PlusOne Program
The PlusOne Program allows students to accelerate their study by applying graduate credits taken as an undergraduate toward both an undergraduate and a graduate degree.
If you are a motivated and academically outstanding student, you can begin earning a Master of Science in Criminal Justice beginning in your junior or senior year while completing your Bachelors degree. This is achieved by allowing you to "double count" up to 16 graduate credits toward both your graduate and undergraduate degree requirements.
There are three main reasons why this option might be right for you:
- Professionals who enter the workforce with graduate level experience are often more competitive.
- A PlusOne degree makes financial sense, since up to 16 graduate credits will count towards both your undergraduate and graduate degrees at no additional cost.
- A PlusOne degree program can accelerate receipt of a graduate degree, since in most cases, a PlusOne degree student can obtain both their undergraduate and graduate degrees with only one additional year of study.
Are you Eligible to Apply?
If you are a School of Criminology and Criminal Justice major; a Junior or Senior with a minimum GPA of 3.5 or better then we welcome your application to the PlusOne program. You must also successfully complete CRIM1100, CRIM1200, CRIM2100, CRIM2200, CRIM3600 and CRIM 3700 prior to applying to the program.
When Should I Apply?
You should apply early in your junior year, as this will maximize the number of PlusOne degree graduate credits in which you can enroll. However, we will also review applications from students entering their senior year. Students may begin the application process upon completion of 83 semester hours of credit.
How do I Apply?
- You should make an appointment with the Department's Graduate Coordinator to make sure the program is right for you.
- If the department determines that you are eligible to apply for the PlusOne Program, you will be given a Graduate School of Criminal Justice Plus One Internal Admission Application. We also require that you provide two letters of recommendation from the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice faculty; a personal goal statement and a resume. Submit this form, along with any additional materials required, to Ms. Laurie Mastone in the Graduate School of Criminal Justice, 435 Churchill Hall.
- Once we have received your application it will be entered into the ApplyYourself application system by Graduate School staff and your recommenders will be notified by email to submit their letters via this system.
- Once your application is complete it will be reviewed by the Graduate Admissions Committee. Please note admission to this program is competitive and not guaranteed.
What Graduate Courses can I take?
Graduate courses offered by the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice are worth three or four semester hours of credit., You will need to complete five courses and one lab section to achieve the 16 graduate semester hours that will be applied to your undergraduate degree requirements.
In order to earn both the BS and the MS in Criminal Justice, you will need a total of 144 semester hours – 128 semester hours will be required for the BS degree, as well as an additional 16 semester hours of graduate-level criminal justice courses and the successful completion the Master’s comprehensive examination.
Who do I contact for more Information?
Speak with Laurie Mastone, Assistant to the Dean who will:
- review the admissions process
- give you details about the program
- provide you with a curriculum plan to determine if this program is right for you.
Ms. Mastone may be reached at l.mastone@neu.edu or by phone at 617.373.2813.
Her office is located in 435 Churchill Hall.