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Criminal justice certificate programs are designed to provide students with a basic overview of the field. Certificate programs can generally be completed over a period of weeks or months, versus two to four years for an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.

Coursework typically consists of four to ten classes covering topics such as law enforcement, criminal law, juvenile justice, constitutional law, sociology, and psychology. Many programs also offer students the opportunity to gain valuable professional experience by participating in internship programs with local criminal justice agencies.

What Can I Do with a Criminal Justice Certificate?

By itself, a certificate in criminal justice might open the door to entry-level positions in the criminal justice field. For example, if you’re interested in law enforcement, you may be able to seek employment as a jailer or sheriff’s deputy. Job opportunities may also be available with correctional facilities in your state if you’re interested in working as a corrections officer.

If you’d prefer to work in the court system, you may be qualified to act as a bailiff or court administrator. It’s important to keep in mind that certificate programs are not as comprehensive as degree programs. Additional study will likely be necessary if you want to specialize in a particular area, such as forensics, or if you’re interested in working for federal criminal justice agencies, such as the FBI or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

We have 760 certificate programs in our database.

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Who Should Pursue a Certificate in Criminal Justice?

A certificate in criminal justice can be useful in a number of different ways. For individuals who have never attended college, completing a certificate program can be an important stepping stone to pursuing an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Some colleges and universities also offer certificate programs to students who are already pursuing a bachelor’s degree and want to supplement their education. For individuals who are already working in the criminal justice field, completing a certificate program can provide additional expertise and knowledge or serve as a precursor to pursuing a graduate degree.

Making the Most of a Criminal Justice Certificate

Another important aspect of working in criminal justice involves networking with other professionals. There are a number of professional organizations and associations that offer additional information and guidance in choosing a career path. Joining one of these organizations can be beneficial, both for students and those already working in the field. For example, those interested in corrections may consider joining the American Correctional Association, which is the largest professional correctional association in the world. The Fraternal Order of Police and the National Sheriffs’ Association are good choices for those interested in law enforcement while the American Society of Criminology is open to those specializing in scholarly research. There are a number of different organizations to choose from and getting involved can help you maximize your professional development.

Still Looking for a Criminal Justice Program?

Below are some of the top criminal justice degree writeups. You can review the program page, or schools by state to find detailed information about the degree or career.