Applied Studies: Criminal Justice at a glance
North Central University’s Applied Studies: Criminal Justice program will prepare you for a career in criminal justice as a law enforcement officer, correctional officer, or in the courts or probation fields. Offered in partnership with Minneapolis Community & Technical College (MCTC), you’ll earn a bachelor’s degree from North Central and an associate’s degree from MCTC while pursuing a fulfilling career in an in-demand field.
What sets us apart
Our Criminal Justice program focuses on preparing you for success in a fulfilling career.
Our Applied Studies: Criminal Justice program, in partnership with Minneapolis Community & Technical College, gives you opportunities to focus on gaining the applicable knowledge, practical skills, and hands-on training you need to pursue a career in the high-demand field of criminal justice.
By earning a liberal arts bachelor’s degree from North Central University and a career specific associate’s degree from MCTC, you’ll be a well-rounded, highly-skilled, marketable employee when you graduate. The broad worldview and critical thinking skills you’ll gain at North Central, along with the training and experience you’ll get at MCTC, will help you land that first job right out of college and will give you opportunities to pursue a calling that’s professionally and personally rewarding.
North Central community
Join North Central’s spirit-filled, faithful, supportive community.
Read more. HideGet all the benefits of our Christian community
One of the best things about being a North Central University student is joining our spirit-filled, faithful, vibrant urban community. In the Applied Studies program, you’ll be a full NCU student, meaning you’ll live on campus, attend daily chapel with your friends and classmates, find mentors in NCU professors, and participate in student organizations and events.
Plus, you’ll get all the benefits of a well-rounded Christian liberal arts education. You’ll take the Christian Studies Core (and graduate with a Christian Studies minor) just like all North Central students. You’ll also take general education courses and electives at North Central. The Christian liberal arts education that North Central provides will prepare you with a firmly rooted faith, a broad and informed worldview, cultural and global awareness, and the critical thinking skills you need for any career field.
Partnership with MCTC
Learn about our partnership with one of the region's best technical schools.
Read more. HideOur MCTC partnership gives you access to courses, resources, and expert faculty
By partnering with Minneapolis Community & Technical College (MCTC), we can offer you access to career specific courses and training, opportunities to gain real-world experience, and expert faculty in the Criminal Justice field.
MCTC is a public two-year college located in downtown Minneapolis. As a part of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, MCTC offers a wide range of learning opportunities and has access to many unique resources.
These resources will prepare you with the skills and knowledge you need to find your first job out of college, succeed in your career, and pursue a calling that is fulfilling, meaningful, and rewarding.
In the Applied Studies: Criminal Justice program, you’ll take career-specific courses at MCTC, accounting for 30-50% of the credits towards your bachelor’s degree.
The Applied Studies program may not be VA benefit eligible. Please contact Student Financial Services to learn more.
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Skills you’ll gain
When you graduate from the Criminal Justice program, you’ll be prepared with skills and knowledge in:
- Causes of crime
- Means to prevent crime
- The criminal justice system
- Drugs in a community
- Juvenile justice
- Family violence
- Intercultural communications
- The relationship between police officers and communities
- Processes of police, courts, and corrections departments
- How criminal justice systems work together
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Potential careers
Our graduates succeed in a variety of jobs and careers. Here are some possibilities:
- Law Enforcement Officer
- Correction Officer
- Court Clerk
- Probation Officer
- Pretrial Services Officer
- Parole Officer
- Correctional Treatment Specialist
You could work in a variety of settings, including:
- Correctional institutions
- Criminal courts
- Community corrections departments
- Nonprofit court diversion programs
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Minors & supporting programs
We want you to be well-rounded and well-prepared when you graduate, so you’ll have the opportunity to choose a minor or supporting program so you can explore another area of interest. Here are some possibilities:
- Alcohol & Drug Counseling
- Campus Missions
- Intercultural Studies
- Journalism
- Leadership Development
- Pre-Law
- Sociology
- Urban Studies
See the full list of minors and supporting programs.
Dale Houghton ‘12
Woodbury, MN
"The student to professor ratio is wonderful. I loved that the professors not only knew who I was, but took a vested interest in my life and career, encouraging me to step out of my comfort zone to advance my career."
Requirements
All students must complete the General Education Core and Christian Studies Core. General electives may be added or an optional minor may be selected. You need 124 total credit hours to complete an Applied Studies: Criminal Justice degree.
Want to learn more?
Download the one sheet!
Simply fill in your info on the form to download the informational one sheet that covers:
- An overview of the program
- Classes you’ll take
- Exciting jobs you can get after graduation
Interested in earning your degree in Applied Studies: Criminal Justice at NCU?