Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice Programs in North Dakota

North Dakota has seen quite a bit of economic growth in recent years. This is good for those who live in this state, but it has also brought quite a bit of crime to North Dakota. In fact, Valley News Live reports that organized crime is a significant problem in the western part of North Dakota. It has grown so quickly in recent years that the state has decided to create a Bakken Organized Crime Strike Force.

Of course, when crime increases, the need for criminal justice professionals increases as well. In this same part of the state, a new jail recently broke ground. This building is expected to employ dozens of deputies and sworn police officers, in addition to correctional officers.

Earning Your Criminal Justice Bachelor’s Degree in North Dakota

As is the case with many industries and fields, your success and criminal justice begins with the right education. Plan on dedicating eight semesters of full-time study to a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. By the time you graduate, you should have no fewer than 120 credits. Throughout your education, you may complete classroom theory courses, lab courses that give you hands-on experience, and workforce experience courses.

The courses included in a criminal justice program should span many subjects and specialties. Many of these courses are required, but you may also get the chance to choose electives that fit into your career goals. Classes that are often required for all students include Criminology, Research Methodology, Policing Procedures, Courtroom Procedures, and Correctional Procedures. High-level electives include Victimology, Police in Modern Society, Criminal Justice Management, Community Supervision, and Violent Crime.

After you have been accepted to your program of choice, you may want to begin the process of applying for financial aid. Doing so early may give you greater access to a variety of awards. For example, consider applying for a criminal justice scholarship at North Dakota State University. If you have exceptional academic performance, you may also wish to apply to the Truman Scholars Program.

Working in Criminal Justice in North Dakota

In many cases, job growth rates in North Dakota exceed national averages. By the year 2022, O*Net predicts a 7% increase in detective jobs. Through 2022, a 9% increase in correctional officer jobs is expected (O*Net, 2012).

On top of this, salaries in North Dakota tend to be slightly higher than average. Criminal investigators earn an average of $84,000 per year, while correctional officers earn an average of $37,800 per year (O*Net, 2014).

Start preparing for your education today by contacting criminal justice programs in North Dakota.