This online Certificate in Criminal Law & Justice is designed for students seeking to understand criminal law and develop legal skills for careers within and related to the criminal justice systems. Students are provided the opportunity to focus on how the content, practice and enforcement of criminal law impacts individuals and society, particularly through the structure and function of the criminal justice system.
In the certificate courses, the concept of "equal justice under the law" is examined in the context of the criminal law-making, enforcement and imposition of criminal punishments. Students are able to choose certificate electives that focus on subject areas most relevant to their career goals and interests.
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The certificate must be earned concurrently with a bachelor's degree starting with the 2024 - 2025 catalog. Students on older catalogs would be required to update to the 2024 - 2025 catalog, where additional bachelor's degree requirements may apply.
The certificate requires the completion of six courses (24 credits). You may complete the courses in any order. Each course must be taken for a letter grade (not pass/no pass) and completed with a grade of "C-" or higher.
A maximum of 4 applicable transfer credits from a regionally accredited institution may be applied towards the requirements of the certificate. Students must submit a CCJ Online substitution petition to seek approval for transfer credit.
CCJ 300 Criminology & Criminal Justice - 4 credits
CCJ 310 American Courts - 4 credits
CCJ 420 Criminal Law - 4 credits
CCJ 311 Defense, Prosecution & Justice - 4 credits
TWO of the following:
CCJ 370U Women, Crime & Justice - 4 credits
CCJ 312 Criminal Behavior - 4 credits
CCJ 304 Crime and the Media - 4 credits
CCJ 365U Crime and Social Justice - 4 credits
View course descriptions & annual academic calendar here.
To complete the certificate, you will need specific hardware and software. View the Online Learning System Requirements for CCJ Online Degree and Certificate Programs (PDF).
Students seeking undergraduate credentials must apply for the bachelor's degree and any certificate/s two terms in advance of your expected graduation term. One application is submitted for all credentials being earned at the same time.
See the CCJO Graduation Information webpage for more details.
Undergraduate-level certificates are issued by PSU at the time of bachelor's degree completion. The certificate credential appears on the PSU transcript.