Recent Employers
- George W. Hill Correctional Facility
- Delaware Valley Intelligence Center
- Montgomery County Adult Probation
- Delaware County Juvenile Probation
- Diakon Youth Services
Graduate Program
Criminal Justice Certificate
Pursue an online criminal justice certificate to enhance your analytical skills and begin or advance a career solving pressing issues affecting the criminal justice system.
At a Glance
Click to Open
Offered as
Certificate
100% Online
Credits
12
Avg. Time to Completion
1 Year
College/School
Explore the Criminal Justice Certificate
Our online criminal justice 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. Plus, with the option to easily transition into our master's program, this certificate makes your path to a graduate degree even more accessible.
By the time you complete the certificate program, you'll have not only the knowledge, but the support network for a rewarding career.
Criminal Justice Certificate Program Information
The criminal justice certificate exposes students to a variety of topics within the field across four classes. You'll work with your academic advisor to take courses that align with your passions and career goals. Courses have included:
- Organizational Behavior in Criminal Justice
- White Collar Crime
- Mental Health Issues in Criminal Justice
View the Loading... for information regarding the criminal justice certificate program requirements.
Completing the certificate in criminal justice makes it easy to transition to the master's degree in criminal justice (MCJ).
All certificate courses seamlessly roll over to the master's in criminal justice, making it simple to continue your education towards a graduate degree.
Career Outlook & Outcomes for Criminal Justice Careers
Keep Exploring
Why Study Criminal Justice at Widener?
Fuel Career Growth
Looking to move up in your career but aren't ready to commit to graduate study yet? The criminal justice certificate is an excellent place to start. All credits from this certificate transition fully into our master's in criminal justice (MCJ) program.
Because certificate courses are offered at a significantly reduced rate, starting with the certificate enables you to cut the cost of your graduate degree while you decide if a master's is right for you. Learn about stacking the criminal justice certificate with the local government & community change certificate for extra savings.
Build a Network of Industry Insiders
Your education will stretch beyond the classroom as you build relationships with accomplished guest speakers, driven classmates, engaged alumni, and expert criminal justice faculty who infuse their teaching with the latest trends, technology, and thinking. As you get to know these industry insiders, you'll create a meaningful network of connections that will follow you long after graduation.
Our Faculty
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. I am also excited about our accelerated 4+1 program that allows strong students to complete an undergraduate and graduate degree in five years.
"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."
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Admissions & Aid
Our admissions and financial aid teams are here to support you every step of the way. Have a question? Ask away!
Admissions Information
Applying online is easy—and it's secure.
What you'll need to apply:
- Completed online application
- $35 application fee
- Personal statement (see below for prompt)
- Two letters of recommendation
- Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university
- Official transcripts from all postsecondary schools attended
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
- GMAT or GRE scores will be considered but are not required
Personal Statement
Please explain why you wish to do graduate work in the field you have selected with particular emphasis on your proposed area of specialization. Please limit this essay to no more than one typewritten page.
We review applications on a rolling basis.
Widener transfer applicants follow the same application process as general applicants. After you apply, our admissions team will work with you to determine whether completed undergraduate and graduate coursework will count towards foundation/core courses that can be waived or substituted.
Widener University accepts up to 6 transfer credits for its criminal justice program which may be applied as electives. To be eligible, the courses must've been completed within the last 5 years and the grade received must be a B or higher.
Widener University serves as a "second home" for students from around the world. We are located just outside of Philadelphia and close to New York City and Washington, D.C.—offering many unique professional and personal opportunities to explore.
Want to know what it's like to be an international student on campus or need assistance navigating English proficiency requirements? We're here to help, and our international admissions director will support you through the application process. This support doesn't end with admissions—our International Student Support team will serve as a valuable resource throughout your Widener journey—meeting Visa/immigration requirements, getting acclimated to campus, and much more.
How to Apply as a Graduate International Student
- Complete your online application
- Submit your official transcripts from all college/university post-secondary institutions. A course-by-course credential evaluation completed by a NACES certified organization will be accepted if the transcript is not in the English language.
- Fulfill the English Proficiency requirements
- If you require an F-1 visa, you must provide written proof you have adequate funding available to meet the expenses incurred while studying in the United States
Financial Aid
Because Widener is a private institution, we're able to offer financial assistance that brings our education within reach for individuals who might otherwise not be able to afford it.
You might be surprised how much we are able to offer.
Getting started is easy. Simply apply to Widener and submit your FAFSA to be automatically considered for scholarships and grants. "FAFSA" stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and helps identify whether you are eligible for aid awarded by Widener, the government, and other sources. Our school code is 003313.
In order to receive a financial aid offer, students must meet certain eligibility requirements. Here are the general eligibility requirements for most financial aid programs:
- Must demonstrate financial need
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
- Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program
Learn more about applying for financial aid as a graduate student
Paths to Savings
85% of Full-Time Grad Students Receive Aid
Simply apply to Widener and complete the financial aid process to be automatically considered for scholarships and grants. Because Widener is a private institution, we are able to offer financial assistance that brings our education within reach for individuals who might otherwise not be able to afford it. You might be surprised at how much we are able to offer in assistance.
Applying For Financial Aid as a Graduate Student
In order to receive your part of the financial aid pie, all you have to do is submit your FAFSA. "FAFSA" stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and helps identify whether you are eligible for aid awarded by Widener, the government, and other sources.
Save up to 50% on Your Master's by Stacking Certificates
Widener's stackable certificates enable you to achieve your master's or doctoral degree by saying yes to one affordable certificate at a time. Here, you'll follow a more relaxed timeline and course load while earning certificate credits at a significant cost saving. Most of our certificate courses cost 50% less than master's courses.
Learn more about stacking certificates
Employer Discounts & Tuition Reimbursement
Widener University also partners with many local organizations and corporations to offer discounted tuition and other incentives to their employees. Don't see your company on the list? Ask them to become a partner. In addition, employers often offer educational reimbursement benefits. We encourage you to explore these opportunities and will be glad to provide any necessary documentation.
20% Discount for Widener Alumni
(some restrictions apply)
If you graduated with a degree from Widener, you may qualify for a 20% tuition discount. The first step to see what you qualify for is to submit your application. Widener offers students many paths to savings, and while we don't offer "double discounts", we'll make sure you'll get the biggest financial benefit you're eligible for. Only students who have completed an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree are eligible. Students who have pursued a 4+1, 4+2, or 3+3 pathway, graduate assistantship, Widener-funded scholarship, or other tuition discount may not be eligible if the financial discount granted surpasses 20%.
Program Cost
Tuition rates are subject to change. Official costs for your first year will be determined at time of enrollment.
Graduate Admissions Office
-
Hyatt Hall
14th St
Chester, PA 19013 - 610-499-4282
- gcs@widener.edu
Criminal Justice Graduate Program
-
Kapelski Learning Center, Room 334
- 610-499-4651
- slmaier@widener.edu
Shana L. Maier
Director of MCJ Program
-
Kapelski Learning Center
Room 333 - (610) 499-4651
- slmaier@widener.edu