Focus your understanding of key issues confronting the American criminal justice system, as well as policy analysis and the contemporary decision-making models, with a Graduate Certificate in Criminal Justice.

This certificate is designed for criminal justice professionals in policing, the courts, corrections, security, and associated support agencies.
Sign Up for a Free Information Packet

  • Curriculum

  • Tuition and Fees

  • Program Data

  • Learn More

Completion Requirements

  • 16 total quarter credits

You may complete this graduate certificate in as little as 6 months and earn credits to immediately apply toward your Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) or Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration. Time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. For a personalized estimate of your time to completion, call an enrollment advisor at 1-866-492-5336.

Courses

  • Foundations of Graduate Study

    Close Popup

    Students work toward building a foundation for academic and professional success as a scholar-practitioner and social change agent. They assess the relationship of mission and vision to professional goals and develop a program of study and strategies for online success. Students also explore resources used throughout the program, such as the online Walden University Library. Students engage in course assignments focused on the practical application of professional writing, critical-thinking skills, and the promotion of professional and academic excellence

  • The Nature of Crime and Criminology

    Close Popup

    Students in this course are introduced to contemporary views and theories of maladaptive and criminal behavior. They examine a broad conceptualization of criminal behavior from an interdisciplinary perspective as well as theories and application of criminal profiling. Students also explore specific views of criminal behavior germane to groups, such as psychopaths, serial offenders, and sexually violent predators. At the end of this course, students will have an understanding of the theories and practices that are the foundations of the field of criminology.

  • Controversies in Criminal Justice

    Close Popup

    Justice is at the heart of the U.S. democratic system, yet opposing viewpoints surrounding and within the system often muddle interpretations of the law and the development of policies to promote and enforce justice. In this course, students examine events that have significantly changed how the legal system interprets the U.S. Constitution, the U.S. Code, and the U.S. Patriot Act, for example, the terrorist acts of September 11, 2001. They learn how social and historical changes have shifted perspectives and sparked debates on expanding the rights of government versus safeguarding personal civil rights and civil liberties. Through discussion with peers, assessment of contemporary articles, and examination of Supreme Course cases, students have the opportunity to reflect on and potentially broaden their own opinions and perspectives on current criminal justice affairs in regard to issues of law enforcement, public perception, policy development, and ethics.

  • Technological Solutions and 21st-Century Crime

    Close Popup

    In consideration of modern technological innovation and the spread of knowledge through digital means, the relationship between technology and criminal activity is increasing. In this course, students explore this relationship and gain a comprehensive view of cybercrime, including current trends. They learn how law enforcement agencies use technology to track and apprehend criminals. Through real-world scenarios, students examine legal responses to cybercrime and learn different approaches and techniques for solving cybercrimes and handling related challenges. Students also have the opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of building cases and prosecuting crimes through practical exercises in identification, data mining, and the protection and gathering of evidence.

  • Prev
  • Next
Request Info

2012-2013

Curriculum Component Requirements Cost
Courses 16 total quarter credit hours $445 per quarter credit hour
Technology Fee per quarter $110

2013-2014 (Effective May 6, 2013)

Curriculum Component Requirements Cost
Courses 16 total quarter credit hours $465 per quarter credit hour
Technology Fee per quarter $110

Tuition and fees are subject to change.

Call 1-866-492-5336 for information about a full range of options for:

Walden is committed to providing the information you need to make an informed decision about where you pursue your education. Please find below detailed information for the Graduate Certificate in Criminal Justice relating to the types of occupations this program may lead to, completion rate, program costs, and median loan debt of students who have graduated from this program.

Occupations
Program Completion Rate
Program Costs
Median Loan Debt

Occupations—This program generally prepares students to enter the types of occupations listed below. For more information on these specific occupations, visit www.onetonline.org.

In addition to this list, there are other career options that graduates of this program may choose to pursue. To enter certain professions, students may need to satisfy specific additional requirements established by state and/or professional organizations in addition to completing their program.

View examples of our student and alumni accomplishments in their chosen fields.

Occupation Name* Occupation Code*
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary  25-1111
First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers  33-1011
First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives   33-1012

*The “occupation name” is a general job title. “Occupation code” refers to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Standard Occupation Classification.  

Program Completion—The program completion rate for July 1, 2011, to June 30, 2012, is not available because this program did not yet have any graduates.

Program Costs—The total program costs are the estimated average costs over the duration of the program, excluding any scholarship or tuition reductions, for students completing the program on time. These costs can vary based on the number of credits. Typically, tuition and fees are subject to change annually.

Expense Cost
Tuition and Fees $7,560
Books and Supplies $0
Room and Board Not applicable

View cost per credit in the Tuition and Fees section.

Median Loan Debt—The Median Loan Debt for July 1, 2011, to June 30, 2012, is not available because this program did not yet have any graduates.

For assistance in deciding which online certificate program fits your goals, request information or speak with an enrollment advisor by calling 1-866-492-5336. A list of international toll-free phone numbers is available for students outside the United States.