Criminal Justice, Certificate

The curriculum of the Graduate Certificate in Criminal Justice provides a balance of theoretical and practical coursework that further develops the critical thinking and analytical skills needed in today’s competitive and evolving criminal justice workforce. Students will be challenged through coursework and collaborative interaction with faculty and fellow students to identify, develop, and enhance their understanding in traditional and cutting-edge criminal justice graduate courses. Students will be able to tailor their learning to their long-term objectives and interests with electives dealing with law enforcement, victimology, corrections, public administration, and computer forensics. This allows students to enhance their understanding and to strengthen their skills in areas unique to their desired criminal justice focus, which increases the value of their degree and the impact of their learning in their position within the criminal justice arena.

Program Design

The program is designed to be a fast-paced, focused, and affordable option for criminal justice practitioners who may not be ready to commit to a full-length graduate program or may wish to pursue additional work in the area of criminal justice. In order to provide flexibility and to accommodate the schedules of working professionals, the coursework will be completed in a largely asynchronous online format using a learning management system. Course materials and assignments will emphasize collaboration, critical thinking, and student accountability.

The program is designed for online completion for full-time students in two quarters (6 months) depending on course load, though students may pursue courses on a part-time basis. Each of the six (6) courses required for this program are consistent with those already required and offered in the Master of Science in Criminal Justice  program. As such, students who decided to continue on to earn their master’s degree would need to complete the remaining six (6) courses in the program only.

Learning Outcomes

Students completing this program will:

1. Demonstrate effective written skills in written assignments and online interaction with peers and faculty.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of various criminal justice technological implications for effective collaborations and use in contemporary criminal justice agencies.
3. Identify and discuss the essential theoretical and practical concepts used in the criminal justice system as necessary for evaluation and consideration of current trends within the field of criminal justice.
4. Interpret and analyze scholarly research related to the criminal justice field and apply it to real world issues and contemporary practice.

The Graduate Certificate in Criminal Justice program is offered Online.