Unlike other social science disciplines such as psychology and social work, there is no academic accreditation for programs in criminal justice. There is, however, optional certification. The Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS) offers certification for criminal justice and has developed approximately fifty standards as evidence of excellence in graduate criminal justice education. Stockton University's MA in Criminal Justice Program is the?only?graduate program in the tri-state area that has earned this certification. That means that we have provided evidence that we meet or exceed every single standard and that translates into an excellent education experience for our students. Students graduate from MACJ better prepared to work and lead in the criminal justice field, because they emerge from the program not just more knowledgeable about current criminal justice issues, but they are better writers, speakers, and critical thinkers. These skills are essential as our field matures and becomes more selective with hiring and promoting decisions.