Montana State University

What you'll study

This undergraduate programme combines core criminal justice theory with specialised study of correctional philosophy, institutions and community-based interventions. You will study the criminal justice system end-to-end — policing, courts and corrections — with particular emphasis on correctional policy, offender assessment, treatment programmes, and re-entry practices.

• Core criminal justice subjects: criminological theory, criminal law, ethics, research methods and criminal justice statistics.
• Corrections-focused modules: correctional administration, institutional operations, community corrections, probation and parole, offender classification and risk assessment, and rehabilitation programmes.
• Skills and methods: qualitative and quantitative research methods, case management, report writing, programme evaluation, and evidence-based practice.
• Applied experience: practicum or internship placements with correctional facilities, probation/parole agencies, juvenile services or community organisations; simulation and role-play exercises; and opportunities for supervised field observation.
• Optional and interdisciplinary options: electives in psychology, social work, sociology, drug and alcohol studies, restorative justice, and public policy to support career specialisation or preparation for graduate study.

The programme is typically structured around general education requirements, a set of required criminal justice courses, corrections specialism modules, and elective credits. Senior-year projects or capstone courses often require students to complete a research project, an applied evaluation, or an extended practicum placement.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary school completion qualification (such as a high school diploma or equivalent). Typical entry expectations include a solid academic record in core subjects and preparatory coursework in social studies, English and mathematics.

• Academic background: satisfactory performance in secondary school with evidence of readiness for university-level study. Specific grade thresholds are set by the university admissions office and may vary by applicant category.
• Standardised tests: standardised test submission (SAT/ACT) may be optional or considered as part of the application depending on admissions policies; check the university’s admissions guidance for current practice.
• Additional requirements: applicants may be asked to submit a personal statement outlining interest in criminal justice and corrections, and some placements require a background check, immunisations or a valid driver’s licence for fieldwork.
• International applicants: must demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised tests (such as IELTS or TOEFL) or approved exemptions; documentation of secondary qualifications will also be required.
• Transfer students: applicants with post-secondary credit should provide transcripts; transfer credit and advanced standing are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a broad range of roles across corrections and the wider criminal justice sector. The degree equips students with practical skills and theoretical knowledge sought by employers in public, private and non-profit organisations.

• Correctional officer positions in state and federal institutions
• Probation and parole officer roles and community supervision caseworkers
• Juvenile justice practitioner positions and youth services
• Case management, re-entry coordination and rehabilitation programme delivery
• Victim advocacy, crisis intervention and support services
• Policy analysis, research assistant roles and programme evaluation for government or NGOs
• Pathways to graduate study in criminology, public policy, social work, counselling or law

Students also gain transferable skills — critical thinking, data analysis, report writing and interpersonal communication — that are valuable in allied fields such as social services, community development and criminal justice technology.

Why study at Montana State University

Montana State University offers a campus-based learning environment with access to experienced faculty who teach both theoretical and applied aspects of criminal justice and corrections. The university maintains relationships with state and local criminal justice agencies, providing students with internship and practicum opportunities that bridge classroom learning and real-world practice.

• Hands-on learning through supervised field placements and community partnerships with correctional and rehabilitative services.
• Small-class settings for many upper-level courses, allowing close interaction with faculty and personalised mentorship on research and career planning.
• Opportunities to take interdisciplinary electives and collaborate with departments such as psychology, sociology and public administration to broaden career options.
• Access to research projects and applied evaluations that can form the basis of senior capstone work or preparation for graduate study.

Studying at Montana State University prepares graduates to pursue careers that contribute to safer communities and more effective, humane correctional practice.