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Bachelor's in Criminal Justice Leadership
Level up as a leader in the criminal justice field.
Finish your degree and take your career to the next level in the field of criminal justice and step up to new challenges facing our communities. Get started in our program with just 30 prior credits and only take the courses you need to complete your degree even faster.
Whether you’re a current police officer or new to the field, our program is designed for those who want to step into leadership roles in peacekeeping, law enforcement, public safety, corrections, and probation.
Learn from expert faculty — current or recently retired criminal justice professionals — who model ethical leadership in action. Connect with peers in the field to build community and expand your professional network
The Criminal Justice Leadership Program at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is designed for police officers seeking career advancement or preparing for a second career. It also supports Minnesota Peace Standards and Training (POST) certified individuals in pursuing law enforcement
careers. Please note: the program does not certify individuals for POST certification. Students who wish to become police officers must attend a school that offers a POST approved curriculum.
Talk to us about our credit transfer policy to fast-track your degree by making the most of your previous hard-earned credits.
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B.S. in Criminal Justice Program Highlights
- Are you a member of Law Enforcement Labor Services (LELS) or the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association (MPPOA)? Saint Mary’s is proud to partner with both organizations to offer unique scholarships, helping members like you save money while completing your degree.
- Earn credit for Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) continuing education requirements, military training, and more
- Fast-track to a graduate degree by taking courses that count toward both your bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Ask your transfer counselor for details.
What You’ll Learn in the B.S. in Criminal Justice Program
- Integration of criminal justice system facets
- Decision-making and its impact on the system
- Leadership and management principles to empower
- Inclusion, adaptability, and respect for diversity
- Critical thinking, self-evaluation, and resilience
- Ethical and professional conduct
How can I transfer my credits? How long will it take me to finish? Sign up for an information session to get these questions answered and more or watch a recorded session on your time.
Accelerate Your B.S. Degree
Take advantage of our credit transfer policy to possibly avoid retaking classes and speed up your degree completion.
- Your past credits never expire and are always eligible
- Transfer up to 90 credits (75% of your bachelor of science degree)
- Associate degree or technical college credits are accepted
- Get credit for your military experience and training
Learn more about accepted credits or submit your transcripts for a personalized degree plan.
Apply in two easy steps
With six start dates throughout the year, you can apply for admission now and begin your program when it works best for you. Plus, we may be able to order and cover the cost of transcripts for you — making the application process even easier.
| Application Deadlines | Start Dates | |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2025 | December 2, 2024 | January 6 Term 2: March 3 |
| Summer 2025 | April 4, 2025 | May 5 Term 2: June 30 |
| Fall 2025 | August 1 | September 2 October 27 |
| Spring 2026 | December 5, 2025 | January 5 |
Applicants who complete the application process by the priority deadline are guaranteed consideration for their intended start date and will be notified of acceptance about two weeks after application completion.
- Applicants must demonstrate an overall grade point average of 2.00 on a 4.00 scale with evidence of at least 30 transferable semester credits¹.
- These credits must include completion of one basic English composition course with a grade of C- or better.²
- Applicants may be required to complete an interview with a program administrator as part of the admissions process.
¹These credits may be made up of:
- Industry Training and Military Separation Paper carrying American Council on Education (ACE) credit recommendations or,
- Past College Level Examination Program (CLEP) or Dantes Subject Standardized Tests (DSST) exam credits or,
- International credits evaluated by a source accepted by Saint Mary’s University or,
- Any credits transferable from a regionally accredited or non-regionally accredited institution.
²The English composition course requirement helps the student prepare for college level coursework. The applicant may be conditionally admitted if he or she cannot prove competency in this area, in which case the CLEP College Composition exam with essay or a similar university course must be taken within the first semester of study at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.
- Students who have completed 30 credits from an accredited institution within the U.S. or the equivalent of these credits from an institution in an approved waiver country are exempt from demonstrating English language proficiency. Otherwise, students with transcripts from universities located outside of the U.S. are required to take and pass English proficiency testing.Saint Mary’s accepts:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 72
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum score of 6.0
- International Test of English Proficiency (ITEP) with a minimum score of 4.0 or Pearson Test of English with a score of 51
- Duolingo Language Test with a minimum score of 100
- Pearson Test of English with a score of 51
Please see our academic catalog for a list of all approved waiver countries.
Applicants must submit the following:
- Completed application form
- Official transcripts should be issued to Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota from all previous institutions attended with a minimum of 30 semester credits (C- and higher) and a college level English Composition course.
- Transcripts from countries other than the U.S. must be evaluated on a course by course basis by a university accepted evaluation service, such as World Education Services, Educational Credential Evaluators, Educational Perspectives, One Earth International Credential Evaluators or any approved member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES.org) and be deemed equivalent to accredited U.S. university standards.
- Saint Mary’s can order and cover the cost of transcripts from domestic institutions that allow third-party requests for eligible degree-seeking applicants. Contact your transfer counselor for more information.
- Official Transcripts should be sent to Office of Admission:
- Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
2500 Park Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55404 - Or email: tcadmission@smumn.edu
- Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Tuition & Financial Aid
Only pay for the credit you need with the credits you’ve already earned. Plus, there are resources to help cover the cost of your degree, including loans, grants, and exclusive Saint Mary’s financial aid programs. Our counselors will guide you to find a financial aid plan that works for you.
Course Catalog
In addition to foundational courses, you’ll take courses such as:
- Criminal Justice and Process
- Ethical Decision Making in the Criminal Justice System
- Diversity in Criminal Justice
The course catalog provides complete information about course requirements.
Careers & Salary
A bachelor's degree in criminal justice leadership gives you the expertise to fast forward your career as a police officer, sheriff deputy, crime prevention specialist, corrections officer, or probation officer — or maximize your critical thinking skills for a career with the border patrol or Homeland Security.
Border Patrol Officer
$56,884 per year*Corrections Officer
$53,290 per year*Related Programs
Advance your career with flexible online programs designed for busy adults.
Frequently Asked Questions
At Saint Mary’s, we want you to succeed, and we help you do so, inside and outside of the classroom:
Student Central: Your one stop for student services
Library: Resources and services are available 24/7 to all students.
Writing Center: Offers virtual and face-to-face services to support students
Career Services: Can help you develop your career-readiness skills at any point in your education
The only thing virtual about your online experience is the classroom. Our flexible online programs offer the rigor and reputation you expect from Saint Mary’s.
Explore more here.
Life gets busy. Whether you’re raising a family, pursuing your career, or playing an active role in your community, we know you want to keep up with what you love while you take the next step in your career. That’s why Saint Mary’s online programs are flexible and designed to fit your demanding life.
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Sources and Disclaimer
Indeed, Border Patrol Officer at https://www.indeed.com/career/border-patrol-agent/salaries (visited Oct. 30, 2024).
Bureau of Labor Statistics, Correction Officers and Bailiffs at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/correctional-officers.htm (visited Oct. 1, 2024).
**This program is not designed or intended to meet educational requirements for law enforcement officer licensure in any jurisdiction. For more information about Saint Mary’s programs and peace officer certification in Minnesota, visit our Professional Licensure page