Take the inside track to enter the criminal justice field or advance professionally. You'll develop the analytical skills to solve issues affecting the criminal justice system.
Our graduate certificate offers the flexibility you've been looking for to either start your career or advance into leadership positions in the criminal justice system. Learn from professors whose leadership, thinking, and research are shaping this field. They'll ensure you gain the skills to think critically about how to support and improve law enforcement, probation and parole, and the court system. By the time you complete the certificate program, you'll have not only the knowledge, but the support network for a rewarding career.
Complete the certificate in criminal justice and then have the possibility to transition to the master's degree.
Students enrolled in the certificate will complete a short application. If they later apply and are accepted to our master's program all their certificate courses will automatically be applied to the master's degree. To complete the certificate program, students must earn a B or higher in all courses.
The criminal justice certificate is a good option for busy, working adults who want to explore graduate study without making a full commitment to a longer degree program. The certificate is also designed for professionals who would not benefit from research skills or do not want to complete the thesis or comprehensive exams required by the master's program.
The certificate requires the completion of four, three-credit courses with a grade of B or better in three years or less. The certificate courses are also offered at a reduced tuition rate. Certificate students are not eligible for financial aid.
Complete our short online application. Write a brief statement describing reasons and expectations for study in this program.
After receipt of your official college transcript and completed application, you will receive notification regarding admission. After making a deposit of $100 that will be applied to your tuition and fees, you will receive a code that will allow you to enroll in the graduate certificate program and make course selections for the upcoming semester.
We review applications on a rolling basis.
You will learn skills alongside experts and professionals to guide you into rewarding careers in the criminal justice field.
The flexibility of our certificates gives you the ability to customize your courses to meet your career goals.
Many of our certificate courses overlap, meaning you can easily switch between our four certificate options if you become excited about a different path. Additional certificates include:
At Widener, you'll learn from professors who are either working professionals or are experts practicing in the field. They'll make you the priority and help you build a network that will follow you long after graduation.
With evening classes and hybrid online courses this certificate program is designed to meet your needs. Whether you're a working professional or a recent graduate looking to pursue an advanced degree, when earning your certificate you will take courses tailored to your personal interests and professional goals.
"I enjoy mentoring students inside and outside the classroom. It is a pleasure to watch individuals grow from being criminal justice students to criminal justice professionals, influencing and bettering the system. Seeing their success as alumni is so rewarding for me! In addition, our flexible curriculum allows students to direct their academic career in a way that makes the most sense for their career goals."
"Our criminal justice programs provide students with one-on-one individualized attention to nurture the student's growth academically and professionally. I enjoy the small class sizes and teach by facilitating discussions and welcoming diverse worldviews. This pedagogy fosters student participation, listening, and critical thinking skills."
Here, you will have unique opportunities, like our annual criminal justice career fair, to create inside connections with professionals in the criminal justice field.
Kapelski Learning Center, Room 120
Kapelski Learning Center
Room 334