Criminal Justice

Criminal justice as a discipline is concerned with the broad areas of law enforcement, courts and corrections, as well as criminological and legal theories which inform practice in these areas.  The work of criminal justice practitioners may include police patrol, criminal investigations, supervising juveniles on probation, counseling and correctional work in institutions, group homes, or halfway houses, and other rewarding careers. Within these and other career fields, 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. 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 the Department of Criminal Justice and Political Science. Faculty in the program provides 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. The department is located in Putnam Hall 102.

PEACE OFFICER TRAINING AND LICENSURE

The Department of Criminal Justice and Political Science has a relationship with Alexandria Community and Technical College in Alexandria, MN, which permits our students to attend the peace officer skills program there and ultimately obtain eligibility for peace officer licensure in Minneosta.  NDSU criminal justice students are able to complete the skills training during the summer after their junior or senior year.  Students interested in local law enforcement careers in North Dakota may complete the Alexandria skills training, or may take Lake Region State College's peace officer skills training program in Fargo or in Devils Lake, ND.  More information about both skills training program options, and the career opportunities that follow, can be obtained from the Department of Criminal Justice and Political Science.  

Career Opportunities

Students graduating from this program have experienced much success in pursuing their career goals. Our alumni work in law enforcement, courts, correctional agencies, probation and parole departments and do so at the local, state and federal level. These jobs typically come with good salaries and benefits, although they vary from agency to agency. Types of agencies that have employed our graduates include police departments, sheriff's departments, 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 an internship.  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, the student is 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 in 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 adviser.  

The Faculty

Jeffrey Bumgarner, Professor and Department Head, Ph.D., 2000, University of Minnesota

Carol Archbold, Professor, Ph.D., 2002, University of Nebraska - Omaha

Sarah Boonstoppel, Assistant Professor, Ph.D., 2014, University of Maryland, College Park

Steven Briggs, Associate Professor, Ph.D., 2007, University of Nebraska - Omaha

Andrew Myer, Assistant Professor, Ph.D., 2010, University of Cincinnati

Amy Stichman, Associate Professor, Ph.D., 2003, University of Cincinnati

Kevin Thompson, Professor, Ph.D., 1986, University of Arizona

Plan of Study

Please note this is a sample plan of study and not an official curriculum.  Actual student schedules for each semester will vary depending on start year, education goals, applicable transfer credit, and course availability. Students are encouraged to work with their academic advisor on a regular basis to review degree progress and customize an individual plan of study.