R1 Ranked

NDSU is among the nation’s top research institutions

Top 2%

NDSU researchers are among the top two percent of scientists in the world

96%

Recent graduates employed full-time

Top 100

Public research university in the country with $190 million in research expenditures

Advance your career and impact the future of justice with NDSU’s graduate programs in Criminal Justice. Offered as both a Master of Science and a Doctor of Philosophy, these programs provide you with advanced expertise in criminology, policing, corrections and research methods. The curriculum consists of foundation courses in theory, policy and research methods, plus three substantive areas, including criminology, policing and corrections. With hands-on training in research and teaching, graduates are prepared to lead in academia, influence policy and drive innovations in criminal justice practice.

Explore the Curriculum

Shape Your Future

NDSU students are encouraged to collaborate with an advisor and develop a unique program of study that meets their specific interests.

Pick a Path That Works for You

In the Master of Science in criminal justice program you’ll choose from three tracks on what meets your professional goals, including an applied criminal justice track, a criminology track and the Plan C track option, which is tailored for professionals in criminal justice and social service agencies.

Build on Past Skills

Enhance your skills in understanding, gathering, processing and analyzing research in the areas of criminology and criminal justice. The program is geared to understanding, critiquing, and analyzing the causes of crime and the criminal justice system's responses to it.

Rewarding Careers

With only 42 criminal justice doctoral programs operating on a national level, stand out in the competitive for academic and research-focused roles.

Tuition and Funding

NDSU offers a high-quality, academically rigorous education at an affordable cost. To help you cover tuition and expenses, various departments offer graduate assistantships designed to support your academic and professional goals.

Admission Info

At NDSU, we welcome students from all backgrounds who are seeking to further their education within a supportive, welcoming community.

No matter your academic path, we're committed to making your application process straightforward and stress-free. Find the specific requirements and steps for your graduate application.

Graduate students are huddled around a laptop at a table.

Elevate your expertise and achieve your goals with graduate studies at NDSU.

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NDSU Graduate School