Criminal Justice

Criminal justice as a discipline is concerned with the broad areas of law enforcement, courts, law, and corrections, as well as criminological and legal theories which inform practice in these areas.  The work of criminal justice practitioners include police patrol, criminal investigations, supervising juveniles on probation, practicing law, counseling and correctional work in institutions, group homes, or halfway houses. Criminal justice practitioners enjoy exciting professional challenges and opportunities for serving society and helping people.

The Program

During the past few years, the demand for professionals in criminal justice-related careers has increased significantly. Many criminal justice agencies and program administrators see a continuing need for qualified professionals. The criminal justice program at North Dakota State University has graduated students who have pursued criminal justice careers in local, state and federal agencies throughout the United States. The program is designed so our graduates will succeed in both beginning and advancing their criminal justice careers.

Faculty and Facilities

The criminal justice program is administered by faculty within the Department of Criminal Justice. Faculty provide teaching, research, and practical expertise related to many issues in criminal justice. The Fargo-Moorhead community provides a rich source of criminal justice education through a wide variety of criminal justice agencies that work with student interns.

Career Opportunities

Students graduating from this program have experienced much success in pursuing their career goals. Our alumni work in law enforcement, court system, law firms, correctional agencies, probation and parole departments and do so at the local, state and federal levels. These jobs typically come with good salaries and benefits, although this varies from agency to agency. Types of agencies that have employed our graduates include police departments, sheriff's departments, public policy and planning agencies, group homes, juvenile courts, family courts, probation and parole departments, juvenile and adult correctional institutions, halfway houses, and many federal agencies (e.g. U.S Marshals Service, Secret Service, and federal probation).

The Curriculum

The criminal justice curriculum is an interdisciplinary program drawing on the social sciences, behavioral sciences, humanities, and the law. Course requirements are based on the idea that our students should work through a curriculum that equips them with broad knowledge of the criminal justice system and criminological theory, and prepares them for a wide range of duties and professional responsibilities. The department also offers a minor in criminal justice and partners with the Department of Accounting and Information Systems on a fraud investigation minor.

Internship Program

Many students elect to complete internships.  This is usually done during their junior or senior year. Internship opportunities exist in many agencies in North Dakota and Minnesota and can be done at any time during the calendar year. By completing an internship, students are able to combine the theoretical and applied aspects of professional preparation. Internship experience is an important element of successful job placement.

Criminal Justice Club

Students may expand their knowledge of criminal justice and career opportunities through the Criminal Justice Club. This student association allows participants to increase their knowledge and clarify career interests through field trips and meetings with professionals.

Accelerated Master's Program

Exceptional undergraduate students interested in pursuing a master's degree in criminal justice may apply during their junior year for admission into the department's accelerated master's program.  This program allows students to complete certain courses which will count for both their bachelor's and master's degrees in criminal justice, thereby shortening the time it takes to complete the master's degree.  Students interested in this option should consult with the department's graduate program coordinator or with their academic adviser. 

Sample Program Guide

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: This guide is not an official curriculum. This guide is a sample four-year degree plan of how students might plan this major with other degree requirements to complete their education in four years.Student plans will vary from this sample due to a variety of factors, such as, but not limited to, start year, education goals, transfer credit, and course availability. To ensure proper degree completion, enrolled students should utilize Degree Map and Schedule Planner in Campus Connection and consult regularly with academic advisors to ensure graduation requirements are being met.