Skip to Main Content

Graduate Certificate in Criminal Justice Administration

Master the skills needed to lead in criminal justice administration.

This 15-credit-hour graduate certificate program, offered jointly with the Department of Sociology, is designed for working professionals who are looking to advance their careers by attaining the necessary skills and training for administrative roles in criminal justice organizations.

Program Highlights

This certificate is designed for individuals who are looking to cultivate their leadership skills and make a bigger impact.

Gain applicable skill sets to immediately implement at work
Meet, collaborate with and build a network of others who are passionate about public service
Build the skills and knowledge necessary for a new career in the criminal justice sector

Curriculum

Students take 15 credit hours to complete the graduate certificate. Twelve credits will be in core courses, and three credits will be elective. Program can typically be completed in three to four semesters.

 

Core Courses

 

  • PubAfrs 5506: Administration of Criminal Justice Policy (three credits)
  • PubAfrs 6045: Fundamentals of Budgeting & Financial Administration (two credits)
  • PubAfrs 6075: Data, Models & Evaluation (four credits)
  • Sociol 5950: Evidence-Based Practice in Criminal Justice (three credits) or Sociol 5925: Offender Decision Making and Prisoner Reentry (three credits)

Elective Courses

 

  • PubAfrs 6060: Managerial Leadership in Public and Nonprofit Organizations (four credits)
  • PubAfrs 7507: Criminal Justice Policy (three credits)
  • PubAfrs 7508: Juvenile Justice System Policy (three credits)
  • Sociol 5925: Offender Decision Making and Prisoner Reentry (three credits) or Sociol 5950: Evidence-Based Practice in Criminal Justice (if not taken as a core class, three credits)
  • Other electives may be approved. Contact your advisor.

 

Apply Today

Review the application steps below before starting your application.

Application Deadlines:

  • Autumn entry: June 15
  • Spring entry: Nov. 1
  • Summer entry: March 1

Program Code: CJADM-CR

The status will first become available two to three days after your application is received. Check the status of your application during the admissions process.

Application Fee:

  • $60 for domestic applicants
  • $70 for international applicants
  • This fee is nonrefundable

Graduates of The Ohio State University applying to an online degree program are eligible for an application fee waiver.

More on program affordability.

The statement of purpose should address your academic and career goals, your interest in the John Glenn College of Public Affairs, and how your education and work experience qualify you for admission. There is no length requirement for the personal statement.

Resume or CV: Be sure to include work experience, volunteer activities, academics and professional honors, honorary societies, extracurricular activities, offices held, any publications and other significant activities.

Letters of recommendation are not required for the application to the Criminal Justice Administration Certificate program if your GPA from your most recently earned degree is above a 3.0.

If your GPA is below a 3.0, then one letter of recommendation is required for consideration.

Upload transcripts from ALL of the universities and colleges you attended with your online application as an attachment. 

  • Transcripts are required, even for classes transferred from another institution, including classes attended during high school or completed through a study abroad program.
  • Transcripts are not required for coursework completed at Ohio State. 
  • Submit copies (front and back) of official transcripts. Please submit only scanned images of official transcripts issued by your institution’s registrar. Ohio State will not accept web reports, advising reports, self-reported scores or transfer credit on another school’s transcript.

Transcripts submitted with the online application are considered unofficial and, if admitted, you will be required to submit an official set of transcripts with statement of degree (if appropriate) prior to enrolling at Ohio State.

The GRE is not required. 

Student Services and Benefits: Ohio State's online students are eligible to receive support services and benefits from many organizations across the university.

Students can transfer 100 percent of the certificate’s credits into the In-Career MA or MPAL graduate programs.

Successful completion of the certificate will satisfy the experience requirement of the Glenn College’s In-Career MA and MPAL graduate degree programs.

 

Want to find out if you are ready for online learning? Take The Ohio State University's online readiness assessment.

Learn about the online student experience at Ohio State.

The online certificate program is primarily offered as an asynchronous learning experience. However, on occasion a class may schedule synchronous sessions two to three times per semester to allow for deeper engagement between the instructor and students.

The Office of Graduate & Professional Admissions is the centralized office at Ohio State that handles all of the incoming graduate and professional application materials for all programs. If you have questions about official documentation (transcripts and test scores), they are your best contact. Their website also has additional checklists and useful links to assist in your application to the Glenn College.

Contact Information:
614-292-9444
gradadmissions@osu.edu 

 

Graduate Certificates at the Glenn College

Explore our other graduate certificate programs.