Criminal Justice
Program Overview
College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Justice and Society Studies
O’Shaughnessy Education Center (OEC) 431, (651) 962-5630
Klein (Chair)
Overview of the Criminal Justice degree
Grounded in theory and informed by real-world application, the Criminal Justice major invites students to engage deeply with issues of law, policy, and justice while preparing for meaningful and impactful careers. Students who major in Criminal Justice gain a comprehensive understanding of the criminal legal system, including the foundations of criminal law and criminal procedure in the United States. Through the study of both longstanding and contemporary challenges, students critically examine how society seeks to create and sustain a justice system that is effective, equitable, and responsive to community needs.
The program equips students with analytical skills and practical knowledge essential for careers across the criminal justice field. Graduates are well prepared for positions in law enforcement, court services, corrections and community supervision, as well as in roles related to victim advocacy and support services, crime analysis and case investigation, and research and data analysis. The major also provides strong preparation for work in agencies and organizations addressing social justice and reform within the criminal legal system.
Criminal Justice majors are well positioned to pursue graduate and professional study in criminology and criminal justice, as well as in related fields such as law, public policy, public health, business, and social work. The program's interdisciplinary foundation equips students with critical thinking, research, and analytical skills valued across a wide range of advanced degree pathways.
Faculty in the Criminal Justice Program provide dedicated mentorship for students seeking to explore internships and career development opportunities, prepare for graduate or professional school, and engage in independent research. Through close faculty guidance and hands-on experiences, students are supported in shaping meaningful academic and professional trajectories.
At least 16 credits in the major must be taken at 重口味SM. Criminal justice minors need a minimum of 8 credits from 重口味SM.
Co-Major With Social Work and Criminal Justice
See Social Work
Major in Criminal Justice
The Criminal Justice major offers students a comprehensive understanding of the criminal legal system while also providing flexibility to pursue focused coursework in areas of particular interest. This balanced approach allows students to build a strong foundational knowledge while tailoring their academic experience to align with their individual goals and career aspirations.
Students complete eleven (11) courses for the major and five (5) courses for the minor.
Required Courses
- SOCI 100 Introduction to Sociology (4 credits)
- SOCI 200 Introduction to Criminal Justice (4 credits)
- SOCI 210 Research Methods in Sociology (4 credits)
- SOCI 220 Sociological Analysis (4 credits)
- SOCI 312 Crime and Delinquency (4 credits)
- SOCI 344 Police and Society (4 credits)
- SOCI 346 Critical Issues in Corrections (4 credits)
- SOCI 480 Seminar in Criminal Justice (4 credits)
- CJUS 342 Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure (4 credits)
Electives -- Plus eight credits (two courses) from the following (at least one course must be SOCI or CJUS):
- SOCI 130 Homicide (4 credits)
- SOCI 251 Race and Ethnicity (4 credits)
- SOCI 280 Hate Crimes (4 credits)
- SOCI 285 Social Policy in a Changing World (4 credits)
- SOCI 297 Special Topics (4 credits) (topics will vary; can only register for the same topic once)
- SOCI 405 Internship in Criminal Justice (completed as a Directed Study)
- SOCI 495 Individualized Study (4 credits)
- CJUS 345 Police Operations (4 credits)
- SOWK 291 Anatomy of Violence (4 credits)
- PSYC 207 Drugs and Behavior (4 credits)
- PSYC 301 Psychopathology (4 credits)
- POLS 312 Judicial Process (4 credits)
- POLS 314 Constitutional Rights and Liberties (4 credits)
Strongly recommended:
- SOCI 251 Race and Ethnicity (4 credits)
In addition, it is recommended that students take the following courses in this order:
- MATH 101 Finite Mathematics (4 credits) (or adequate substitute) in the first year
- SOCI 210 Research Methods in Sociology (4 credits) in first semester sophomore year
- SOCI 220 Sociological Analysis (4 credits) in the spring of sophomore year
Note: For students interested in law enforcement, the Criminal Justice Program at 重口味SM is accredited by the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). This program prepares students for the peace officer licensing examination. Students who intend to take the POST examination must complete SOCI 251, CJUS 345, PSYC 111, and additional requirements. Please contact the department's Law Enforcement Program Director for more information.
Note: Students with a double major in Criminal Justice and Psychology who have completed SOCI 210, PSYC 212 and DASC 120 should work with their Criminal Justice major advisor to waive SOCI 220.
Note: Students with a double major in Sociology and Criminal Justice are limited to five courses that can be applied to both majors. Only the following courses may count toward requirements in both majors: SOCI 100, 200, 210, 220 and one of the following 312, 344, 346.
Minor in Criminal Justice
Required Courses
- SOCI 100 Introduction to Sociology (4 credits)
- SOCI 200 Introduction to Criminal Justice (4 credits)
- SOCI 312 Crime and Delinquency (4 credits)
Electives -- Plus eight credits (two courses) from the following (at least one course must be SOCI or CJUS):
- SOCI 130 Homicide
- SOCI 280 Hate Crimes
- SOCI 297 Special Topics (topics will vary; may not enroll in same topic course more than once)
- SOCI 344 Police and Society
- SOCI 346 Critical Issues in Corrections
- SOCI 405 Internship in Criminal Justice (completed as a Directed Study)
- CJUS 342 Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure
- CJUS 345 Police Operations
- POLS 312 Judicial Process
Note: Students wishing to combine a major in either Sociology or Criminal Justice with a minor in the other field may do so. However, the major and minor may not have more than eight credits or two courses in common. Non-majors can also earn a minor in Sociology and minor in Criminal Justice. However, the two minors many not have more than eight credits in common.