Criminal Justice Administration Certificate Overview
Designed to be a one-year certificate program, the Criminal Justice Administration Certificate focuses on leadership and decision-making as it relates to the agencies within the criminal justice fields, as well as program and policy development skills required of contemporary criminal justice administrators. The certificate is a five-course online program that provides both current and prospective criminal justice professionals with the administrative and management preparation to advance their careers into administrative roles. The certificate is also designed for professionals who are contemplating a career change to the criminal justice sector and who need the skills and knowledge to make a successful transition.
How Do I Know if This Program Is Right for Me?
This program is designed for individuals seeking to advance their knowledge and expertise in criminal justice leadership, management and administration. If you are passionate about promoting justice, improving public safety and exploring administrative roles within the criminal justice system, this certificate can provide you with the specialized training and credentials needed to excel in your career. With a curriculum focused on topics such as organizational behavior, policy analysis and strategic planning, this program equips graduates with the skills to lead effectively and drive positive change within criminal justice agencies and related fields.
Curriculum
For additional information about the Criminal Justice Administration Certificate curriculum, view the Curriculum Guide/Course Rotation and Academic Catalog.
| Course | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CJ520 | Seminar in Criminology (Fall) Session B | 3 |
| CJ530 | Critical Issues in Criminal Justice (Fall) Session A | 3 |
| CJ510 | Constitutional and Legal Issues in Criminal Justice (Spring) Session A | 3 |
| CJ540 | Ethics and Justice (Spring) Session B | 3 |
| CJ560 | Criminal Justice Policy (Summer) Session B | 3 |
| TOTAL | 15 |
Can You Give Me a Glimpse of My Future?
Graduates may pursue leadership roles within law enforcement agencies, correctional facilities, court systems, or governmental organizations. Additionally, this credential opens pathways to advancement, allowing graduates to make significant contributions to improving the efficiency, effectiveness and fairness of criminal justice administration.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, police and detectives make a median salary of $69,160 per year. According to salary.com, detectives have an average salary of $89,300.
Detectives are law enforcement officers responsible for investigating crimes, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses and suspects and solving cases. They utilize various investigative techniques, such as surveillance, forensic analysis and collaboration with other agencies, to piece together information and apprehend perpetrators. Detectives play a crucial role in the criminal justice system by working tirelessly to bring criminals to justice and provide closure to victims and their families.
In addition to detectives, criminal justice administration encompasses a wide range of roles vital to the functioning of the justice system. These roles include probation officers, who monitor and support individuals on probation to ensure compliance with court-ordered conditions; correctional administrators, who oversee the management and operations of correctional facilities, including prisons and jails; court administrators, who manage court operations, schedules and resources to facilitate the fair and efficient adjudication of cases; and policy analysts, who research and analyze criminal justice policies and initiatives to inform decision-making and improve system outcomes. Each of these roles plays a critical part in upholding justice, maintaining public safety and promoting fairness and equity within the criminal justice system.
In these roles, you could be hired by various employers including:
Investigator or Detective:
- Law enforcement agencies (police departments, sheriff's offices)
- Federal agencies (FBI, DEA, ATF)
- Private detective agencies
- Corporate security departments
Forensic Science Technician:
- Crime laboratories (federal, state, or local)
- Medical examiner or coroner offices
- Forensic consulting firms
- Research institutions
Protective Service Occupations: (e.g., security guards, private investigators, emergency management specialists)
- Private security companies
- Government agencies (federal, state, local)
- Corporate security departments
- Nonprofit organizations specializing in emergency management or security consulting