Top Criminal Justice Schools and Programs Offered in North Dakota
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.
2017 BEST CRIMINAL JUSTICE SCHOOLS IN NORTH DAKOTA
OUR METHODOLOGY+
To be considered for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria:
Accredited at the institutional level
Private nonprofit or public school
Minimum of 1 bachelor’s or master’s degree in subject area for 4-year schools
Minimum of 1 associate degree or certificate program in subject area for 2-year schools
Schools were then scored on factors such as:
Cost & Financial Aid
Number and variety of program offerings
Student-teacher ratios
Graduation rates (4-year schools only)
Placement and support services offered
Academic/Career counseling services
Employment services
Loan default rates
These factors were assembled for each school and rated using a peer-based-value (PBV) calculation. PBV compares the cost of a program to the cost of other programs with the same (or similar) qualitative score and cost. PBV denotes the overall value or “bang for your buck” of a college or degree program.
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 2017’s 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.
Top 10 Bachelor Criminal Justice Schools in North Dakota
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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.
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.
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.
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.
The University of Mary's Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice will prepare students to enter a wide array of criminal justice professions, from law enforcement to the correctional system to the judicial system. The school prides itself on being grounded in Christian values that will help students work on a humanitarian level. The program boasts the years of experience in the field the professors who teach criminal justice courses have. That, along with internship opportunities, will give students real-world experience. Students go on to work in criminal justice across multiple systems like corrections, juvenile justice, homeland security and private security.
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.
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Explore Online Criminal Justice Degree Programs in North Dakota
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Top 10 Associate Criminal Justice Schools in North Dakota
AdvertisementAccreditedSchoolsOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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Lake Region State College was accredited in 1973 to offer the first two years of a baccalaureate education in fields including technology, law enforcement, and health care. Associate degree programs are available in 18 majors, and there are 10 certificate and certificate of completions in a range of career disciplines. The 60-credit associate in applied sciences degree program in law enforcement can be completed in two years and is offered at the Devils Lake Campus and online, including the state peace officer training component. The one-semester certificate in peace officer training satisfies North Dakota training requirements.
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.
Police, Sheriff & Highway Patrol Officers
Total Employed in North Dakota 1,280
Median Salary in North Dakota $50,740
Degree Level Required in North Dakota Academy Program
Correctional Officer
Total Employed in North Dakota 920
Median Salary in North Dakota $38,170
Degree Level Required in North Dakota Certification
Compliance Officer
Total Employed in North Dakota 1,100
Median Salary in North Dakota $59,680
Degree Level Required in North Dakota Bachelor’s
Paralegal and Legal Assistant
Total Employed in North Dakota 420
Median Salary in North Dakota $42,630
Degree Level Required in North Dakota Varies; up to Bachelor’s
Court, Municipal and License Clerks
Total Employed in North Dakota 290
Median Salary in North Dakota $42,750
Degree Level Required in North Dakota Varies; up to Bachelor’s
Detectives and Criminal Investigators
Total Employed in North Dakota 290
Median Salary in North Dakota $77,210
Degree Level Required in North Dakota Varies; up to Bachelor’s
Probation Officer
Total Employed in North Dakota 150
Median Salary in North Dakota $51,530
Degree Level Required in North Dakota Bachelor’s
NORTH DAKOTA CRIMINAL JUSTICE CAREERS IN COMPARISON TO THE NATIONAL AVERAGE
Criminal justice jobs with attractive pay ranges can be found in larger cities and populated areas, including Fargo, Grand Forks, Watford City and Mandan. County governments, correctional facilities and sheriff’s offices in major cities are some good places to start the job search. Spending some time comparing salaries and available jobs in these areas with national averages can help to find the right fit. The table below illustrates the different career options available in North Dakota compared to national averages.
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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
LARGEST AREAS OF EMPLOYMENT IN DESCENDING ORDER
PROFESSIONAL RESOURCES FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE IN NORTH DAKOTA
BUSINESS COMPLIANCE RESOURCES
North Dakota State Government – New Business Startup Resource This website serves as a resource for entrepreneurs and business owners from the State Government. Includes rules and regulations for nonprofits, business registration details and online services.
