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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I declare the major in Justice Studies?
A: Degree-seeking undergraduate students may use the Undergraduate Major/Minor Change online form to request a change to their degree, major, minor and/or concentration. All requests to add a major, minor and/or concentration must be reviewed and certified by your new College/School designee before being made official. If approved, you will receive an email with a confirmation of approval.
Q: There are three concentrations in the Justice Studies major. Do I have to choose one?
A: Yes. You must choose a concentration: International Justice, Criminal Justice or Paralegal Studies. You cannot be admitted into the major without choosing a concentration. Once you are admitted to the major with a chosen concentration, you can then add additional concentrations. For example, you can have a double concentration in Criminal Justice and Paralegal Studies.
Q: Can I declare more than one concentration?
A: Yes. Students may declare more than one concentration. A maximum of six (6) credits can be used to overlap (“double dip”) between concentrations. Students will need 24 credits for their first concentration and 18 credits for their second concentration.
Q: Can I choose the Paralegal Studies concentration and still be able to declare the Paralegal Studies minor, or if I choose Criminal Justice concentration can I declare the Criminal Justice minor?
A: No. Students in the Paralegal Studies Concentration may take any minor offered at Montclair State University except Paralegal Studies. Students in the Criminal Justice Concentration may take any minor offered at Montclair State, except Criminal Justice.
Q: How many credits can I overlap between general education courses (GenEds) and Justice Studies major courses?
A: There is no limit to the number of credits that can overlap between GenEds and major courses.
Q: How many credits can I overlap if I have two majors?
A: Double majors can overlap an unlimited number of credits. Double concentrations in the same major have a limit of six (6) overlapping credits.
Q: How many credits can be transferred into the Justice Studies major from outside institutions?
A: Transfer credit evaluations are done by the Office of Admissions. Credit adjustments and determinations of DPT Electives must be done on a case-by-case basis with the student’s academic advisor.
Q: If JUST240 Statistics for Social Research is not available or offered, can I take SOCI240 Statistics for Social Research?
A: Yes. Students can register for SOCI240 Statistics for Social Research.
Q: Can I take courses in the Justice Studies major on a pass/fail basis?
A: Majors are not permitted to take any of the courses in the program on a pass/fail basis.
Q: Are there GPA and grade requirements in the Justice Studies major?
A: Yes.  All concentrations have a GPA requirement. The Criminal Justice concentration has a 2.0 GPA requirement. The Paralegal Studies concentration has a 2.75 GPA requirement. The International Justice concentration has a 2.75 GPA requirement. All students in the Justice Studies major must obtain a minimum grade of C- or better in the following core courses: JUST204, JUST205, JUST300 and JUST310. Students who fail to meet the grade requirement must repeat the course. These four (4) core courses must be completed prior to enrolling in JUST497 Senior Seminar and Internship Experience.
Q: When are courses in the Justice Studies major offered?
A: The Justice Studies major is open to full-time and part-time students. Courses are offered both during the day and evening, as well as online. Core courses are regularly offered on a day and evening schedule. Electives are also offered regularly offered, however, all electives are not offered during both day and evening, or every semester. Students should check the Schedule of Courses each semester and meet with their Academic Advisor to determine the best course of study on an individual basis.
Q: What are the career opportunities for a Justice Studies major?
A: Our programs will cultivate the ability to think critically, to act ethically, and help students develop an understanding of global issues and their responsibilities as citizens of the world. The department offers a wide range of interdisciplinary fields of study allowing our students pursue a wide variety of careers.