If you’re interested in reducing crime through the processes of arrest, investigation, trial, sentencing, and sanctions, then Northern's criminal justice major is the degree for you.

Our Criminal Justice program provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities you will need to excel as a law enforcement officer, forensic science technician, legal assistant, or hearing officer. Northern also provides a strong foundation if you want to pursue a career in law or the judiciary. Whether you prefer the flexibility of online learning or the face-to-face interaction of an on-campus experience, Northern’s criminal justice program is dedicated to meeting your needs. As a graduate, you are also eligible for priority admission to our master's in counseling program.

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Offered On Campus and Online

120 Credit Hours

Estimated Time to Complete: Four Years

Empowering Tomorrow’s Criminal Justice Leaders

As a criminal justice major at Northern State University, you will delve into the areas of criminal law and procedure, policing, the judicial system, the correctional system, and criminological theory. You will learn to find and integrate information from varied sources to effectively understand and analyze criminal justice issues. Our dedicated faculty will help you apply your specialized knowledge to field-based learning experiences, including civic and community engagement activities (such as internships), or policy analysis (such as an honors thesis).

Sample Coursework

Introduction to Sociology

Introduction to Criminal Justice

Policing in a Free Society

Crime Scene Investigation

Criminology

Law and Society

Criminal Law

Juvenile Delinquency

Related Minors

Biology

Chemistry

Communication Studies

Government

Legal Studies

Psychology

Social Work

Sociology

Similar Programs

Biology

Biochemistry

Chemistry

Communication Studies

Counseling

Psychology

Social Science Education

Sociology

Experience in the Field

We know that getting hands on experience is important to your learning experience! Northern students are eligible for academic credit while gaining real-world experience and making an impact. As a criminal justice major at Northern, you'll get that opportunity right here in Aberdeen, a center for local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and courts, including:

  • Safe Harbor
  • Aberdeen Police Department
  • Brown County Juvenile Detention Center
  • Brown County Sheriff's Office
  • Brown County Court House
  • South Dakota Highway Patrol
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation

Get Involved on Campus

Build skills outside the classroom and get involved with the Aberdeen community with clubs and organizations.

 

Student Involvement and Leadership