Criminal Justice

criminal justice department image

228 Minné Hall
507.457.5222
Criminal Justice website
Mark Norman, Sociology Chairperson

Faculty

Douglas J. Dallier, Assistant Professor; BS, MS, PhD, The Florida State University; 2018 -
Samantha Keasling, Assistant Professor; BS, MS, Metropolitan State University; 2021 -
Michelle A. Keller, Associate Professor; BS, Grand Valley State University; JD, University of Colorado School of Law; 2014 -
J. Mark Norman, Professor; BA, MS, St. Cloud State University; PhD, South Dakota State University; 1996 -

Admission Requirements

The mission of the BS Criminal Justice Program is to develop the knowledge, attitudes, and skills needed for professional positions in corrections and policing and other human services fields, 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 Police Science and Corrections & Justice Services tracks will develop the knowledge, attitudes, and skills needed for professionals in police, other criminal justice, and human service agencies. The program is also a Professional Peace Officer Education (PPOE) program certified by Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST).

Students who wish to major in criminal justice must apply for admission by obtaining a Criminal Justice Student Handbook (also available in the Criminal Justice Office: 228 Minné). 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, CJS 210 - Crime & Justice in America , and SOC 150 - Introduction to Sociology with a minimum grade point average of 2.5 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 in the Criminal Justice Program Handbook.
Admission Decision: The Criminal Justice Admissions Committee will review and make a recommendation on the student’s application, with applicants notified by mail.
Appeal: Students have the right to appeal the Admission Committee decision. 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