UND bridge at night

Criminal Justice DegreeB.S.

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

The Criminal Justice major 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

Why earn a criminal justice major?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 16
Spring:
Dec. 15
Summer:
May 1

From enforcing the law to protecting your community to advocating on behalf of victims, a criminal justice major opens the door to a world of opportunities. The criminal justice major puts you on the front lines of public safety and justice.

Our interdisciplinary program incorporates resources from forensic science and sociology. The criminal justice degree 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'll also learn the strategic skills you need, including:

  • Strategic Planning
  • Justice Research
  • Communication
  • Ethical Leadership

Accelerated Law Degree

Shave off a year of law school while earning your Criminal Justice major. 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. Learn more by contacting Roni Mayzer, Criminal Justice Pre-Law Coordinator.

UND's Criminal Justice Degree

What can you do with a criminal justice degree?

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:

  • Probation
  • Corrections
  • Courts
  • 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

Criminal Justice Classes You Could Take

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. Prerequisites: 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.

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. Prerequisites: 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. Prerequisites: CJ 201, CJ 210, CJ 220, and CJ 270. F,S.

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.

Read Stephanie's Story

Explore More Options

Looking to add a double major, pursue graduate work or connect with the department?

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