Criminal Justice Studies (B.S.)
Explore the causes and impact of criminal behavior and prepare to play a key role in administering criminal justice.
A major 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
- Est. time to complete:
- 4 years
- Credit hours:
- 120 (major), 21 (minor)
Why Study Criminal Justice at UND?
Ranked as a Top 50 criminal justice program according to Successful Student.
From enforcing the law to protecting your community to advocating on behalf of victims, criminal justice opens the door to a world of opportunities. A major or minor in this dynamic field puts you on the front lines of public safety and justice.
An interdisciplinary program that incorporates resources from forensic science and sociology, Criminal Justice Studies at UND integrates a variety of different approaches. You will gain:
- Expertise in many different aspects of law enforcement, corrections, juvenile justice and legal reasoning.
- A deep understanding of how to enforce the law, apprehend criminals and protect your community.
- A broad view of the field of criminal justice.
You will graduate ready to enter a law enforcement academy, pursue graduate studies or law school, or make your mark in corrections, courts, law enforcement, government and other careers in criminal justice.
Law (Accelerated B.S./J.D.) Program
Shave off a year of law school while earning your bachelor's in Criminal Justice Studies. With the Law (Accelerated Bachelor's/J.D.) program you can double count credits from your first year in law school to complete your undergraduate degree.
For more information, contact Criminal Justice Pre-Law Coordinator: Roni Mayzer
Lead Your Way
Stephanie Clarke is a member of Track & Field, a double major in Psychology and Criminal Justice, and the first in her family to earn a college degree.
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Study with faculty who have doctoral degrees from some of the top programs in the world.
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Gain real-world experience through internships and other experiential learning.
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Join the UND Criminal Justice Association, Native Americans into Criminal Justice Association or Alpha Phi Sigma, the national Criminal Justice Honor Society.
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Collaborate with faculty on research projects.
Projected job growth for police and detectives*
Criminal justice–related jobs in North Dakota
*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
A bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice Studies prepares you for positions in any aspect of the criminal justice system. Our students have gone on to a variety of dynamic careers, including:
- Probation
- Corrections
- Law Enforcement
- U.S. Customs
- U.S. Border Patrol
- U.S. Immigration Service
- Juvenile Justice
- Victim Advocacy
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
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
When You Earn a degree in Criminal Justice
A Criminal Justice degree gives you the strategic skills you need, including:
- Strategic Planning
- Justice Research
- Communication
- Ethical Leadership