Best Criminal Justice Schools in North Dakota

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.

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.