Criminal Justice

Graduates of this program know the history and development of the criminal justice system and its effect on society. They understand how the legal process works from law enforcement to the courts and through the corrections system. They can apply critical thinking to issues in criminal justice such as law enforcement, corrections, security, juvenile justice, and domestic violence. Graduates value written and interpersonal communication, critical thinking and problem solving, information and financial literacy, and the significance of diversity awareness skills in academic and workplace situations.

• Court Clerk
• Security Officer
• Corrections / Law Enforcement careers in some jurisdictions

Additional training and other requirements may apply to careers in this field. Please read the Careers Disclosure.

Careers Disclosure: Each federal, state, or local agency determines its own requirements for licensure of law enforcement careers and may change these requirements at any time. Licensed law enforcement careers include police officer, corrections officer, parole officer, crime scene investigator, and other positions. Minimum educational standards for licensure in these careers range from a high school diploma to a college degree and can vary widely (even within the same state). Some agencies require graduation from an agency-approved academic program or training academy. This program is NOT a training academy or approved program with any federal, state, or local agency. Other non-academic requirements are also required for licensure, which may include additional training, experience, graduation from an academy, physical fitness standards, background checks (certain results are often disqualifying), and other requirements. Before enrolling, it is important to understand whether licensure is required for a desired career by consulting the appropriate federal, state, or local agency requirements.

This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for professional licensure or certification in any state. For example, this program does not meet the standards established by the Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Board for persons who seek employment as a peace officer in Minnesota. For further information on professional licensing requirements, please contact the appropriate board or agency in your state of residence. Additional education, training, experience, and/or other eligibility criteria may apply.

In addition to meeting all other acceptance requirements, applicants must successfully pass a background check through Rasmussen University’s chosen third-party vendor. Any prospective student must also consider their history, lifestyle, and future actions before enrolling in this program, and carefully consider whether their actions may prevent them from attaining employment in the field they choose to pursue. Additional requirements, such as industry-specific training may be required to obtain employment in this field. Applicants for careers in this field may be subject to pre-employment screenings such as, but not limited to, criminal background checks, and drug/or alcohol testing. Employment decisions, including whether to require background checks and other tests, are made at the discretion of the employer.

Developmental Education courses do not count toward total program credits and are not calculated in GPA. Students must demonstrate mastery of the subject matter in Developmental Education courses through a Rasmussen University entrance placement exam, approved exemption based on previously completed coursework, or by passing Developmental Education courses.

Lower Division