Overview

The Criminal Justice programme at the University of South Dakota provides students with a deep understanding of the legal system while preparing them to shape future policy. This curriculum focuses on ensuring citizens are treated with compassion and fairness across all levels of the judicial and correctional sectors.

Students benefit from a curriculum that balances theoretical knowledge with practical application. The faculty consists of experienced professionals, including former prosecutors, police officers, and public defenders, who bring real-world insights into the classroom environment to enhance the learning experience.

Why Criminal Justice at University of South Dakota?

The university offers a unique blend of small class sizes and the extensive resources typically found at larger institutions. Students have access to specialised facilities, such as mock crime scene processing areas, which allow for immersive, hands-on technical training.

The Department of Political Science provides significant financial support through the Farber Fund, offering eligible students up to $6,000 to assist with internship expenses or international travel. This support ensures that professional development opportunities remain accessible to all dedicated students.

Global perspectives are encouraged through faculty-led study abroad programmes in locations such as Italy, New Zealand, and Turkey. These experiences allow students to compare international legal frameworks and broaden their understanding of global justice systems.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 13299 per year
National fee: USD 13299 per year
Local fee: USD 9687 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum covers diverse aspects of the legal and social systems. Modules may include:

Criminology
Victimology
International Human Rights
Gender Politics
Race and Ethnicity in Politics
Comparative Political Economy
International Law
American Government

Careers with Criminal Justice

Graduates are well-equipped for diverse roles within the public and private sectors. Many pursue successful careers in law enforcement, corrections, and probation services at local, state, or federal levels of government. The programme also provides a strong foundation for those entering legal firms as paralegals or preparing for law school.

Other common career paths include roles in national defence, private investigation, child welfare, and community outreach programmes. The department's robust internship network frequently places students in state courts and non-profit organisations, often leading to permanent employment after graduation.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Criminal Justice

Information Literacy in the Discipline

Criminology

Criminal Law

Criminal Procedure

Capstone

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-15 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-08-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-06-01 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus, Online

Campus Location

Vermillion, United States

Disciplines

Criminal Justice View 840 other Bachelors in Criminal Justice in United States

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

GPA

2.6

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Official high school (secondary school) transcript with grade point average equivalent to 2.6 on a 4.0 scale.
Demonstrate English language proficiency by meeting one of the following.
Application Fee
Passport
Official Statement of Finances

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

13299 USD / year

≈ 13299 USD / year
Out-of-State

13299 USD / year

≈ 13299 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

9687 USD / year

≈ 9687 USD / year

Additional Details

Online: $10,643/year

Living costs

Vermillion

United States

1024 - 1781 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Get Visa Support

Get personalized guidance from a certified VFS Global advisor and save 20% through Studyportals.

Avoid common visa mistakes and delays
Know exactly what documents you need
Get a clear checklist tailored to your situation

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Criminal Justice.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

Vermillion

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners