Fast-track your education with an accelerated degree and be prepared to adapt to the
ever-changing criminal justice landscape.
UND’s accelerated Criminal Justice degree program is an ideal choice for those interested
in more quickly preparing for research, teaching, training or technical assistance-related
careers in criminal justice.
Program type:
Accelerated (Bachelor’s and Master’s)
Format:
On Campus or Online
Est. time to complete:
5 years
Credit hours:
138
Why earn an accelerated Criminal Justice degree at UND?
Complete the required courses, and you'll earn both your bachelor's and master's degrees
at the same time. You’ll declare your program of study as an undergraduate student
and follow a straightforward plan to graduate with a master’s degree.
Incoming freshman or transfer students apply to UND as an undergraduate student.
The accelerated Criminal Justice degree program allows exceptional undergraduate students
at UND an opportunity to complete the requirements for both the bachelor’s and master’s
degrees at an accelerated pace.
An accelerated degree in Criminal Justice Studies from UND equips you to be a forward-thinking
leader who excels in strategic planning, clear communication and ethical decision-making,
all while crafting extensive strategies to tackle crime. During your time at UND,
you will address intricate challenges, grounding your approach in policy reform and
employing evidence-based practices for making informed, data-driven choices. This
preparation enables you to navigate the constantly evolving field of criminal justice,
both locally and globally, by embracing and considering a variety of viewpoints.
Benefits of an Accelerated Criminal Justice Degree
Earning an accelerated degree in Criminal Justice offers several benefits, such as:
Enhancing your competitiveness in the job market and further academic pursuits.
Expanding your career opportunities and potential for advancement, particularly in
roles that favor or require a master's degree.
Increasing your potential for a higher salary.
Acquiring a mix of specialized and versatile skills that can directly enhance your
professional experience in the field.
Achieving a notable professional milestone that may lead to increased recognition
and opportunities for leadership.
How the Accelerated Program Works
All requirements for both the bachelor of science (B.S.) and master of science (M.S.)
degrees must be met. Students may double count up to 12 graduate-level credits towards
the undergraduate degree and their master's degree requirements. Accelerated degree
students must obtain their M.S. degree within 12 months of completing their B.S. degree.
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UND's Accelerated Criminal Justice Degree Online or On Campus
Study with faculty who have diverse research interests and doctoral degrees from some
of the top criminal justice programs in the world.
Collaborate with faculty on research projects.
Gain real-world experience in areas like juvenile justice, corrections, policing and
law through local, regional or national internships and other experiential learning.
Take unique electives in rural criminology and tribal justice. Both are understudied
aspects of our criminal justice system.
Gain a competitive edge through UND's Accelerate to Industry (A2i)™ program. This workforce readiness program provides immersive job training for graduate
students and postdoctoral researchers. It is one of only 30 programs nationwide.
Enhance your professional skills at 60+ free workshops offered through the UND School of Graduate Studies. Our goal is to provide you with
the workforce skills and job search strategies to succeed.
What can I do with an accelerated Criminal Justice degree?
101K
First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives median annual wage
A Criminal Justice degree prepares you to work in any aspect of the criminal justice
system. Our program produces graduates who excel in diverse careers, spanning across
many areas such as:
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF): Delve into investigations related to alcohol, tobacco, firearms, and explosives,
contributing to national security and public safety.
Corrections: Engage in the management and rehabilitation of individuals within correctional facilities,
playing a crucial role in facilitating their reintegration into society, as well as
through various roles in the community (probation, parole, halfway houses, treatment
centers etc.)
Courts: Support the fair administration of justice through roles such as court clerks, legal
assistants, or even as aspiring attorneys.
Juvenile Justice: Focus on the unique needs of young offenders and at-risk youth, working to prevent
juvenile delinquency and rehabilitate young individuals within the justice system.
Policing: Protect communities, investigate crimes and uphold the rule of law as police officers,
detectives or federal agents.
U.S. Border Patrol: Safeguard America's borders by preventing illegal immigration, detecting and apprehending
individuals involved in illicit activities, and promoting homeland security.
U.S. Customs: Contribute to the enforcement of customs laws and regulations, ensuring the smooth
flow of goods while combating smuggling, trafficking, and other illicit activities.
This accelerated program will prepare you to have an instrumental role in administering
criminal justice and influencing the future of the discipline in less time. You will
be able to work in any aspect of the criminal justice system including as a manager,
director or supervisor for careers in:
Research/Data Analysis: Employ advanced analytical skills to derive meaningful insights from criminal justice
data.
Victim Advocacy: Champion the rights of victims by providing empathetic support and navigating individuals
through the complexities of the criminal justice process.
Policing: Lead law enforcement efforts with strategic planning and operational expertise. You’ll
ensure public safety and foster community relations through effective and ethical
policing practices.
Courts: Be a key player in the legal system, as a legal advisor, court administrator or other
roles.
Corrections: Further your career in corrections by advancing to positions in administration and
specialized programming.
Interest Groups and Professional Associations: Take a proactive role in shaping the direction of criminal justice policies and
standards.
Intervention/Prevention Programs: Implement strategies that address the root causes of criminal behavior and contribute
to community well-being.
Juvenile Justice: Guide and rehabilitate young offenders by fostering their reintegration into society.
The accelerated degree in Criminal Justice Studies will also prepare you for doctoral
studies should you choose to continue your education.
Accelerated Criminal Justice Degree Courses
CJ 201. Introduction to Criminal Justice. 3 Credits.
