BA in Criminal Justice

• Students will be able to identify and apply the theories, philosophy, policies, and practices of the major institutions of criminal justice as well as relevant substantive and procedural criminal law. (Cross-curricular Skills: Inquiry and Analysis)
• Students will be able to explain how the major components of the criminal justice system (police, courts, and corrections) are inter-dependent, and how the political, legal, ethical, and socioeconomic environments in which they operate affect them as well as victims, offenders, justice professionals, and society. (Cross-curricular Skills: Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity)
• Students will be able to identify the characteristics of high-quality data and methods in criminology and criminal justice research and effectively explain the results of such research to others. (Cross-curricular Skills: Critical and Creative Thinking)
• Students will be able to assess the effectiveness of criminal justice and/or U.S. homeland security policies and practices through analysis of contemporary issues and threat landscapes. (Cross-curricular Skills: Problem Solving)
• Students will be able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, and demonstrate basic knowledge of information technology. (Cross-curricular Skills: Teamwork)

First Year Fall

• IDL 190, Freshman Seminar 2
• ENGL 101, Composition I 3
• MATH 114/L, College Algebra* 3-4
• SOC 100, Introduction to Sociology 3
• CJUS 201, Introduction to Criminal Justice 3

First Year Spring

• SPCM 101, Fundamentals of Speech* 3
• Natural Science with Lab 3-4
• ENGL 201, Composition II 3
• Arts and Humanities Course: Artistic Expression 3
• HIST 121, Western Civilization I* 3

Second Year Fall

• Introductory or Intermediate Foreign Language 3-4
• Human Values Course 3
• Arts and Humanities Course: Literature 3
• CJUS Emphasis Course 3
• Elective or Minor Course 3

Second Year Spring

• SOC 351, Criminology 3
• CJUS 431, Criminal Law 3
• CJUS Emphasis Course 3
• Natural Science with Lab 3-4
• Elective or Minor Course 3

Third Year Fall

• CJUS 380, Research and Data Analysis in Criminal Justice 3
• CJUS Emphasis Course 3
• CJUS Elective Course 3
• Elective or Minor Course 3
• Elective or Minor Course 3

Third Year Spring

• CJUS Emphasis Course 3
• CJUS Elective Course 3
• Elective or Minor Course 3
• Elective or Minor Course 3
• Elective or Minor Course 3

Fourth Year Fall

• CJUS Elective Course 3
• Elective or Minor Course 3
• Elective or Minor Course 3
• Elective or Minor Course 3
• Elective or Minor Course 3

Fourth Year Spring

• CJUS 485, Social Science Capstone 3
• Elective or Minor Course 3
• Elective or Minor Course 3
• Elective or Minor Course 3
• Elective or Minor Course 3

*Fulfills a General Education Requirement. Other course options may be available.
**Fulfills a major requirement. Other course options may be available.
***Fulfills a general elective. Other course options may be available.

Suggested Double Majors: Sociology, Government, Psychology, and History

Suggested Minors: Sociology, Government, Psychology, English, and History

A criminal justice degree from Northern prepares you to succeed in law enforcement; various roles in municipal, state, and federal courthouses; probation; or correctional institutions.

You might pursue a career in the juvenile justice field as a juvenile detention officer, or work with court personnel monitoring juvenile probationers.

You'll also be prepared to work in victim services or in an advocacy role with victims or work with people with substance abuse problems.

Other career options include pursuing a law degree or graduate-level education in criminal justice and related fields, such as clinical mental health counseling.

Internships

For criminal justice students seeking hands-on experience, Aberdeen is a convenient center of local, state, and federal law enforcement organizations, including the Aberdeen Police Department, Brown County Sheriff’s Office, South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. As the county seat, Aberdeen also features the Brown County Courthouse, which houses a Court Services office. If you're a highly motivated criminal justice student, you could land an internship with one of these organizations - and possibly receive academic credit while gaining real-world experience and making an impact.