Fact Sheets

Criminal Justice @ MSUM

MSUM's Criminal Justice Program is a multidisciplinary major with classes from several departments. Students, working with a faculty advisor, have significant flexibility to choose their coursework. Six classes are required and remaining classes are tailored to each student's interests in criminal justice. Students interested in Law Enforcement usually do additional coursework.

The basic philosophy of the major is to provide a broad background in the social sciences. Our graduates understand that the criminal justice system involves more than formal criminal procedure. This social science background teaches students about the many ways criminal justice issues and practices relate to what is occurring in the larger society.

Some of the topics studied include criminal law, relationships between law and the larger society, victim issues, how the courts operate, why people commit juvenile and adult crimes, and the psychology of abnormal individuals.

There is a separate Law Enforcement track for students seeking peace officer careers in Minnesota. This track is certified by the Minnesota Peace Officers Standards and Training Board (POST). Minnesota is a leader in law enforcement and the Minnesota standards for entering law enforcement careers are among the most rigorous in the nation. Most MSUM graduates perform very well on the entrance examination.

Criminal Justice students take classes in sociology, psychology, political science, and sometimes social work. It is common for students to major in both criminal justice and one of these four disciplines.

Career Opportunities
Students majoring in criminal justice are well prepared for careers as probation officers, as correctional counselors and as police officers. Graduates are also qualified to work as prison staff, as researchers and as professionals in other areas of the system. Each year, several graduates go beyond the bachelor's degree and attend law school or graduate school. MSUM criminal justice graduates have made impressive careers in police departments throughout Minnesota and North Dakota, in county and state probation offices and in counseling positions. Some very good students are in federal law enforcement agencies.

In the past decade, internships have become almost mandatory to secure probation and other corrections positions. They are currently becoming critical in law enforcement. Internships, while not required, are therefore strongly recommended. They are best done during the summer between a student's junior and senior year, but may be done any time after a student becomes a junior.

Program Benefits

  • A four year Bachelor of Arts degree that emphasizes both high professional standards and an intellectually rigorous approach to criminal justice.
  • A program that allows a second major in a social science.
  • Excellent law enforcement career preparation.
  • Excellent correctional career preparation.
  • Excellent preparation for law school and other professional and graduate work.
  • Sufficient flexibility to accommodate unique student interests.
  • Excellent faculty contacts with local and state agencies.
  • An active criminal justice student association.
  • Available computer labs and student tutors.
  • Regular field trips and invited guest speakers.
  • Opportunities for students to work with faculty on social research.