Graduate Certificate in Criminal Justice Leadership and Management

The online Criminal Justice Leadership and Management Certificate is an 18-hour program catering to working professionals currently in the field of criminal justice. The certificate provides an opportunity for students to advance professional growth and career development while maintaining their occupational responsibilities. The certificate is structured to allow students to complete the program in one year, enrolling in two 7-1/2 week courses per semester. Completion of the online Graduate Certificate also advances students halfway towards a Master of Science in Criminal Justice Leadership and Management.

This Graduate Certificate is eligible to receive Title IV funding – Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Graduate PLUS loans by request. To be considered for aid, students need to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Additional information: Reference the Program Landing Page for additional information, such as cost, delivery format, contact information, or to schedule a visit.

Applicants seeking admission to the graduate certificate program in Criminal Justice Leadership and Management must submit the following directly to the University Office of Graduate Admissions:

  1. Graduate Application
  2. Application fee
  3. An undergraduate degree from an accredited institution in an allied field.
  4. Official transcripts of all academic work previously undertaken.
  5. A cumulative undergraduate degree grade point average of 3.0 or 3.0 for the final 30 baccalaureate credits. An acceptable GRE score may be substituted/required to demonstrate graduate study readiness if the GPA falls below the above standard.
  6. A completed Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology Master's Degree Applicant Questionnaire/Form.
  7. Resume
  8. A personal essay regarding career background and goals.
  9. Evidence of current employment in a criminal justice related agency with a minimum of one year of criminal justice experience.
  10. International students ONLY: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A minimum score of 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based), or 79 (internet-based) is required.
Graduate Certificate in Criminal Justice Leadership and Management
Specified Courses
CRIJ 5330Critical Analysis Of Justice Administration (required)3
CRIJ 6333Seminar In Organization and Administration (required)3
Prescribed Electives
Select four of the following:12
Resource Development in the Organizational Context
Research Methods and Quantitative Analysis
Police In Society
Leadership Psychology In Criminal Justice Management
Community Theory and the Administration of Justice
Seminar In Criminology and Corrections
Program Evaluation In Criminal Justice
Legal Aspects Of Criminal Justice Management
Total Hours18

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) marketable skills initiative is part of the state's 60x30TX plan and was designed to help students articulate their skills to employers. Marketable skills are those valued by employers and/or graduate programs that can be applied in a variety of work or education settings and may include interpersonal, cognitive, and applied skill areas.

The Graduate Certificate in Criminal Justice Leadership and Management is designed to provide graduates with the following marketable skills:

  • Leadership knowledge, skills, and abilities.
  • Oral and written communication.
  • Critical thinking.
  • Self-awareness and understanding social dynamics.
  • Problem-solving.