Criminal Justice StudiesBachelor of Science (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 earn a bachelor's degree in criminal justice at UND?

Application Deadlines

Fall:: Aug. 17
Spring:: Dec. 15
Summer:: May 1

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.

Criminal Justice at UND

Study with faculty who have doctoral degrees from some of the top programs in the world.
Gain real-world experience through 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 program according to Successful Student.
Collaborate with faculty on research projects.
Be challenged to think creatively and critically.

Criminal Justice Careers

Projected job growth for police and detectives

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Criminal justice–related jobs in North Dakota

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

Criminal Justice Courses You Could Take

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.

Explore More Options

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