Whether you hope to work in law enforcement, the court system, or a correctional facility, a criminal justice certificate can be a beneficial credential.
While earning an online certificate, you will complete a variety of online classes for criminal justice careers. Courses in these programs focus on subjects like criminology, victimology, and the judicial process.
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An academic certificate is beneficial for both newcomers and experienced professionals in the industry. It may help you qualify for an entry-level position or advance within your current organization.
Online Criminal Justice Certificate Programs
There are different types of criminal justice certificates for students with various levels of experience and education. When you decide to complete a certificate in criminal justice program online, it’s important to determine what kind of program is best suited to your circumstances.
Select the program that most interests you to jump to that section of the guide:
The program that’s best for you will depend on your personal interests and professional goals.
Undergraduate Certificates in Criminal Justice
Undergraduate criminal justice certificates are usually designed for students seeking entry-level positions in the criminal justice system. They’re also appropriate for current police and correctional officers who want to advance into administrative or management roles.
During an undergraduate certificate program, you can learn about subjects such as criminology, corrections, ethics, and research. These courses provide a broad overview of criminal justice and allow you to explore your interests and narrow your career goals.
After completing an undergraduate certificate in criminal justice, you may qualify for public service roles like police officer, prison warden, and detective. These types of roles exist in law enforcement agencies at all levels of government.
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A certificate could also be beneficial for those who want to work as forensics investigators and law enforcement administrators. You might also consider a certificate if you’re uncertain whether you want to complete a criminal justice bachelor’s degree.
The credits you earn while completing a certificate often transfer directly to related bachelor’s programs, allowing you to get a head start on your degree.
Graduate Certificates in Criminal Justice
A criminal justice graduate certificate involves a more in-depth examination of advanced criminal justice theories, policies, and practices. This type of certificate is ideal for students who are or want to be involved in policy development, reform, evaluation, and administration.
During a graduate criminal justice certificate program, you can learn about subjects such as criminal justice administration, crime policy, and evaluation methods. Many students also take courses that are tied to their specific career goals, such as victimology, forensics, and trauma.
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Depending on your classes, earning a graduate certificate in criminal justice may make you better qualified for a job as an emergency management director, information security analyst, or policy analyst. Some graduates of these programs also go on to pursue advanced degrees in criminal justice.
Completing a certificate helps them determine their particular area of focus. The credits you earn during a certificate program may transfer to a related master’s degree program in the field.
Criminal Justice Careers & Salaries
Earning a criminal justice certificate is a strategic way to prepare for a new career in the criminal justice system. For current members of the field, it may help strengthen your candidacy for a promotion to a position with a higher salary and greater responsibilities.
Federal, state, and local government agencies hire graduates of criminal justice certificate programs to serve as police officers, firefighters, and security guards.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are the median wages of potential career paths related to criminal justice.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Information Security Analysts | $112,000 |
| Detectives and Criminal Investigators | $86,280 |
| Emergency Management Directors | $79,180 |
| Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers | $65,790 |
| Forensic Science Technicians | $63,740 |
| Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists | $59,860 |
| Private Detectives and Investigators | $52,120 |
| Correctional Officers and Jailers | $49,610 |
| Bailiffs | $49,100 |
| Security Guards | $34,750 |
A criminal justice certificate may also help you qualify for a position at a correctional facility, emergency services department, or private business. Some criminal justice professionals also work independently as detectives and investigators who serve a variety of clients.
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The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that growth for many of these professions will remain steady over the next ten years. The projected growth rate for police and detectives is 3%. Criminal justice professionals who work in cybercrime are expected to experience much faster growth over the same period. For example, the growth rate for information security analysts is 35%.
Criminal Justice Certificate Curriculum & Courses
The curriculum of a criminal justice certificate differs depending on the level and focus of the program, but these are some common courses:
- Introduction to Criminal Justice: This course provides an overview of the American criminal justice system, including courts, corrections, and the history of law enforcement.
- Victimology: In this class, you’ll learn about the experiences of crime victims as well as victim prevention and victim assistance programs.
- Administration of Justice Organizations: This class introduces students to different leadership and management styles in the criminal justice system.
- Corrections: Students in this course explore the history, procedures, and case law of the American correctional system.
- Judicial Process: This course focuses on the criminal judicial process, including the functions of courts, judges, lawyers, and law enforcement agencies.
- Criminology: In this course, you’ll examine theories related to the nature and cause of criminal behavior, particularly psychological and sociological factors.
- Criminal Justice Ethics: Students taking this class learn about professional ethics in criminal justice administration.
- Research and Evaluation Methods: Research and communication are critical skills for criminal justice professionals, and this course familiarizes students with the entire research process.
- Youth Crime Problems: In this class, you’ll discuss juvenile justice procedures and programs as well as policy issues related to juvenile justice and youth crime.
- Cybercrime: This class helps you understand computer crime, including fraudulent schemes, and laws developed specifically to address cybercrime.
Depending on the program you attend, you may have the opportunity to take electives focused on your particular area of interest, such as white-collar crime or cyberterrorism.