Center for Retail Compliance – North Dakota Resources This website provides Information about federal environmental regulations and rules from the North Dakota Department of Health (DOH). Includes information about hazardous waste, inspections and recycling laws.
North Dakota Secretary of State – Business Services This site provides resources for business owners and information about trademarks, copyright laws and patents. Also includes details about business structures, franchises and professional employer organizations.
Greater North Dakota Chamber The GNDC has educational resources on issues and legislation that affects business owners in the state of North Dakota as well as a membership program and resources for business success.
Economic Development Association of North Dakota This group provides resources and legislative information for people who are interested in the economic development of business communities in North Dakota.
Pierce County North Dakota – A Career in Corrections Those looking for a rewarding career in the field of corrections can follow the instructions on this site. HACTC provides correctional officer basic training in Bismarck, ND, within the first year of hire and all tools and equipment.
North Dakota Youth Correctional Center Individuals interested in working exclusively with youth can explore career options at the North Dakota Youth Correctional Center in Mandan, ND. This page includes contact information about the correctional facility designed for troubled adolescents.
North Dakota, The Council of State Governments Justice Center The CSG provides information about research-driven strategies to improve criminal justice and public safety across the country. Part of their purview is to provide recommendations for correctional reform.
COURT & JUDICIAL RESOURCES
North Dakota State Court This website provides full access to North Dakota District Court Case information for all types of cases. Search results include municipal court cases from different areas.
United States District Court for the District of North Dakota The United States District Court in North Dakota is located in Bismarck with a divisional office in Fargo. This page features the latest employment listings in North Dakota, as well as national listings for those looking for career opportunities.
North Dakota State Government Job Board Those interested in working in corrections, human services, or the legal field can explore job opportunities updated regularly on this job board. The job board makes it easy to save jobs and apply online.
Legal Services of North Dakota This non-profit organization provides free legal assistance to low income individuals and the elderly in North Dakota. The site lists pro bono opportunities and law internships for those who want to gain valuable skills working in the legal field.
American Civil Liberties Union of North Dakota This website provides updates about the latest events and activities of the American Civil Liberties Union. It works to ensure all prisons, jails and juvenile facilities comply with the Constitution, federal law, and international human rights principles. The Careers section of the site features the latest job listings with the organization.
North Dakota Supreme Court – Legal Research This site includes a comprehensive list of legal resources for law students and lawyers, including the North Dakota Constitution, North Dakota Statutes and bankruptcy court information.
State Bar Association of North Dakota A resource for lawyers and the public, the SBAND provides continuing legal education, information about the bar and updates about community-related events.
Western Dakota Association of Legal Assistants WDALA is a membership-based organization that provides networking and educational opportunities to paralegals and legal assistants in western North Dakota.
Red River Valley Paralegal Association The RRVPA is a membership-based group that helps with the professional development of paralegals in North Dakota.
Legal Services of North Dakota This non-profit offers legal assistance and representation to low-income and elderly people in North Dakota.
LAW ENFORCEMENT RESOURCES
City of Fargo Police Department Those looking for a job in a community oriented law enforcement agency in Fargo can find information about employment opportunities, testing locations and handbooks for police officers on this website.
State of North Dakota Private Investigation and Security Board This website includes information about qualifications and eligibly requirements for those working in private investigation and securities fields. The site also includes information for license holders, meeting minutes, and news.
North Dakota Sheriff’s and Deputies Association A non-profit organization comprised of members from the Sheriff’s Office throughout the state, the NDSDA seeks to advance law enforcement practices in North Dakota.
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service – Agency Presence in North Dakota This page provides the latest information about the agency presence of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service across the state. It outlines the different programs, locations and funding dollars for grant programs.
North Dakota Farm Bureau – Natural and Environmental Resources This organization serves is an advocacy organization for its members and is involved with membership events and other activities. The site includes membership information and details about organizations that support its mission.
North Dakota Game and Fish Department This website is maintained by the North Dakota State Government and includes licensing information, maps, and the latest news relevant to the wildlife and conservation industry.
Whether you’re looking to earn your online degree or you’re a parent looking for answers, you can find all of your questions covered here. Explore these resources to help you make informed decisions and prepare for whatever is thrown your way.
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