Criminal Justice Certificate
An 18-credit, fully online certificate that gives you a strong grounding in criminal justice — finish in as little as one semester, or stretch it across two part-time terms.
Program Overview
Build practical knowledge in law enforcement, criminology, and corrections with Shawnee State University’s Criminal Justice Certificate. Designed for professionals and students looking to expand their skillset or enter the criminal justice field, this 18-credit certificate offers a fast and flexible pathway to career advancement.
Whether you’re working in law enforcement or corrections, pursuing a different degree, or exploring new career options, this program provides a solid academic foundation tailored to your goals. With just four courses taught in a fully online, 7-week format, you can complete your certificate in as little as one semester—or spread it out over two part-time semesters to fit your schedule.
You’ll learn from experienced faculty with real-world backgrounds in public safety while gaining valuable insights into policing strategies, corrections practices, criminological theory, and more. No matter your starting point, the criminal justice certificate prepares you to take the next step with confidence.
Career Outcomes
How to Apply
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Start your application
Free, takes about 15 minutes.
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Send transcripts
Have your high school guidance counselor send them to admissions@shawnee.edu
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File the FAFSA
School code 009942. Required for Free Tuition.
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Get your decision
Most decisions in under 7 days.
At A Glance
Criminal Justice Certificate
Degree
Certificate
Length
As little as one semester full-time, or two part-time semesters
Credits
18 credit hours
Why Study Criminal Justice Certificate at Shawnee University
Fast: four 7-week online courses. Many students finish in a single semester.
Built for working schedules. Coursework is 100% online and asynchronous-friendly.
Transfer-friendly. Up to 9 approved transfer credits can apply, which can cut the time and cost further.
Faculty with field experience in law enforcement and corrections — practice-informed teaching, not just theory.
Veteran support. Military education benefits are accepted.
Four courses totaling 18 credit hours give you a working understanding of the criminal justice system: how policing works, how corrections operates, and the theory behind how we respond to crime.
- CRIM 1201 — Introduction to Criminal Justice
- CRIM 2207 — Introduction to Criminology
- CRIM 2620 — Policing
- CRIM 3620 — Corrections
- Plus two additional courses (6 credits) chosen with your advisor — options include Forensic Anthropology, Victimology, and others
By the end of the certificate, you'll be able to:
- Explain major criminological theories and how they're applied
- Describe how policing and corrections operate in practice
- Apply criminal justice concepts to real situations
- Communicate effectively within a criminal justice framework
International students residing outside the United States of America may apply and enroll into the Shawnee State University's Criminal Justice Certificate program. The program is administered all online and the international student will maintain a full course of study. Admitted students will not be issued an I-20 for entry into the United States. The program will be completed by the student from their home country. Please refer to www.studyinthestates.dhs.gov for more information pertaining to enrollment in an online program from your home country.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Shawnee State’s tuition is among the lowest in Ohio, and the Shawnee Advantage Tuition Guarantee keeps your rate flat for four years. Scholarships including Choose Ohio First and the Pell-Eligible Free Tuition Program may also apply.
Criminal Justice Certificate Frequently Asked Questions
Many students finish in one semester. The 7-week course format means you can take two courses back-to-back in a term.
Yes — up to 9 approved transfer credits can apply.
Yes. Coursework can apply toward Shawnee State's B.A. in Criminal Justice and similar programs. Talk with an advisor about how transfer in will work.
Yes. Military education benefits are accepted; contact financial aid for details.
Program handbook
Program details are available in the Academic Catalog and on the Shawnee State Online Campus site.
Accreditation
Shawnee State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Learn more at shawnee.edu/about-us/accreditation.
