Overview
The study of criminal justice began with law enforcement innovators who worked to apply the findings of scholarly research to their professional practice. Those efforts continue today, with policing scholars drawing on their work to inform evidence-based policies, identify best practices, and to attract and retain the best possible officers. The ongoing shortage of applicants to law enforcement positions only makes the challenges of advancing the field of law enforcement more pressing. This industry and societal need speaks to directing a certificate program towards students interested in municipal, state, and federal law enforcement careers. The 12-credit Certificate in Law Enforcement, Homeland Security and Public Safety, offered by the Department of Criminal Justice, allows undergraduates across the university to demonstrate to future employers or graduate admissions committees that they have undertaken the study of topics critical to the field of law enforcement. Students will explore the roles of law enforcement agencies, the challenges of policing in the U.S., and the issues raised by critics working to improve policing. The courses in the certificate focus on how law enforcement has developed and the ways in which the field is changing to better meet the needs of the United States in the 21st century. This certificate benefits those students interested in advancing careers related to the critical analysis of law enforcement agencies, those interested in pursuing graduate study related to police and policing, and those interested in moving into careers as policy makers engaging with law enforcement agencies.
Certificates are awarded only at the time of completion of the bachelor's degree and cannot be awarded either as a stand-alone program of study or after completion of the first bachelor's degree.
Campus Location: Main
Program Code: LA-LEHP-CERT
Contact Information
Kimberly Campanese, Criminal Justice Program Coordinator
Please contact the College of Liberal Arts' Center for Academic Advising for more information on minors, certificates or other CLA programs.
Requirements
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CJ 2101 | Introduction to Law Enforcement | 3 |
| CJ 3411 | Homeland Security and Federal Law Enforcement | 3 |
| Select two from the following: | 6 | |
| Special Topics in Law Enforcement | ||
| Terrorism, Transnational Crime and Global Security | ||
| Criminal Gangs | ||
| Hate Crimes | ||
| Cyber-Investigations, Digital Forensics, and the Law | ||
| Evidence-Based Policing | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 12 | |