University of North Dakota

What you'll study

This programme combines core criminal justice theory with specialised coursework in corrections and offender management. You will study the causes and control of crime, correctional practices, juvenile and adult sentencing, rehabilitation strategies, re-entry and community supervision. Core topics typically include criminological theory, criminal law and constitutional issues, corrections administration, offender assessment and treatment, ethics in criminal justice, and research methods and statistics for the social sciences.

• Foundations: Introductory courses covering criminal justice systems, criminological theories and ethical issues.
• Corrections-focused modules: Topics such as institutional corrections, community corrections, probation and parole, offender classification, case management and correctional programming.
• Law and policy: Constitutional law, restorative justice, juvenile justice, sentencing policy and victimology.
• Research and skills: Research methods, data analysis, report writing, risk/needs assessment tools and evidence-based practice.
• Practical experience: Supervised internships or practicum placements with correctional agencies, probation services, treatment providers or courts, plus a capstone or senior seminar integrating learning.
• Electives and cross-disciplinary options: Courses in psychology, sociology, substance-abuse treatment, social work or law enforcement to tailor your degree to career goals.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally required to hold a high school diploma or equivalent. Typical entry expectations include satisfactory academic performance in secondary education; specific GCSE/A-level or senior-high school subjects are not mandatory but background in social studies, English and mathematics is advantageous. Standardised test submissions may be optional depending on institutional policy. Applicants should be prepared for a background check when placements are arranged, as convictions can affect eligibility for internships or licensure in some roles.

• Domestic applicants: Secondary-school completion with competitive grades; consideration is given to relevant experience or community involvement.
• Transfer students: Acceptance depends on collegiate transcripts and a minimum college GPA; previously earned credits may be transferable.
• International applicants: Proof of secondary completion equivalent to U.S. requirements and evidence of English language proficiency where required.
• Additional considerations: Some placements and career paths require background screening, immunisations or other clearances; applicants with prior convictions should discuss implications with programme advisors.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a range of roles in public, non-profit and private sectors. Common entry-level positions include correctional officer, probation and parole officer, community supervision specialist, case manager, rehabilitation or re-entry coordinator, and juvenile justice worker. Roles in victim advocacy, court services, and substance-abuse treatment programmes are also typical. With experience or further study, graduates may progress to supervisory or administrative positions within corrections, policy and research roles, positions in federal law enforcement or transition into graduate study such as criminal justice, social work, public administration or law.

• Correctional institutions and community corrections agencies
• Probation and parole services
• Treatment and rehabilitation providers
• Court and victim services
• Private-sector compliance, security and consultancy roles
• Further study in graduate programmes or law school

Why study at University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota offers a programme that emphasises applied learning and close faculty mentoring within a smaller research university environment. Students benefit from classroom instruction led by faculty with academic and practitioner experience, and from established relationships with local and state criminal justice agencies that support internships and field placements. The campus setting allows access to regional courts, correctional facilities and community organisations for hands-on learning, while elective and interdisciplinary options enable students to broaden expertise in areas such as substance-abuse treatment, mental health and policy analysis.

Additionally, UND provides student support services including career advising, placement assistance and research opportunities, helping graduates transition into careers or advanced study in the criminal justice field.