Criminal Justice

228 Minné Hall
507-457-5222
Criminal Justice website
Mark Norman, Sociology Chairperson

Faculty

Michelle A. Keller, Assistant Professor; BA, Grand Valley State University; JD, University of Colorado-Boulder; 2015 -
J. Mark Norman, Professor; BA, MS, St. Cloud State University; PhD, South Dakota State University; 1996 -
James W. Parlow, Assistant Professor; BS, Winona State University; MS, St. Cloud State University; 2008 -

Admission Requirements

The mission of the B.S. Sociology Criminal Justice Program is to develop the knowledge, attitudes, and skills needed for entry level professional positions in corrections and law enforcement, as well as entry into graduate programs. The program combines liberal arts and applied orientations to support a commitment to a “community of learners dedicated to improving our world.” The Law Enforcement and Corrections Tracks will develop the knowledge, attitudes, and skills needed for entry-level professionals in law enforcement, other criminal justice and human service agencies. The program is also a professional peace officer education program certified by Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training.

Students who wish to major in criminal justice must make application for admission into the program by obtaining a Criminal Justice Student Handbook from the WSU Bookstore. The handbook includes specific requirements and application procedures. In addition to completing an application form, each student is responsible for meeting the following requirements.

Admission and Academic Standards

Completion of ENG 111 - College Reading and Writing or equivalent, SOC 150 - Introduction to Sociology, SOC 205 - Social Interaction, and SOC 210 - Crime & Justice in America or PSY 210 - Introduction to Psychological Science, and POLS 120 - Introduction to American Politics with a minimum grade point average of 2.50 and with grades no lower than C. (There are no exceptions to this requirement.)
A student must apply to the Criminal Justice Program upon completion of all 100-and 200-level courses listed above.
Complete the Application for Admissions to the Criminal Justice Program. The application can be found the the Criminal Justice Program Handbook.
Admission Decision: The Criminal Justice Admissions Committee will review and make a recommendation on the student’s application. The applicant will be notified by mail.
Appeal: The student has the right to appeal the decision of the Admission Committee. This is accomplished through the following order: Criminal Justice Committee; Chairperson of Department of Sociology/Criminal Justice; Dean of College of Liberal Arts; Vice President of Academic Affairs; and President of the university.

Note: Although law violations are not included in the program’s admission standards, students should be aware that law violations may limit employment opportunities.

Retention Requirements

Once admitted to the program, students must demonstrate acceptable progress in order to remain in good standing. Acceptable progress is defined as meeting the following retention requirements (with no exceptions):

Students must maintain a 2.50 cumulative GPA for all courses taken in the Criminal Justice Program at WSU.
Students must complete all coursework in the criminal justice program with a C grade or higher. If a student completes a course with a grade lower than C, the student must repeat the course.

General Education Intensive Requirements

Students may use intensive courses to satisfy both General Education Program (GEP) and major requirements. Intensive courses will usually be in the student’s major or minor program. The following are offered as GEP intensive courses in the Sociology Department:

Intensives

Oral (◎)

Writing (△)

Intensive courses that can be used to satisfy major/minor requirements are identified in the lists of required courses and electives.

Programs

Bachelor of Science

Minor

Criminal Justice (CJ) - Minor