Criminal Justice studies professor at lecture

Criminal Justice Studies Degree

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Explore the causes and impact of criminal behavior and prepare to play a key role in administering criminal justice.

The B.S. in Criminal Justice Studies prepares you to serve as an agent of change in our justice system. From law enforcement to community safety to juvenile justice issues, you’ll be ready to tackle some of our nation’s most pressing challenges.

Program type:
Major
Format:
On Campus or Online
Est. time to complete:
4 years
Credit hours:
120

Why earn a criminal justice bachelor's degree?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 15
Spring:
Dec. 15
Summer:
May 1

 

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

UND's Criminal Justice bachelor's degree puts you on the front lines of public safety and justice. From enforcing the law to protecting your community to advocating on behalf of victims, criminal justice opens the door to a world of opportunities.

Criminal Justice Degree Skills

The Criminal Justice degree integrates a variety of different approaches. You will gain:

  • Expertise in many different aspects of policing, courts, corrections, and juvenile justice.
  • A deep understanding of the law, victims, criminal behavior, crime prevention, and social justice.
  • A broad view of the criminal justice system.
  • Practical experience through internships and collaboration with industry professionals.

Accelerated 3+3 Law Degree

Shave off a year of law school while earning your Criminal Justice degree. With the Law (Accelerated Bachelor's/J.D.) program you can double count credits from your first year in law school to complete your bachelor's degree. This means you'll earn a Criminal Justice bachelor's degree and a Law degree in just 6 years! Learn more by contacting Roni Mayzer, Criminal Justice Pre-Law Coordinator.

 

Bachelor's in Criminal Justice at UND

  • Study with faculty who have doctoral degrees from some of the top criminal justice programs in the world.

  • Gain real-world experience in areas like juvenile probation, law enforcement and law through local, regional and national internships and other experiential learning.

  • Join the UND Criminal Justice Association, Native Americans into Criminal Justice Association or Alpha Phi Sigma, the national Criminal Justice Honor Society.

  • Ranked as a Top 50 criminal justice degree according to Successful Student.

  • Raise your grades by getting free academic support at UND. We offer individual tutoring sessions, along with specialized writing and math support programs.

  • Established in 1974, the Department of Criminal Justice provides bachelor, undergraduate minor, and law programs in criminal justice.

What can you do with a criminal justice degree?

69K

Median annual salary for Police and Detectives 

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 

3%

Projected job growth for Police, Law Enforcement and Detectives through 2032

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

A Criminal Justice degree prepares you to work in any aspect of the criminal justice system. Our students have gone on to a variety of dynamic careers, including:

  • Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
  • Corrections
  • Courts
  • Juvenile Justice
  • Law Enforcement
  • Probation
  • U.S. Border Patrol
  • U.S. Customs
  • U.S. Immigration Service
  • Victim Advocacy

You'll learn the strategic skills you need, including:

  • Strategic Planning
  • Justice Research
  • Communication
  • Ethical Leadership

Future Studies with a Criminal Justice Degree

Our students have also gone on to graduate studies or law schools at institutions including:

  • UND
  • Florida State University
  • NDSU
  • Michigan State University
  • University of Utah
  • University of Minnesota

Criminal Justice Degree Classes

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 270. Introduction to Corrections. 3 Credits.

This course describes the corrections system as part of a larger criminal justice system. Students will be introduced to the history and practice of corrections from earlier forms of physical punishment to jail, probation, intermediate sanctions, prisons, parole, and the death penalty. Special topics in the field will also be addressed as appropriate. Prerequisite: CJ 201. 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 341. Criminal Law. 3 Credits.

This course covers the fundamentals and foundations of American criminal jurisprudence with an emphasis on common law definitions of crimes and modern requirements for the criminalization of behavior, statutory laws. Prerequisite: CJ 201, CJ 210, CJ 220, and CJ 270; or Forensic Science major; or Legal Studies minor. F,S.

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 330. Criminological Theory. 3 Credits.

This class will provide an overview of a variety of criminological theories. Attention will be directed toward the study of the major theoretical schools of thought which have influenced the discipline of criminology. The basic goal of this course is to help the student develop an understanding of and appreciation for the insights gained by examining crime and criminals through different theoretical frameworks. Prerequisite: CJ 201, CJ 210, CJ 220, and CJ 270. F,S.

Online Criminal Justice Degree

9#

best online university in the nation

EDsmart

160+

online programs

Flexible Online Criminal Justice 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.

What can I expect from UND's online criminal justice programs?

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 from the Chester Fritz Library. 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.

Best Online College

Reportedly high alumni salaries and job placement rates, coupled with affordable online tuition rates make UND a best-value university for online education. UND's breadth of online programs rivals all other non-profit 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 Paysacle.com)

Pursuing Justice

When asked about it, Chandon Pierre didn't pause. Instead, he spoke with conviction, his past inspiring his dream to make a difference.

Read Chandon's Story

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