Cultivating the Next Generation of Leaders

The criminal justice curriculum is an interdisciplinary program drawing on the social sciences, behavioral sciences, humanities, and the law. Course requirements are based on the idea that our students should work through a curriculum that equips them with broad knowledge of the criminal justice system and criminological theory and prepares them for a wide range of duties and professional responsibilities. The department also offers a minor in criminal justice and partners with the Department of Accounting and Information Systems on a fraud investigation minor.

Program Highlights

Expert Faculty

The faculty in our program provide teaching, research and practical expertise related to many issues in criminal justice. Our faculty and staff are dedicated to providing mentorship and support to help students achieve their goals.

Peace Officer Training and Licensure

Our department has a relationship with Alexandria Community and Technical College in Alexandria, MN, which permits our students to attend the peace officer skills program there and ultimately obtain eligibility for peace officer licensure in Minneosta.  NDSU criminal justice students are able to complete the skills training during the summer after their junior or senior year.  Students interested in local law enforcement careers in North Dakota may complete the Alexandria skills training, or may take Lake Region State College's peace officer skills training program in Fargo or in Devils Lake, ND.  More information about both skills training program options, and the career opportunities that follow, can be obtained from the Department of Criminal Justice.  

Diverse Career Pathways

Our alumni work in law enforcement, courts/law firms, correctional agencies, probation and parole departments and do so at the local, state and federal level. These jobs typically come with good salaries and benefits. Types of agencies that have employed our graduates include police departments, sheriff's departments, planning agencies, group homes, juvenile courts, family courts, probation and parole departments, juvenile and adult correctional institutions, halfway houses, and many federal agencies (e.g. U.S Marshals Service, Secret Service, and federal probation). Learn more...

Internship Program

Many students elect to complete an internship.  This is usually done during their junior or senior year. Internship opportunities exist in many agencies in North Dakota and Minnesota and can be done at any time during the calendar year. By completing an internship, the student is able to combine the theoretical and applied aspects of professional preparation. Internship experience is an important element of successful job placement.