Department of Criminal Justice and Political Science
The department offers degree programs (B.A. and B.S.) as well as minor programs of study in Criminal Justice and Political Science.
Pre-Criminal Justice Preparation
Students intent on pursuing an undergraduate degree in criminal justice are enrolled as pre-professional students and must first meet GPA and coursework requirements in order to be admitted to the criminal justice program. Once students satisfy all requirements, the student completes and submits the Pre-Criminal Justice application form, available from the Department’s academic assistant. After verification that the student meets the requirements for acceptance, he/she is accepted into the professional program and can continue to pursue a degree in criminal justice.
Criminal Justice Major
The criminal justice practitioner deals with the broad areas of law enforcement, courts, corrections, and social services. Professional positions may include federal law enforcement, municipal law enforcement, juvenile and adult probation, counseling and correctional work in institutions, victim advocacy programs, and halfway houses. Within these broad areas the practitioner enjoys exciting professional challenges and opportunities for serving society and helping people.
Examples of agencies that have employed NDSU graduates include: the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, local police departments, sheriff ’s departments, Border Patrol, juvenile courts, Bureau of Criminal Investigation, U.S. Secret Service, probation and parole departments, juvenile and adult correctional instructions, halfway houses, and crime and delinquency prevention programs.
The Criminal Justice curriculum is an interdisciplinary program drawing on the social sciences, behavioral sciences, humanities, computer sciences, and accounting. A total of 58-59 credits is required for a major in criminal justice coursework. A basic background in the social sciences, behavioral sciences, and civics is helpful.
Criminal Justice Minor
The minor in Criminal Justice provides an opportunity for students with majors in fields outside of the Criminal Justice program to gain valuable knowledge regarding criminological theory and the history, operation and effectiveness of various parts of the criminal and juvenile justice system.
Fraud Investigation Minor
The Department of Criminal Justice and Political Science, in collaboration with the Department of Accounting, Finance and Information Systems, offers a minor in Fraud Investigation. Students will study the causes of fraud, as well as the detection, investigation, and prevention of fraud. Student learn about the criminal justice system, including law making, criminality, and prosecution of fraud and other types of crime. This minor will prepare students for possible careers in crime investigation, litigation support, or forensic accounting. See the Interdisciplinary Programs section of this Bulletin, or contact the Department of Accounting, Finance and Information Systems or the Department of Criminal Justice and Political Science for further information and course requirements.
Criminal Justice Club and Internships
Students may expand their knowledge of criminal justice and career opportunities through the meetings with professionals and field trips sponsored by this club. The department also offers internships and cooperative education opportunities. For specifics, contact the Department of Criminal Justice and Political Science.
Pre-Political Science Preparation
Students intent on pursuing an undergraduate degree in political science are enrolled as pre-professional students and must first meet GPA and coursework requirements in order to be admitted to the political science program. Once students satisfy all requirements, the student completes and submits the Pre-Political Science application form, available from the Department’s academic assistant. After verification that the student meets the requirements for acceptance, he/she is accepted into the professional program and can continue to pursue a degree in criminal justice.
Political Science Major
Political science is the study of politics, government, and public policy. This includes the investigation of political institutions, international relations, law, and political values. The purpose of classes in political science is to provide students with knowledge to assist them in understanding how government and politics affect their everyday lives. A political science major offers the student career opportunities in public service, business, and education. Also, many students interested in attending law school select political science as a major. As part of its offerings the department offers a special program of pre-law advisement.
A total of 40 credits of major coursework is required for Political Science. All students are required to complete Introduction to Political Science (110) or American Government (115), Applied Research Methods (325), Political Ideologies (240), International Politics (220) or Comparative Politics (225), and Senior Seminar (489). In addition, four 400-level classes must be taken; one from each of these areas: law, American Government, comparative politics, and international relations. Nine credits of electives are also to be selected in consultation with an advisor.
Political Science Minor
The minor in Political Science requires a minimum of 21 credits including Introduction to Political Science or American Government and International Politics or Comparative Politics. Three classes of the student’s choice at the 400-level in law, behavior, international relations, or comparative politics are required. Six credits of electives also are to be selected in consultation with an advisor.
Pre-Law Emphasis
The department offers a special Pre-Law emphasis for those individuals who wish to pursue careers in law. It consists of a major in Political Science (40 hours) that includes a concentration of law related courses, as well as required classes in English and communication. Electives in business, communication, criminal justice and accounting are also part of the emphasis. For further information and specific course requirements contact any political science faculty.
Public Service Option
The Public Service option allows students to concentrate their coursework in two distinct areas of study: government administration and political management. The government administration area is designed for students seeking careers in the administration of public, private/public, or non-profit organizations. The political management area is designed for students seeking careers in connection to political parties, campaign consultants, interest groups, and the political media. Each area requires a 15 credit internship. For further information on the specific requirements, contact the department.
