This certificate is designed to prepare students for careers in Law Enforcement, the Court System, or Corrections. In addition, graduates of the certificate program may continue their education in undergraduate programs in Criminal Justice, Criminology or Homeland Security. For those already in service the program provides professional development for career advancement purposes. Students with a certificate in Criminal Justice qualify for employment in city, county, and state criminal justice agencies, and in the rapidly-growing private industrial security field.
Please note that dropping from a required program course may mean that the student will be out of sequence in program course offerings which may delay graduation. Students who begin the program in the spring semester or who need developmental course support should recognize that it may take longer to complete the program.
It is also important to note that many protective services careers have health and fitness requirements as well as other specific expectations. Individuals who have had difficulty with the law depending upon the nature of the problem may not be employable. Applicants who have any questions should discuss their concerns with an advisor prior to enrolling in this program.
Upon the completion of the certificate in Criminal Justice, graduates will be able to:
- Employ effective written and oral communication skills.
- Describe the components of the American criminal justice system, to include their history, functions, processes, and goals.
- Understand the application of technology within the Criminal Justice System.
- Understand the causes and effects of crime within our society.
- Employ effective technical writing skills.
- Understand the fundamental principles and techniques of criminal investigation.
- Describe the organization, management, and administration of criminal justice agencies at the local, state, and federal levels.
- Display the strong ethical qualities that reflect those within the field.
In addition, the graduate will be able to demonstrate competency in the general education outcomes.