Criminal Justice

Whether you're currently a professional looking to expand your opportunities through education or interested in starting a career in criminal justice, this program is designed to work for you.  You will learn how the criminal justice system works; form crime prevention and enforcement, to the legal system, corrections, and more.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Criminal Justice program is to provide students with an overall understanding of the criminal justice system and all of its major players (officers, professionals, victims, and offenders). We aim to give students the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking capabilities that will prepare them for successful careers within the criminal justice field. Students are exposed to both established and contemporary theory, to research and writing skills, and to the requirements of practice in the field.

Learning Outcomes for Criminal Justice, Major

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding and knowledge of the practical components of the criminal justice system.

• Apply learned knowledge of the principles underlying human deviant behavior and social/psychological relationships.

• Apply critical thinking skills and logic to analyze and solve complex problems in the criminal justice environment.

• Cite effective practices and trends and anticipate the impact of programs and services that are effective in combating crime.

  Learning Outcomes for Criminal Justice, Minor

  Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding and knowledge of the practical components of the criminal justice system.

• Apply learned knowledge of the principles underlying human deviant behavior and social/psychological relationships.

• Apply critical thinking skills and logic to analyze and solve complex problems in the criminal justice environment.

• Cite effective practices and trends and anticipate the impact of programs and services that are effective in combating crime.

Bachelor of Science Criminal Justice - Minor Required

Minor Criminal Justice

**The Criminal Justice degree accepts life experience credits earned through Northern’s LEAP program. Students with successful professional experience in law enforcement and corrections, in particular, are encouraged to consider preparing a LEAP portfolio.

Please note: approval does not indicate support for new faculty or additional resources.