The statue of justice Themis or Justitia, the blindfolded goddess of justice against a flag of the United States of America, as a legal concept

Certificate in Criminal Justice

By earning the Criminal Justice Certificate participants will be able to apply for promotions if already in the field of criminal justice. It may include probation officer, juvenile officer, corrections, and law enforcement.

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The 12-credit Certificate in Criminal Justice is designed to familiarize students with the organization and operation of the major branches of the criminal justice system, their mandate, and related materials about the nature and causes of crime. Participants are introduced to basic legal aspects of administrating justice, the organization and management of justice services, as well as some of the behavioral dimensions of how the judges and other key partners in the justice system carry out their respective roles.

Cost Per 3 Credit Course: $1,245 tuition
Total Program Credits: 12 college credits

Program Fast Facts:

  • 100% online program
  • An asynchronous learning model providing flexibility of schedule
  • The program requires no prerequisite and is complementary to most majors.
  • This certificate is also appropriate for persons with or without degrees who would benefit from increased knowledge of the criminal justice system.

Program Outcomes:

  1. Participants will gain an understanding of the complex nature of crime and criminal justice system and the process there within; the philosophy, rules, and policies.
  2. An improved ability to address practical, justice centered demands related to the consequences of criminal acts.
  3. The ability to better understand and overcome special legal and unique tactical problems of arresting, interrogating, and prosecuting criminals.

Career Landscape:

Any person without earning a degree can participate in the program and become certified. Participants who are either working or plan to work in the field of criminal justice can gain specific knowledge of the intricacies of the criminal justice process, from arrest to incarceration.

In the Classroom:

In the classroom students will get a fresh look at the sciences and equipment used by crime scene investigators. In addition, they will gain the knowledge from professors who are or have been working in different fields of criminal justice, law enforcement, courts, corrections, and juvenile system.

Courses

  1. Introduction to Criminal Justice (CCJ 1020)
    A comprehensive overview of the philosophies and history of the three major areas in
    the criminal justice system: law enforcement, the judiciary and corrections. Included
    will be an assessment of the extent of crime and an evaluation of career opportunities.
  2. Courts and the Criminal Justice System (CJL 3510)
    An introduction to courts and administrative procedures, due process, legislative power,
    regulatory administration, conflict of interest statutes, torts, etc.
  3. Corrections (CJC 3011)
    A comprehensive view of American corrections in order to develop an awareness of
    new approaches and developments in the field of criminal rehabilitation. The course
    emphasizes the historical, philosophical, social, legal, and professional aspects of
    correctional administration
  4. Victimology (CCJ 3666)
    A course focused on the social and psychological characteristics of crime victims, their
    role in precipitating criminal acts, the difficulties they encounter in the criminal justice
    systems, alternate social program, and legal policies designed to compensate, protect,
    and rehabilitate victims.

Start and Deadline dates

Fall One Start Date: August 19th Deadline to Register: August 14th
Fall Two Start Date: October 14th  Deadline to Register: October 9th
Spring One Start Date: January 13th Deadline to Register: January 8th
Spring Two Start Date: March 17th Deadline to Register: March 12th

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For more information about this program, contact:

Dr. Abdy Javadzadeh
Associate Professor/Director of MA program in Criminology
ajavadzadeh@stu.edu