Best Criminal Justice Schools in North Dakota

ASO Staff Writers
By
Updated on August 30, 2024

Criminal justice schools in North Dakota train students to fight against drug trafficking, solve crimes and protect the general public. Since North Dakota sits on the Canadian border, there is an ongoing demand for border patrol and law enforcement officers that protect the nation’s security. The United States Justice Department provides funding for many law enforcement, narcotics control and security initiatives every year.

Those looking to be a part of the border patrol crew or work directly with civilians will find a variety of attractive career opportunities across the state. Learn about educational requirements and career information for criminal justice jobs in North Dakota.

Loading...
Loading...Learn More
Visit Site
Loading...
Loading...Learn More
Visit Site
Loading...
Loading...Learn More
Visit Site
Add up to three schools to compare

Best Criminal Justice Schools in North Dakota

Finding criminal justice schools in North Dakota that offer the right degree level and training for different legal and protective service jobs in the state can be a challenge for some. To help students find the best program that meets their individual needs, we have analyzed criminal justice schools and programs across the county to find the best academic options. Use the ranking list below to narrow down the search process and compare different schools by enrollment numbers, tuition, acceptance rate and other key factors.

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.
#1

University of North Dakota

  • Grand Forks, ND
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

The criminal justice bachelor's program at the University of North Dakota draws on a multidisciplinary approach, taking resources from the criminal justice, sociology, philosophy and anthropology departments. The program prepares students for entry-level careers in the criminal justice system, for graduate school or law programs. There are also options for those already working in criminal justice to expand their knowledge. 

Students study topics like policing, corrections and juvenile delinquency. They also learn solid theoretical approaches to criminal justice. Students can also choose from a list of electives on topics like correctional alternatives and criminal investigation. 

68%

Online Enrollment

$ 8,882

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

79%

Retention Rate

$13,324

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
83%
Students Enrolled
13,876
Institution Type
Public
#2

North Dakota State University

  • Fargo, ND
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

At the North Dakota State University-Main Campus, students can study to obtain a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. Students learn about the courts, corrections, social services and law enforcement systems. After completing the program, students can go on to work in law enforcement, probation, correctional work, victim advocacy and halfway houses. 

Graduates have even gone on to work for the FBI, U.S. Secret Service and the Bureau of Criminal Investigation. Students take courses in behavioral science, humanities, social sciences, computer science and accounting to prepare for their careers. The program also focuses on fostering a well-rounded education in general education requirement subjects like composition, science and wellness. 

49%

Online Enrollment

$ 9,309

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

75%

Retention Rate

$13,963

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
96%
Students Enrolled
12,242
Institution Type
Public
#3

Minot State University

  • Minot, ND
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Students at Minot State University learn about the issues facing criminal justice systems both in the United States and the world at large. Students learn about concerns like prison overcrowding, domestic abuse and terrorism. The program prepares students to enter the workforce upon graduation, or to pursue graduate-level work after their undergraduate studies. 

Students can expect to graduate and get careers in the law, courts, corrections, juvenile justice or law enforcement. As part of the bachelor's program, there is also a Peace Officer Training Program (POST) every spring semester, which allows students to graduate with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and a POST certification. 

61%

Online Enrollment

$7,168

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

70%

Retention Rate

$7,168

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
93%
Students Enrolled
2,777
Institution Type
Public
#4

United Tribes Technical College

  • Bismarck, ND
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

The United Tribes Technical College offers a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. Students gain a wide range of skills related to criminal justice so they can enter the field upon graduation. Students can expect to be prepared to work as state, federal or tribal law enforcers, correction officers, victim advocates, in homeland security, in military investigative services or as probation officers. 

As part of the program goals, students will be able to maintain professional conduct, use criminology theory, use technological abilities, use communication skills and process ethical decision-making abilities. Students will study pertinent topics like criminal law, drugs & crime, media relations, policing and criminal investigations. 

34%

Online Enrollment

$3,220

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Retention Rate

$3,220

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
N/A
Students Enrolled
506
Institution Type
Private
#5

University of Jamestown

  • Jamestown, ND
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

The University of Jamestown offers a number of resources to students in the criminal justice department. Students have internship opportunities to pursue, for starters. The major also pairs well with complementary minors and other majors so students can have more direction in planning their career paths. 

The classes are small so students get one-on-one attention from professors. There are also field experiences and co-curricular activities that give students a hands-on approach to their learning, like the Criminal Justice Club. Students will be prepared to work at local, state and federal levels. 

28%

Online Enrollment

$23,400

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

68%

Retention Rate

$23,400

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
88%
Students Enrolled
1,242
Institution Type
Private

Popular North Dakota Criminal Justice Careers

Criminal justice careers North Dakota are government-funded positions, and there is an ongoing need for highly trained individuals in this field. For instance, in 2015 North Dakota received a $447,000 grant to manage its 11 narcotic task forces alone, in addition to other financial backings. Some careers require completing an academy program while others require at least a bachelor’s degree or certification in the field. Use the tool below to compare some of the most popular criminal justice careers in North Dakota.

North Dakota Employers Looking to Hire Criminal Justice Graduates

Grand Forks, Bismarck, Fargo and Hillsboro are some of the larger cities with shopping malls, high-traffic public areas, and neighborhoods with high crime rates. Many available criminal justice position are government-funded and focus on law enforcement and security initiatives along the Canadian border. The table below highlights the largest areas of employment, as well as annual wages for jobs in legal and protective services in different areas.

  • Protective Services
    Potential Employers
    Bailiffs at Ward County Jail; Correctional Officers and Jailers at SWMCCC; Detectives and Criminal Investigators at private investigation firms; Fish and Game Wardens at Cross Ranch State Park; Parking Enforcement Workers for the North Dakota City Government; Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers at Bismarck Police Department; Transit and Railroad Police for North Dakota Department of Transportation; Animal Control Workers for Central Dakota Humane Society; Private Detectives and Investigators for investigation and law enforcement firms; Gaming Surveillance Officers and Gaming Investigators at various North Dakota gaming destinations; Security Guards for retailers and commercial properties; Crossing Guards at North Dakota schools; Lifeguards, Ski Patrol and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers at North Dakota State Parks and recreational areas; Transportation Security Screeners
    Total Number of Employees in North Dakota: 6,370
  • Legal Occupations
    Potential Employers
    Lawyers at North Dakota Law Firms; Judicial Law Clerks at North Dakota Supreme Court; Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators and Hearing Officers at North Dakota Supreme Court; Arbitrators, Mediators and Conciliators at North Dakota courts system; Judges, Magistrate Judges and Magistrates for the North Dakota Courts System; Paralegals and Legal Assistants for North Dakota Courts and Law Firms; Court Reporters for North Dakota Supreme Court and North Dakota Court Systems; Title Examiners, Abstractors and Searchers for North Dakota Real Estate Agents and Attorneys; Legal Support Workers for area law firms.
    Total Number of Employees in North Dakota: 1,910