Admissions Requirements
The admissions process for a certificate program is often less stringent than for a degree program. These are some common criteria:
- Test scores. If required, you’ll submit scores from standardized tests like the SAT, ACT, or GRE.
- Transcripts. You’ll send transcripts from any schools you’ve previously attended.
- Recommendations. You can ask instructors or supervisors to describe your strengths and abilities.
- Personal statement. You’ll write an essay explaining your interest in the program.
- Resume. You can list all relevant academic, professional, and volunteer experiences.
While graduate certificate programs often require applicants to hold a bachelor degree, undergraduate certificates often accept applicants who have a high school diploma.
Accreditation
When researching criminal justice certificates online, look closely at the school’s accreditation status. Schools with regional accreditation generally offer higher quality academic experiences with better outcomes and fully qualified faculty.
To obtain accreditation, academic programs must undergo a thorough evaluation process. This helps ensure that the curriculum is relevant and up to date. Many employers prefer job candidates with certificates from regionally accredited programs.
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Regional accreditation is especially important if you want to later apply the credits from your certificate to a degree program. Courses from regionally accredited institutions are more likely to transfer to other colleges and universities.
Criminal Justice Licensure and Certifications
Criminal justice professionals often have one or more industry certifications that reflect their expertise and skills. These certifications are popular with employers in various areas of the industry:
- Certified Professional Criminal Investigator: This certification is ideal for a law enforcement officer who wants to develop advanced investigative techniques.
- Certified Corrections Officer: Many states require this certification to work as a corrections officer.
- Crime Scene Technician Certification: Professionals with this certification have demonstrated their knowledge of collecting and processing evidence.
The combination of a criminal justice certificate and professional certification can demonstrate your commitment to the field and the depth of your knowledge.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
If you can’t afford to pay for a criminal justice certificate program out of pocket, financial aid may help make your academic dream a reality.
When you begin searching for aid, the first step is often to fill out and submit a FAFSA, which determines whether you’re eligible for federal loans or grants. Your state may also offer additional opportunities for aid. In some cases, certificate programs do not qualify for government aid.
There are a wide range of scholarships that are designed for students in these programs. You can search an online database or consult with a financial aid specialist at your college to find scholarships that meet your needs.
If you’re currently working in criminal justice, your employer may offer tuition reimbursement or assistance to help support your professional development.
What Can You Do with a Criminal Justice Certificate?
A criminal justice certificate is a strong foundation for a career in a wide range of organizations in the field—including courts, law enforcement agencies, government bodies, and private security firms.
Many graduates of these certificate programs become police officers, probation officers, or correctional officers. Others who have an interest in the scientific and technological aspects of the field work go on to train as forensic science technicians or information security analysts.
A graduate certificate can help current professionals enter into the field or advance into administrative, senior, or leadership roles.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Certificate in Criminal Justice Online?
The length of online criminal justice certificate programs differs based on the number of courses that are required. Many programs include five or six courses and can be completed within 6 months to 1 year.
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Online certificate programs often have accelerated courses that last around 8 weeks. Students who are able to take several courses at once may be able to graduate within a single semester. If you’re working full-time, it may not be possible to take more than one class at a time. In that case, you would most likely complete your certificate in 1 year or 18 months, depending on the program.
What Jobs Can You Get with a Criminal Justice Certificate?
Criminal justice certificate programs focus on skills such as interrogation techniques, analysis of evidence, and an understanding of criminal behavior. These abilities lend themselves to many career paths.
Professionals with criminal justice certificates often work as detectives who investigate crimes. Others become emergency management directors who administer emergency services within their communities. Some professionals with graduate criminal justice certificates are information security analysts who specialize in cybercrime.
The career path you choose to pursue ultimately depends on your abilities and passions as well as your geographic location, education level, and professional experience.
What’s the Difference Between a Criminal Justice Certification vs. Certificate?
Criminal justice certifications and criminal justice certificates serve distinct purposes. These are some of the most significant differences between them:
- Eligible candidates. Academic certificate programs are generally open to new members of the field, while professional certification is often limited to experienced professionals.
- Process. A certificate program involves completing a series of academic courses from a school. Receiving professional certification requires passing an exam offered by a national or industry organization.
- Outcomes. A criminal justice certificate is often an entry point to a degree program, whereas industry certification usually has no connection to higher education.
Many criminal justice certificate programs help prepare students to complete the assessments required for a professional certification.
What’s the Difference Between a Criminology vs. Criminal Justice Online Certificate?
Criminology and criminal justice certificates both involve the study of criminal behavior, but they take different approaches to the subject.
| Criminology Online Certificate | Criminal Justice Online Certificate |
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If your primary goal is to work actively as a law enforcement officer in your community, a criminal justice certificate may be the most fitting option.
Is a Criminal Justice Certificate Worth It?
Yes, a criminal justice certificate is worth it for many students. Criminal justice professionals play a vital role in protecting society, supporting victims, and ensuring that criminals are brought to justice. A criminal justice certificate is an asset for many types of careers, including police work, corrections, and forensic science. Some of these roles are expected to experience significant growth in the future.
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For instance, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the projected growth rate for forensic science technicians is 11%, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. Protective service occupations overall are seeing steady growth.
