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St. Cloud State University

St. Cloud State University

Center for Continuing Studies - Innovative Leadership for Lifelong Learning

Center for Continuing Studies - Innovative Leadership for Lifelong Learning - St. Cloud State University

Criminal Justice Studies

Criminal Justice Studies at Ridgewater College - Willmar Campus

St. Cloud State University and Ridgewater College are teaming up to offer you classes in Criminal Justice Studies at Ridgewater College’s convenient Willmar campus.

Criminal Justice is the study of how society deals with crime and other forms of injustice and victimization.  St. Cloud State University’s Criminal Justice Studies Bachelor’s Degree program is an academic, career-oriented program with a foundation in the liberal arts and sciences. The program emphasizes the inter-relatedness of law enforcement, court services, corrections, juvenile justice, and private security within the criminal justice continuum. 

This unique partnership between St. Cloud State University and Ridgewater College delivers high-quality, affordable courses offered on site, online, and with ITV technology. 

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Why Criminal Justice Studies?

There are numerous careers one can choose from as a criminal justice major.  Some of the more frequently chosen careers are:

  • Police Officer
  • Probation/parole officer
  • Correctional counselor
  • Campus security
  • Homeland Security
  • Attorney (requires J.D. degree)
  • College instructor (requires graduate degree)
  • U.S. Marshall
  • Private security

What coursework is required?

All bachelor degrees at St. Cloud State University require students to complete a total of 120 semester credits.  If you have completed your Associate in Arts (AA) degree at Ridgewater College, you have already earned 64 semester credits and completed all required general education courses. The balance of credits can be earned in major, minor, or elective areas and must include a minimum of 45 credits of coursework at the upper division (300-400) level.

Criminal Justice Studies courses include:

  • Introduction to criminal justice in law enforcement, courts and corrections
  • Research methods
  • Criminal law and procedure
  • Internships
  • Senior Thesis; and
  • Seminar courses such as:
    • Interviewing and Interrogation
    • Peace Keeping Skills
    • Death Investigation
    • Organized Crime
    • Forensic Photography
    • Criminal Behavior

Fall 2009 Courses

Courses are available online. In addition, the following courses will be held on the Ridgewater campus:

  • CJS 411/511: Organization and Administration in Criminal Justice
    Current theories of organization as they relate to the needs of the criminal justice process.
    Prereq.: 111 or permission. 3 cr.

  • CJS 430/530: Criminal Law
    Principles of criminal liability, defenses to criminal prosecution, elements of major crimes.
    Prereq.: 111 or permission. 3 cr.

  • CJS 486/586: Theories of Crime and Justice
    Value and application of theories of crime and justice in research, policy, and the administration of justice.
    Prereq.: 111. 3 cr.

  • CJS 489/589: Seminar in Criminal Justice/Criminal Behavior
    3 cr.

Tuition and Fees

Credits are competitively priced.

For tuition information or any other questions or registration assistance, please contact:
Sheree Morgan, Coordinator, Off-Campus Programs
Willmar Campus, S153 
Phone:  320-222-7612
Email:  srmorgan@stcloudstate.edu or sheree.morgan@ridgewater.edu