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Criminal Justice

Consider a career in criminal justice
Our criminal justice (CJ) program will expose you to relevant social, political, economic, and philosophical issues confronting the justice system both within the U.S. and in other countries. To meet the demands created by issues such as prison overcrowding, rising crime rates and violence, domestic abuse, and international and domestic terrorism, the need for qualified graduates has increased significantly.

As a CJ major, you will gain knowledge about the etiology and dynamics of crime, the structures and functions of agencies, and the general operation of the criminal justice system, while also acquiring the practical skills needed to implement this knowledge for developing evidence-based approaches and solutions to the ever-changing issues facing contemporary society.

Learn with Minot State
Our curriculum is one of the most comprehensive in the upper Midwest and is delivered in both traditional and online formats. The course of study addresses issues in each component of the criminal justice system. You can augment your degree with minors in police management and investigation; law and legal studies; and offenders, risk assessment, and corrections, as well as a concentration in criminal justice research and policy evaluation. Our 2021 students scored in the top 6% nationally on the Area Concentration Achievement Test (ACAT).

Career outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, probation officers and correctional treatment specialists earn a median pay of $59,860 per year. 

Offered: On campus, online, AU-ABC, Bismarck State College

Be inspired . . . earn your criminal justice degree

Job opportunities
The focus of Minot State’s undergraduate education in criminal justice is directed towards the development of both applied practitioners and the advanced training of those seeking to pursue a master’s or doctoral degree. Our criminal justice program prepares you for a wide variety of career opportunities in law, law enforcement, the courts, corrections, and juvenile justice. As a criminal justice professional, you may interact with agencies at the federal, state, and local level and with professionals in private security, loss prevention, counseling, and treatment.

Air University Associate to Baccalaureate Cooperative (AU-ABC)
Minot State is a partner with the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) as part of our commitment to our Airmen. In 60 semester hours, you can achieve an advanced education beyond your associate degree. Our long-standing relationship with the Minot Air Force Base will empower you. Our Military Resource Center staff is available to guide active duty, transitioning active duty, veterans, dependents, and spouses through the application process.

Peace Officer Training Program
The Minot State CJ program, in collaboration with Lake Region State College, offers the ND Peace Officer training program each spring semester. The program runs for 16 weeks and gives CJ students interested in a law enforcement related career the opportunity to graduate with their undergraduate degree and POST certification.
 

Program options (Catalog Links)


Department website


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Accreditation
Minot State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

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