Criminal Justice (online)

With an associate degree in criminal justice offered online from NSU, you'll be better prepared to deal with the complex issues facing today's criminal justice professional.
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About The Program
College of Arts and Sciences

Criminal Justice (online)

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An associate degree in criminal justice prepares you for a career in the criminal justice professions, providing a background in the foundational terminology of the criminal justice system.

 

In NSU's online program, you'll be exposed to introductory-level courses in criminal law, criminal procedure, criminology and the correctional field. Study in these areas will illuminate the intricate relationships among the police, the courts and corrections. You'll come to understand how the criminal justice system addresses the needs of all its actors, including offenders, victims, the families of victims and perpetrators, society, and criminal justice personnel. Equipped with this knowledge, you'll be better prepared to deal with the complex issues facing today's criminal justice professional.

 

Applicants with a criminal justice degree will be more competitive for entry-level employment in local, county and state law enforcement and correctional agencies in South Dakota and throughout the Midwest. While a candidate for employment in criminal justice requires only a high school diploma or GED, more agencies are requiring a minimum of 60 hours of post-high school education as a condition of employment.

 

 

Careers 

The state of South Dakota has a multitude of criminal justice positions for which it routinely hires: highway patrol trooper, highway patrol motor carrier services, Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) special agent, correctional officer, parole agent, probation agent, juvenile corrections agent, conservation officer, and Game, Fish & Parks law enforcement officer. Similarly, South Dakota counties and cities are in the market for deputy sheriff and local law enforcement officers.

 

NSU professors can help guide you regarding career opportunities in the region.

Internships 

An internship is not required; however, internship credits will count as elective credit if you choose to complete an internship experience.

 

NSU professors are happy to guide you regarding internship placements.

Scholarships 

NSU Scholarships

Courses 

Criminal Justice (AA) Course Requirements

Plans of Study 

Criminal Justice (AA) Plan of Study

Program Success/Outcomes 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

“When I was finishing up high school, there were three major schools that I was looking at. Of these schools, I felt like Northern offered me the most of what I wanted. I had already been attending classes at Northern through their dual credit program, so it was an easy and natural transition to becoming a full-time college student. By the time that I graduated high school, I already had a semester’s worth of college credit through Northern. Getting that head start on my college education has given me the freedom to take my education at my own pace and acclimate to the pace of college life.” – Peyton Miller-Dalberg, Aberdeen #beNORTHERN #unleashYOURpotential #NorthernStateU

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Contact Information 

For more information about this degree, call 605-626-2267.

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