Criminal Justice Major
A degree in criminal justice opens doors to a variety of challenging and rewarding careers, from public-service occupations to private-sector opportunities. Northern's program gives students in-depth training from faculty with a diverse array of real-world experience. Our degree can be earned entirely online, so students can complete their degree without quitting their day job or making regular trips to campus.
Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 5 percent growth in police, detective and correctional officer jobs between 2012 and 2022, and an 11 percent growth in private detective and investigator jobs.
Where you might work
The criminal justice program will equip you with the skills needed to be a valuable employee in any protective service occupation. Graduates of our program have gone on to be police officers and administrators, game wardens, juvenile delinquency specialists, corrections officers and loss prevention specialists. They are working at the local, state and federal levels, all across the country.
Salary range
Salaries in criminal justice vary depending on job requirements and experience. As of May 2012, the median wage for police and detectives was $56,980, for correctional officers $39,040, and for private detectives and investigators $45,740.
"I love the fact that all the professors have real world experience and incredible stories to share. I had the opportunity to tour Marquette Branch Prison and see how the inmates live. I will never forget the sensation of being locked in prison for a short amount of time."
Criminal Justice Alum
Matt Ferneau
Degree Requirements
Northern Michigan University’s Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice is designed to give students a thorough understanding of the criminal justice system and its components. Students will learn about the role of law enforcement in the criminal justice system from historical and current perspectives, how law enforcement interacts with the judicial system, and the theories and methods of studying crime and criminal behavior. As students progress through the program, they will complete a number of self-selected advanced criminal justice electives to address their individual interests and professional goals.
| Core Courses | 22 credits |
|---|---|
| CJ 110 Introduction to Criminal Justices | 4 credits |
| CJ 212 The Law Enforcement Function or CJ220 The Corrections Function | 4 credits each |
| CJ 263 Criminology | 4 credits |
| LPM 290 Retail Accounting and Inventory Control | 4 credits |
| CJ 315 Criminal Procedure | 4 credits |
|
CJ 490 Professional Development and Assessment – 2 credits |
4 credits |
| Electives | 20 credits |
| At least 16 credits must be at the 300 level or above. | |
| Liberal Studies | 30-40 credits |
| Health Promotion Requirements | 2 credits |
| Minor | 20 credits |
| Total Credits | 124 credits |
For more specific details, visit the Criminal Justice undergradutate bulletin.