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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.

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  3. Criminal Justice Certificate

At a Glance

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Offered as

Certificate

Format

100% Online

Credits

12

Avg. Time to Completion

1 Year

College/School

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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

Recent Employers

  • George W. Hill Correctional Facility
  • Delaware Valley Intelligence Center
  • Montgomery County Adult Probation
  • Delaware County Juvenile Probation
  • Diakon Youth Services

Industry Growth

Employment of substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is expected to increase by 22% by 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Employment Projections.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Potential Careers

  • Law enforcement (local, state, and federal)
  • Probation/parole officer
  • Correctional officer
  • Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselor
  • Victim services

Keep Exploring

Why Study Criminal Justice at Widener?

A woman in a criminal justice career completes her work for the day.

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.

Health Care Faculty

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

Shana L. Maier
Shana L. Maier
Director of MCJ Program

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.

Nancy Blank
Nancy Hirschinger Blank
Chair, Criminal Justice

"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."

View All Faculty Explore Faculty Research Interests

Recent News

Taylor Easter smiles at the camera wearing a blue graduation cap and blue Widener sweatshirt

Meet Taylor Easter, the 2025 President’s Award Winner

Taylor Easter is the 2025 President's Award winner. One of the university's highest honors, the President's Award recognizes a graduating senior who has contributed the most to Chester campus life through scholarship and participation in extracurricular activities.

View All College of Arts & Sciences News

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. The admissions committee will assess the personal statement for content and quality of writing.

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

Learn more about applying as an international student
Learn more about life at Widener as an international student

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 admitted 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.

COMPLETE YOUR FAFSA 

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.

Explore Our Employer Partnerships

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%.

Learn more about qualifying for an alumni discount

Program Cost

Criminal Justice Certificate

$414 per credit 12 total credits $4,968 total cost

Tuition rates are subject to change. Official costs for your first year will be determined at time of enrollment.

Take the Next Steps

Visit Us

To visit Widener is, often, to fall in love with the place. To fit your timeline and schedule, we offer a variety of ways to get to know us.​

View Admissions Events

We offer a variety of virtual events to get to know Widener and meet with faculty and admissions staff.

Request Information

Have a question about Widener? Drop us a line and an admissions counselor will be in touch. We're always happy to help!​

Apply

Visit our online application system to complete your app and share supplemental materials. There is a $35 application fee to apply to Widener.

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