Learn all aspects of the criminal justice system as you prepare to shape policy and improve lives.
As a criminal justice major at USD, you will gain the knowledge and experiences you need for a career in the criminal justice system. Criminal justice majors are committed to careers in public service and focused on ensuring their fellow citizens are treated fairly and compassionately by the criminal justice system. Our award-winning faculty bring considerable experience as probation or correction officers, prosecutors, public defenders and police officers at every level of government, so you can have confidence that you are learning from qualified and experienced leaders as you prepare for your career or an advanced degree.
Whether you see yourself working in law firms, federal agencies, child welfare, private investigation, community programs, national defense, police stations or another area of criminal justice, our program will set you up for success. Position yourself for a successful career in criminal justice and explore all facets of the system as a criminal justice major.
A degree in criminal justice prepares you for careers in the criminal justice system, from litigation to national defense and everything in between.
Expand your understanding of the criminal justice system. This program is a great complement to majors like political science, legal studies and social work.
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The real-world experiences you gain through an internship will equip you with valuable skills that will set you apart after graduation.
In the USD Department of Political Science, you will benefit from a robust internship program that has placed students with state and federal courts, law firms, law enforcement agencies, social services, nonprofits and many other notable offices. Our Farber Fund can help you with the expenses of these opportunities; each year, we provide eligible students up to $6,000 each to support their professional and personal development outside the classroom. Plus, with our network of alumni around the world, you can access invaluable advice on how to achieve the career of your dreams.
Do you have your sights set on Washington, D.C.? Italy? Turkey? New Zealand? Russia? The USD Department of Political Science can help you get there. Our students have participated in conferences and faculty-led courses around the world, and our Farber Fund helps make those experiences affordable.
USD is home to more than 170 student organizations, including several that are housed in the Department of Political Science. You may be interested in joining College Democrats, College Republicans, the Political Science League or the political science honor society Pi Sigma Alpha to make friends, develop new skills and explore your interests.
As a political science student at USD, you can pursue unique research and creative scholarship opportunities that will enrich your college experience.
Undergraduate students who are interested in public service careers should consider working with the Government Research Bureau (GRB). The GRB is an academic research organization that combines intellectual risk-taking with current research methods to analyze issues affecting the the people, communities and government of South Dakota.
Additional opportunities are available through the Chiesman Center for Democracy, which supports research and civic education activities addressing the on-going challenges to American democracy.
Through Mock Trial at USD, you will learn to play the roles of attorneys, witnesses, police officers, forensic investigators, probation officers and all other criminal justice officials who testify in our courts. You will learn by doing – one of the best ways to learn. Our mock trial teams compete in invitational regional and national tournaments.
Whether you are interested in a career in government and politics, law, the criminal justice system, international relations or a related field, the real-world experiences and connections you find in the Department of Political Science will help you get there.
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SD Residents, SD Advantage* & Child of Alumni
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Out-of-State
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|---|---|---|
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Tuition (30 cr.)
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9432
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12942
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Fees (30 cr.)
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1659
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1659
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Books (estimate)
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1200
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1200
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Housing
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4890
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4890
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Food Service
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4194
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4194
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Total
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* SD Advantage: The in-state rate is available to new undergraduate students who are residents of South Dakota, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas (starting Summer 2024), Minnesota (starting Summer 2024), Missouri (starting Summer 2024), Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Wyoming and children of alumni of USD.
This is an estimated annual cost. Other factors may change the cost of tuition.
Learn more about tuition and fees for undergraduate students and see how your out-of-pocket costs at USD compare to those at other colleges and universities.
Navigating options for how to pay for college can be challenging, but you are not alone. The Office of Financial Aid will work with you and your family to explore how you can make your college education even more affordable.
USD awards nearly $9.5 million in scholarships each year. View our scholarships to see which ones you may qualify for and how you can apply.
During my criminal justice classes, I learned how to analyze legal opinions and apply general legal principles to real-life facts. These classes taught me essential legal skills I use every day.
Andy Fick
