below.
http://nssc.msu.edu/advising.php
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Students with 40 credits or more should make an appointment to see a Criminal Justice Advisor to review degree requirements and get instructions on how to change majors.
The College of Social Science offers two choices to students wishing to add criminal justice as their primary major. Students may either complete an additional major or opt to complete a second degree. In the case of an additional major, students only complete the requirements for that major; in the School of Criminal Justice, that is 30 credits in criminal justice coursework. Students completing an additional major do NOT receive a second diploma but it is noted on their final transcript.
A student wishing to complete second degree must complete the 30 credits of criminal justice coursework mentioned above AND complete College of Social Science requirements: 15 credits in social science coursework, 9 credits in arts and letters coursework, and 6 credits in natural science coursework. The student is also required to complete a minimum of 150 credits (153 if either MTH 1825 or WRA 0102/WRA 1004 were taken, or 156 credits if both MTH 1825 and WRA 0102/WRA 1004 were taken). A student will receive a second diploma for a bachelors in criminal justice upon successful completion of all requirements.
A student wishing to complete either the additional major or the second degree must meet with an advisor to complete the necessary paperwork and to review requirements.
Please visit the School of Criminal Justice Career Services and Internship webpage to learn more.
You may also make an appointment with our Career Placement Specialist Tim Homberg (hombergt@msu.edu).
Yes, students completing degree requirements in the summer can still participate in spring commencement, since there is no summer commencement offered. However, when applying to graduate, students will need to apply to graduate for the summer session when they will be certified for graduation. Those students’ names will appear in the commencement program under the list for summer graduates, and they will receive diplomas after completing degree requirements for summer session. These degrees are usually mailed out at the end of the second summer session.
Keep in mind that not all classes are offered during the summer sessions. For example, the School of Criminal Justice does not offer Tier II writing or research methods in summer session, and it frequently rotates its course offerings. Check the Descriptions of Courses or speak to an advisor to determine what will be offered for students who are planning to graduate in August.
Each instructor makes their own decisions about how to teach a course, within the bounds of MSU's Teaching Responsibilities. Not liking the instructor's decisions or teaching style is not unfair in and of itself. Should a grade be considered unfair you can contact the Undergraduate Director of the School of Criminal Justice, who is responsible for assisting students with petitions, waivers, and transfers, as well as grievances related to course issues. Grievances that can be brought to the Undergraduate Director include whether you think the instructor has violated MSU's Code of Teaching Responsibility or a Grade Grievance if you believe the grade was based on inappropriate or irrelevant factors or violated the course grading policy as stated in the syllabus. We highly recommend students first contact the instructor responsible for their specific courses to seek resolution before contacting the Undergraduate Director. Should a resolution not be possible, the Undergraduate Director can provide assistance, which may include directing students to the Office of the University Ombudsperson for assistance.
While advisors are valuable sources of information, students are ultimately responsible for knowing graduation requirements and ensuring these have been met. All students should regularly check MSU’s Degree Navigator to review requirements (selecting “Audit – Full Report” will display remaining requirements).
Students can also speak to the Director of Academic Student Affairs in the College of Social Science if they are unhappy with advising in their major.
See an academic advisor immediately—there may be a solution. To avoid this problem, students should always print a completed copy of their course schedules after they have completed enrollment.