Best Criminal Justice Schools in North Dakota

portrait of ASO Staff Writers
by ASO Staff Writers

Updated October 4, 2022 • 6 Min Read

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.

Best Online Schools in North Dakota

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

#1 University of North Dakota Grand Forks, ND
#2 North Dakota State University Fargo, ND
#3 Minot State University Minot, ND
#4 United Tribes Technical College Bismarck, ND
#5 University of Mary Bismarck, ND
#6 University of Jamestown Jamestown, ND

AccreditedSchoolsOnline.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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  1. University of North Dakota
    Location

    Grand Forks, ND

    Graduation Rate
    52%
    View School Profile

    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.

  2. North Dakota State University
    Location

    Fargo, ND

    Graduation Rate
    53%
    View School Profile

    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.

  3. Minot State University
    Location

    Minot, ND

    Graduation Rate
    33%
    View School Profile

    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.

  4. United Tribes Technical College
    Location

    Bismarck, ND

    View School Profile

    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.

  5. University of Mary
    Location

    Bismarck, ND

    Graduation Rate
    20%
    View School Profile

    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.

  6. University of Jamestown
    Location

    Jamestown, ND

    Graduation Rate
    50%
    View School Profile

    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.

Explore Online Criminal Justice Degree Programs in North Dakota

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Top 10 Associate Criminal Justice Schools in North Dakota

#1 Lake Region State College Devils Lake, ND

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  1. Lake Region State College
    Location

    Devils Lake, ND

    View School Profile

    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.

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

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.

[charts]

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

CORRECTIONAL RESOURCES

COURT & JUDICIAL RESOURCES

LEGAL RESOURCES

  • 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

WILDLIFE & ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES

Popular Resources

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AccreditedSchoolsOnline.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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