Contact Information
Criminal Justice at NMU
The Criminal Justice Department provides 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 bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice and loss prevention, and associate degrees in criminal justice and law enforcement.
The curriculum prepares students for a range of careers in law enforcement, adult and juvenile corrections with federal, state or local criminal justice agencies, or for graduate study. The faculty is dedicated to providing a challenging learning experience and to graduating outstanding candidates for entry into their professional careers or graduate school. The department is committed to excellence in teaching, research and community service.
Student Organization
- Criminal Justice Association
Department Facilities
- Forensics laboratory
- NMU Regional Police Academy
Department/Program Policies
Course Prerequisite Notes-Criminal Justice Majors
- CJ 110 Introduction to Criminal Justice is a prerequisite to all of the CJ 200-400 level courses.
- CJ 110 and junior status is a prerequisite to all CJ 300-400 level courses.
Course Prerequisite Notes-Loss Prevention Majors
- LPM 101 Principles of Asset Protection is a prerequisite to all LPM 200-400 level courses.
- LPM 101 and junior standing is a prerequisite to all LPM 300-400 level courses.
Requirements for Transfer Students
Transfer students who want to major in criminal justice or loss prevention for the bachelor’s degree must complete a minimum of 20 credits with the NMU Criminal Justice Department. At least 8 of these credits must be at the 300-level or above. Transfer students who want to enter the associate degree program in criminal justice must complete a minimum of 12 credits with the NMU Criminal Justice Department.
GPA Requirements
All criminal justice and loss prevention courses used for the criminal justice major, loss prevention major, criminal justice minor, wildlife conservation law and policing minor and the associate degrees in criminal justice and law enforcement 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.
Police Academy
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 Police Academy by calling 906-227-1408 or by visiting the Web site at: http://publicsafety.nmu.edu/Departments/PublicSafety/SiteSections/PoliceTraining/PoliceAcad
emy/PoliceAcademy.shtml.
Internships
The Criminal Justice Department offers students in the bachelor’s degree program and CJ minors an opportunity to participate in an internship program during their junior or senior year. This experience provides first-hand knowledge about the criminal justice or loss prevention field and an opportunity to apply knowledge and skills in the classroom to a professional setting. Internships enhance a student’s career potential after graduation as well as provide important information regarding career selection. CJ 491 Internship will count in the general elective area.
Online Programs
The Criminal Justice Department offers the following programs on the Web:
- Bachelor's Degree in Loss Prevention
- Minor Program in Criminal Justice
Programs
Bulletin Year: 2017 - 2018 Undergraduate Bulletin | View the current NMU Catalog.