Program Overview
| Program | Course Delivery |
|---|---|
| Criminal Justice - Major | On-Campus & Online |
| Criminal Justice - Minor | On-Campus & Online |
Protect, serve, and lead with the criminal justice program
In a time of social change, you can answer the call and be a leader in the justice system. Join a career where community relationships are at the forefront and make a difference in the lives around you. Criminal justice prepares you for a variety of careers. Get ready to study it all: law, psychology, sociology, public administration, and more.
Criminal Justice is a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree.
Ethan Christopherson
Senior Admission Counselor
Criminal Justice Major
The career-oriented criminal justice degree is designed for students interested in a professional career in the rapidly expanding criminal justice field. The program has an interdisciplinary criminal justice curriculum that allows students to incorporate learning that employers identify as critical to career success. The program provides high-quality education in both academic and professional areas, offers unique training and internship experiences, a positive entry-level employment outlook among criminal justice agencies, and an educational platform to continue graduate training in fields such as political science, law, public administration, criminal justice/criminology, psychology, and social work.
Criminal justice majors choose either a law enforcement or corrections emphasis. Both tracks include elective credits that allow students to select courses they’re interested in. Students who complete the law enforcement emphasis and approved skills training will be eligible to take the state board exam to become licensed police officers.
After completing the program, graduates will:
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding and knowledge of the criminal justice system, juvenile justice system, public administration/policy, criminal behavior, law, criminal justice issues, and criminology.
- Identify the ethical issues inherent in criminal justice.
- Demonstrate proficiencies in policing philosophies, including analyzing, understanding, and evaluating criminal evidence, investigation, and surveillance techniques.
- Explain correctional philosophies and understand the historical and current dilemmas in corrections.
- Discuss the concepts of due process of law, criminal procedure, defendant's rights, victim's rights, and constitutional rights.
Criminal Justice Minor
A minor in criminal justice provides an opportunity for students interested in obtaining a bachelor's degree in a different field of study to take coursework to understand the criminal justice system. The minor is designed to provide students with a broad overview of the criminal justice field by focusing on criminological theory, corrections, policing, juvenile justice issues, and criminal law.
Program Description
- Emphasis areas:
- Corrections
- Law Enforcement
- Criminal justice majors choose either law enforcement or corrections emphasis.
- It is the only POST-certified criminal justice program in the University of Minnesota system.
- The criminal justice program combines the strong disciplinary traditions of social science, communications, statistics, technical writing, and the humanities.
- Licensure and certification are embedded in the program so graduates can enter the workforce after completion.
Awards and Accreditation
- The University of Minnesota Crookston is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
- Our program is Peace Officer Standards & Training (POST) Certified.
Student Experiences
Cost of Attendance (COA)
Full-time (13-18 credits), on-campus.
| Expense Category | MN Resident & Non Resident |
|---|---|
| Tuition/fees | $13,288 |
| Books/supplies* | $279 |
| Housing/food | $11,024 |
Average Cost After Aid
$13,436
Average amount of grants & scholarships received (2022-2023 data)
$12,894
Average net price after grants &
scholarships (2021-2022 data)
$22,883
Average TOTAL student loan debt after
graduation (2022-2023)
Scholarship and Funding Options
The University of Minnesota Crookston provides quick and easy access to over $1 million worth of scholarship opportunities for new and returning students!
Your Future Professors
What is Campus Life Like?
Residential Life
University of Minnesota Crookston's residence halls are ranked #1 public college dorms in Minnesota by Niche. The residential halls are clean, safe, spacious and modern. There is a mix of traditional style rooms, suites, and apartments available on-campus which include amenities such as ensuite bathrooms, walk-closets, and full size kitchens with all major appliances. There are also beautiful common spaces in every residential building that are great places to hangout, play games, study, or relax. Schedule a tour to see for yourself why they're ranked #1!