Universities Offering Online Criminal Justice Certificate Programs
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Ball State University offers a Criminal Justice and Criminology Graduate Certificate. The program’s flexible online learning model is designed with working adults in mind. The certificate consists of 12 total credit hours. Potential courses include Criminal Justice Administration, Interpersonal Relations in Criminal Justice, and Philosophical Aspects of Criminal Justice Practice.
Ball State is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Boston University offers a Criminal Justice Graduate Certificate. The curriculum combines theory, ethics, and research in an effort to prepare graduates for diverse careers in the field. This program can be completed conveniently online or traditionally on campus. On average, the 16 required credit hours can be completed in 8 to 12 months.
Boston University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Indiana Wesleyan University offers a Criminal Justice Graduate Certificate. This program boasts a flexible online format, numerous start dates, and a unique biblical worldview. The program consists of 5 courses and usually spans 6 months of full-time study. Graduates often pursue careers as corrections officers, bailiffs, crime analysts, police officers, youth workers, or victim advocates.
Indiana Wesleyan University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Liberty University offers a Criminal Justice Undergraduate Certificate. The curriculum covers concepts like writing and research within the criminal justice system, corrections operations, judicial process, and crime and violence. Classes meet 100% online and typically span 8 weeks each. The 18 required credit hours may be completed in 6 months when attending classes full-time.
Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Louisiana State University offers a Criminal Justice Certificate. Potential classes include Forensic Science Applications, Homeland Security, Dynamics of Family Violence, Ethical Leadership in Criminal Justice, Constitutional Law, and Victimology. At least 18 credit hours are required in order to graduate. All classes meet conveniently online.
Louisiana State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Minnesota State College Southeast offers a Criminal Justice Certificate. This program may be an excellent next step for those planning to pursue entry-level positions in the criminal justice field. The curriculum spans 16 credits. Graduates may pursue careers in settings like correction facilities, police departments, courts, surveillance companies, or government agencies.
Minnesota State College Southeast is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Portland State University offers a Criminology and Criminal Justice Certificate. Available areas of emphasis include Advanced Crime Analysis, Criminal Behavior, or Justice Studies. Depending on the concentration, the certificate consists of 22 to 24 credit hours. Incoming applications are considered all year, allowing accepted applicants to begin at their earliest convenience.
Portland State University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Regent University offers a Criminal Justice Certificate. The program aims to familiarize students with the agencies and processes of criminal justice, the nature and causation of crime, and criminal law in the United States. Potential courses include Introduction to Criminal Justice, Criminology, and Criminal Law. Classes can be attended online or on campus.
Regent University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Texas A&M University – Commerce offers a Graduate Certificate in Criminal Justice Studies. This program may be a good fit for those pursuing careers in law enforcement, criminology, forensics, corrections, or law. The program utilizes a fully online learning model. On average, the 12 credit hours can be completed in 1 year when studying full-time.
Texas A&M University-Commerce is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Massachusetts – Amherst offers a Criminology and Criminal Justice System Certificate. The program offers several elective courses, allowing for a customized education to suit specific interests and goals. The certificate requires 5 completed courses. Potential classes include Deviance and Social Order, Sociology of Law, and Mass Incarceration.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Walden University offers a Criminal Justice Graduate Certificate. This program covers topics like policing, social justice, security and antiterrorism, technological advances in criminology, research methods and analysis, and the justice system process. The curriculum spans 18 total credit hours. The coursework can be completed entirely online.
Walden is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Washington Technical Institute offers a Criminal Justice Certificate. The program’s 100% online format is designed to help accommodate the busy schedules of working adults. The open-enrollment program requires 18 credits, which can be completed in as little as 8 months.
Washington Technical Institute is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
West Texas A&M University offers a Criminal Justice Certificate program. Many graduates pursue careers as corrections specialists, investigators, criminal procedure specialists, justice advocates, or law enforcement agents. In addition to online coursework, hands-on internships are available in the field. On average, the program can be completed in 4 to 6 months with full-time study.
West Texas A&M University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Widener University offers a Criminal Justice Graduate Certificate program. Potential courses include Organizational Behavior in Criminal Justice, White Collar Crime, and Mental Health Issues in Criminal Justice. This program utilizes a fully online learning model. The 12 required credit hours can potentially be completed in as little as 1 year when attending full-time.
Widener University is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
Wilmington University offers a 100% online Criminal Justice Certificate program. This program seeks to teach a broadly applicable skill set and thorough understanding of the justice system and criminology. At least 30 total credit hours are required to graduate. Classes begin every 8 weeks.
Wilmington University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Getting Your Criminal Justice Certificate Online
A career in criminal justice can be professionally and personally rewarding for many. It allows you to make a direct impact on the lives of others and to help make your town or city a safer and more secure place to live.
During a certificate program, you can expand your skills in analyzing crime scenes, preventing criminal behavior, and rehabilitating individuals who have been convicted of crimes. Many employers—including government agencies, police departments, and retail businesses—look for job candidates with criminal justice skills.
If you’re ready to begin building or advancing your career, you can start by researching accredited colleges that offer criminal justice certificates online.