An undergraduate study and overview of the criminal justice system emphasizing the "system," its legal actors and its political constraints. Designed for the beginning student in law enforcement, criminology, corrections, sociology, social welfare, government and pre-law. F,S.
CJ 352. Criminal Investigation. 3 Credits.
An overview and examination of basic principles and techniques in the criminal investigations procedures and the rules of the law of evidence in criminal court proceedings. Prerequisite: CJ 201, CJ 210, CJ 220, and CJ 270; or Forensic Science major with junior/senior standing. F.
CJ 350. Correctional Alternatives. 3 Credits.
This course is designed to explore and evaluate intervention strategies developed in the criminal justice system as alternatives to institutional corrections in the sentencing of adjudicated persons. Among these options this course looks for community corrections, parole, house arrest, restitution, community service, and the development of intervention strategies in support of the dispositions. Prerequisite: CJ 201, CJ 210, CJ 220, and CJ 270. S.
CJ 503. Research Methods in Criminal Justice. 3 Credits.
This course examines how research is conducted in criminology and criminal justice. The course is designed to highlight the research process, ethical issues, different types of quantitative and qualitative research designs, data analysis, and the reporting of research results. F, even years.
CJ 502. Theories of Crime. 3 Credits.
This course reviews theories of crime, from early historical perspectives through more contemporary perspectives. It engages students in a careful examination of theoretical traditions that have shaped thought regarding definitions of crime, causes of crime, and responses to crime from the Enlightenment onward. Attention is directed toward examining different frameworks for classifying theories, understanding specific theories, critically analyzing theories, and identifying the policy implications of theories. F, odd years.
CJ 565. Victimology. 3 Credits.
This course provides an analysis of the literature and research concerning criminal victimization. Attention will be directed toward current trends concerning the victim in the American criminal justice system with particular emphasis on measuring victimization, the impact of victimization and victim's rights and compensation initiatives. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in Criminal Justice or consent of instructor. On demand.
You can choose to earn your accelerated Criminal Justice Studies degree online. You
will never need to come to campus for class.
UND is one of the most affordable online colleges in the region. For this program,
we offer the same online tuition rates regardless of your legal residency. Compare and you’ll see UND is lower cost than
similar four-year doctoral universities.
Live Online Accelerated Criminal Justice Classes
UND's Criminal justice courses are delivered 100% online. You never have to come to
campus.
While completing Criminal Justice undegraduate courses, you can choose to complete
them on campus or asynchronously online. While completing Criminal Justice graduate courses you can choose to complete
them on campus or synchronously online. As an online student in the accelerated program, you will have a combination
of both asynchronous and synchronous courses.
With asynchronous classes, you do not attend class at a set time. If you need to balance
work, family, and other commitments, this flexible format allows you to learn anywhere
at any time.
Depending on your instructor, you’ll learn online through:
Lesson modules
Streaming video content
Virtual libraries
Posted lectures
Online simulations
There will be times when you interact with your instructor and classmates through
online discussion boards, polls, and chat rooms.
Your learning revolves around materials that can be accessed on your own time within
a set time frame. However, this is not a self-paced course. You’ll have structure
and deadlines.
Synchronous classes are held in real-time. If you’re the kind of learner who likes
active discussion and immediate feedback through live interaction, you’ll enjoy this
online course format.
Every class is different, but generally, you’ll log into a virtual classroom at scheduled
times to:
Listen to a lecture.
Ask questions.
Participate in class discussions.
Conduct group activities.
Participate in video-sharing.
Have chat conversations.
Use interactive whiteboards.
Take live polls.
You should prepare for your classes by finishing any assigned readings, compiling
questions for your instructor, and thinking about how to contribute to the next live
class.
Online Student Resources
Over a third of UND's student population is exclusively online; plus, more take a
combination of online and on campus classes. You can feel reassured knowing you won't
be alone in your online learning journey and you'll have resources and services tailored
to your needs.
No matter how you customize your online experience, you’ll get the same top-quality
education as any other on campus student.
Same degree: All online programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Your transcript and diploma are exactly the same as our on-campus students.
Same classes: You’ll take courses from UND professors, start and end the semesters at the same time
and take the same classes as a student on campus.
Real interaction: You can ask questions, get feedback and regularly connect with your professors, peers
and professionals in the field.
Your own academic advisor: As an invaluable go-to, they’re focused on you, your personal success and your future
career.
Free online tutoring: We're here to help you one-on-one at no cost. Plus, get access to a variety of self-help
online study resources.
Unlimited academic coaching: Need support to achieve your academic goals or feeling stumped by a tough course?
We'll help with everything from stress and time management to improving your memory
to achieve higher test scores.
Full online access: Dig into virtual research at UND's libraries. Improve your writing skills with online
help from the UND Writing Center. Get online access to career services, veteran and
military services, financial services and more.
24/7 technical support: UND provides free computer, email and other technical support for all online students.
Networking opportunities: Our significant online student population means you’ll have a large pool of peers
to connect with. UND has numerous online events and activities to keep you connected.
Best Online College
Our high alumni salaries and job placement rates, with affordable online tuition rates
make UND a best-value university for online education. UND's breadth of online programs
rivals all other nonprofit universities in the Upper Midwest making UND one of the
best online schools in the region.
UND ranks among the best online colleges in the nation for:
Affordability
Student satisfaction (retention rate)
Academic quality (4-year graduate rate)
Student outcomes (20-year return on investment per Payscale.com)
Leaders that Do
Students at UND take chances, seek challenges and become leaders in the community.
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