Criminal Justice at NMU

The objective of the Criminal Justice Department is to provide students with an understanding of the process by which justice is distributed in our society, the function and operation of the criminal justice system (law enforcement, criminal courts, and corrections), and the role of individuals in the allocation of justice. The department offers a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, associate degrees in criminal justice and law enforcement, an associate of applied science degree in corrections, and a corrections officer certification program.  The department also offers a master's degree in criminal justice.

The department is committed to excellence in teaching, research, community service and maintaining a strong faculty who have acquired both academic and professional credentials. The curriculum prepares students for careers in the broad professional field of law enforcement, adult and juvenile corrections with federal, state, or local criminal justice agencies, or for graduate studies. The faculty is committed to providing a challenging learning experience for students and to graduating individuals who are considered outstanding candidates for entry into their professional careers, or to graduate school.

Criminal Justice Programs

Bachelor Degree Programs

The department offers a bachelor of science or a bachelor of arts degree in criminal justice. All bachelor degree students are required to take a number of criminal justice core courses which provide a basic understanding of the criminal justice system and its components. Students additionally complete a number of advanced criminal justice electives selected to address the individual interests and goals of the student.

Associate Degree Programs

Associate of Science Degree in Criminal Justice

This degree is designed for a smooth transition into the bachelor's degree program for students who choose to continue their education after receiving the associate degree.

Associate of Applied Science Degree in Law Enforcement

This degree provides meaningful education and training which will produce well-rounded and competent law enforcement practitioners. This includes, but is not limited to, competence in oral and written communication; an understanding of psychological and social issues relevant to criminal justice; the role of law enforcement in social control and in the larger criminal justice system; and an appreciation for the dilemma inherent in policing a free society.  The police academy is required as part of the core requirements.

Associate Of Applied Science Degree In Corrections

The purpose of this program is to offer an associates degree that is specifically oriented to practioners in corrections. The goal of this program is to integrate education and training to produce competent correctional practioners.  This includes, but is not limited to, competence in oral and written communication; an understanding of psychological and social issues relevant to criminal justice; the role of corrections in social control and in the larger criminal justice system; and an appreciation for the problems inherent in incarcerating people.

Department/Program Policies

Course Prerequisite Notes

CJ 110 Introduction to Criminal Justice is a prerequisite to all of the CJ 200-300-400-level courses. CJ 290 Methods of Inquiry in Criminal Justice is a prerequisite to all of the CJ 300-400-level courses.  Students must complete CJ 110, CJ 290, and attain junior status to be eligible to enroll in CJ 300 and 400-level courses.

Requirements for Transfer Students

Transfer students desiring to major in criminal justice for the bachelor’s degree must complete a minimum of 20 credits from the NMU Criminal Justice Department.  At least 8 of these credits must be at the 300 course level or above.

Transfer students desiring to enter the associate degree program in criminal justice must complete a minimum of 12 credits from the NMU Criminal Justice Department.

GPA Requirements

All criminal justice courses used for the criminal justice major or criminal justice minor must be completed with a grade of "C" or better.

Language Recommendations

Students are encouraged to complete at least one year of study in a foreign language.  Language study could be undertaken to satisfy either the formal studies requirement or the requirement for a bachelor of arts degree.

Information for Students Interested in the Corrections Officer Certification Program

For those interested in employment with the Michigan Department of Corrections as corrections officers, NMU offers certification through a program approved by the Michigan Correctional Officers Training Council.  A minimum grade of "C" is required in all courses in order to receive the certificate.

Admission to the certification program on non-degree status requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Students who feel that they need remedial work in writing skills should consider enrolling in EN 090. Correspondence courses or transfer credits may not be used for the corrections officer program.

Information for Students Interested in Law Enforcement Careers

The associate of applied science degree in law enforcement provides students with the opportunity to obtain Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) certified training through its Regional Police Academy.  Michigan Public Act 203, 1965 and Michigan Administrative Code R 28.4101 requires that anyone seeking employment in the state as a police officer must first successfully complete the basic (MCOLES) approved police training curriculum.  For information about the academy, including admission requirements, contact the Northern Michigan University Regional Police Academy at 906-346-4505.

Baccalaureate Degree Program

Baccalaureate degree students meet the liberal studies requirements by completing courses in six divisional areas. Total credits range from 30 to 40 semester hours.  The majority of liberal studies courses at Northern Michigan University are four semester hours, so normally students meet divisional requirements by taking either eight or four hours of appropriate courses. Transfer students and others who complete the liberal studies divisional areas with less than 40 semester hours, take additional hours in general electives to reach the minimum number of hours required for graduation. Complete information on the liberal studies requirements and additional graduation requirements, including the health promotion requirement, is in the Liberal Studies Program and Graduation Requirements section of this bulletin.

Criminal Justice Program Listings