School of Arts and Sciences
Criminal Justice
The criminal justice minor at Concordia College is an interdisciplinary program in partnership with M State.
Minor in Criminal Justice
This minor is ideal for students interested in exploring the complexities of criminal behavior, its causes, societal impact, and the role of social, political, and legal institutions in shaping and responding to it.
Dr. Leila Zakhirova, Director of Criminal Justice Program
The criminal justice minor invites students to explore the complexities of criminal behavior, legal systems, and societal responses to crime from an informed and ethical perspective. Through this lens, students can develop a deeper understanding of justice not only as a legal principle but as a moral commitment to the well-being of the community. Graduates will enter the world as informed leaders equipped with the intellectual tools to pursue careers in law enforcement, social justice, public policy, and more.
Be Part of the Solution
There is a significant societal need for well-informed and broadly trained professionals in justice work. You will develop a comprehensive understanding of the U.S. criminal justice system, preparing you for roles in various justice-related occupations and contributing to a deeper intellectual engagement with issues of crime and justice.
Blend Theoretical With Practical Hands-On Experience
You will gain a strong foundation through a mix of liberal arts courses at Concordia and specialized criminal justice courses offered through collaboration with Minnesota State Community and Technical College (M State) in Moorhead. With access to hands-on learning opportunities in our community (e.g., internships), you will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are essential for careers in law enforcement corrections, human services, or public policy.
Benefit From Excellence in Interdisciplinary Study
The criminal justice minor offers an interdisciplinary approach to the study of crime and justice, combining courses at M State and a diverse selection of courses at Concordia in the social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences. This minor is ideal for students interested in making a meaningful impact while combining the rigor of a liberal arts education with practical, career-focused training.
Coursework
The requirements for a criminal justice minor are 21 credits:
CRJU1101 — Introduction to Criminal Justice (M State), 3 credits
CRJU1102 — Policing and Practices (M State), 3 credits
SOC 111 — Human Society (Concordia), 4 credits
One additional course at M State
Two additional courses at Concordia
Criminal Justice Career Paths
Graduates from our criminal justice program will be prepared with the foundational knowledge and skills to pursue careers in a wide range of fields, including:
- law enforcement and investigation
- social work
- legal and judicial careers such as correctional officer, probation or parole officer, juvenile justice counselor, and case manager in rehabilitation programs
- public policy and homeland security such as homeland security specialist, counterterrorism analyst, data analyst in criminal behavior, and intelligence analyst
- private and corporate security
Contact
Dr. Leila Zakhirova
Chair/Professor, Political Science; Program Director, Criminal Justice
Political Science, Criminal Justice, Environmental and Sustainability Studies, Global Studies