How long will it take to complete the program?
All courses will be scheduled after 6:00 p.m. to accommodate part-time students who are employed during the day. Most courses will be offered in the fall, spring and summer. Thus, students can accomplish their continuing education goals according to their own time schedule, whether accelerating or taking a more deliberate approach toward attaining a degree. The flexibility of this program accommodates everyone.
Is there a reduction in tuition for those who work for Criminal Justice and related agencies?
Under the Partnership Scholarship Program, criminal justice and related agencies may achieve a 25% tuition reduction for their employees who enroll in the M.S. in the Criminal Justice Program. Students who are employed by a participating agency must submit a letter from their employer, prior to registration and each August for as long as they are in the program, stating that they are a current employee. This letter must be sent to the Financial Assistance office by mail or it can be faxed to 610-660-1342. Students will not receive the 25% tuition reduction if the letter is not on file at time of registration. Contact the program office to see if your agency qualifies.
Is financial assistance available?
Students applying for financial aid administered by Saint Joseph’s University must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). In order to be eligible for federal financial assistance, the applicant must be enrolled on a half-time basis (at least 6 credits per semester) and be a citizen of the United States or have permanent resident status. Stafford Loans are available through the University's Financial Assistance Office. Students are encouraged to visit the Office of Financial Assistance Web site at http://www.sju.edu/finaid for current information pertaining to applying for aid.
Are graduate assistantships available?
Applicants who wish to be considered for a graduate assistantship must complete the above application process and submit a letter directly to Dr. Raquel Bergen, Department Chair of Sociology, by March 1 of the fall semester for which they are applying for admission. Students who are awarded assistantships are required to be enrolled in the program on a full-time basis (3 courses per semester) and to work with their assigned faculty member(s) 20 hours per week. Additional employment outside the university is not permitted while the student holds an assistantship. Assistantships are awarded for one academic year (fall/spring). Successful applicants may subsequently reapply for a second year. In such cases, the selection decision will be based on the student's original undergraduate grade point average and credentials.
