Criminal Justice, Certificate

Program Overview

ECPI University offers Certificate programs (also referred to as Micro-credentials) that focus on specific skill sets.  These programs are shorter than traditional degree programs and are designed to meet the needs of working professionals so that they can stay competitive in their field.  Certificate programs may be offered in a variety of ways to suit the learning style and schedules of individuals.  They may include remote learning, instructor led in-seat learning, hybrid courses, and online courses.

Students can choose from one of three options:

  • Law Enforcement Management - 12 semester credit hours

  • Digital Forensics - 14 semester credit hours

  • Foundations of Law Enforcement – 12 semester credit hours

Law Enforcement Management Certificate Outcomes 

Upon completion of the Certificate in Law Enforcement Management, graduates are able to:

  • Apply appropriate leadership principles commensurate to managerial roles within law enforcement agencies

Digital Forensics Certificate Outcomes 

Upon completion of the Certificate in Digital Forensics, graduates are able to:

  • Ethically apply digital forensic investigative techniques and cybercrime prevention

Foundations of Law Enforcement Certificate Outcomes 

Upon completion of the Certificate in Foundations of Law Enforcement, graduates are able to:

  • Professionally apply legal principles, policies, and procedures in the law enforcement field

About Criminal Justice Certificates

Law Enforcement Management.  The certificate program covers aspects of management fundamentals within the context of the Criminal Justice system.  Courses are designed to help those already in law enforcement meet the academic requirements deemed beneficial for promotional consideration.   Students will learn multicultural communication strategies, components of conducting criminal investigations, law enforcement managements systems, and more.

Digital Forensics.  The certificate program introduces aspects of how the field of criminal investigation is evolving due to rapid changes in technology.  Students will be introduced to cybercrime investigation procedures and students will gain hands-on experience collecting data from digital devices including; phones, tablets and computers. The program is designed to provide current law enforcement officers with academic experience deemed beneficial for transitioning to Digital Forensic Examiner roles.  

Foundations of Law Enforcement.  This certificate program is designed for those seeking entry level positions in state and local law enforcement as well as correctional facilities where preference is given to those with related collegiate training but a degree is not required.  The program covers aspects of the Criminal Justice system including a foundation in understanding criminal law and the rights of both law enforcement and citizens. It also provides a background to understand the Bill of Rights and US Constitution so that students gain an understanding for the role of law enforcement in our Criminal Justice system.

Program Outline 

To receive the Certificate, students in the Law Enforcement Management program must earn 12 semester credit hours. Students in the Digital Forensics program must earn 14 semester credit hours. Students in the Foundations of Law Enforcement program must earn 12 semester credit hours.  The Criminal Justice Certificate program requires a minimum of 1 semester, which is equivalent to 2 months or 10 weeks.  The program requirements are as follows: 

Program Requirements 

Law Enforcement Management

12 semester credit hours
CJ200Investigations

3

CJ245Multi-Cultural Communication for Law Enforcement

3

CJ361Law Enforcement Management

3

CJ430Critical Incident Management

3

Digital Forensics

14 semester credit hours
CIS108Office Applications

2

CJ125Criminal Procedure

3

CJ229Cybercrime Investigations

3

CJ310Digital Forensic Analysis

3

CJ315Mobile Device Forensics

3

Foundations of Law Enforcement

12 semester credit hours
CJ100Introduction to Criminal Justice

3

CJ106Criminal Law

3

CJ125Criminal Procedure

3

CJ325CJ Special Populations

3

Criminal Justice Certificate - Program Specific Policies

Admissions Requirements.  Admission is on a selective and competitive basis. ECPI University reserves the right to select those applicants who are deemed best qualified for the Criminal Justice Certificate program. Entrance requirements include the following prerequisites:

  • Law Enforcement ManagementENG110 College Composition, CJ100 Introduction to Criminal Justice, and CJ110 Law Enforcement Operations

  • Digital ForensicsCJ100 Introduction to Criminal Justice, CJ106 Criminal Law, and CJ200 Investigations

  • Foundations of Law Enforcement – ENG110 College Composition

Student Evaluation.  Students’ academic progress will be evaluated after each course grade has been awarded.  In general, and unless otherwise stated, the minimum grade to maintain satisfactory progress is 70% or C-.  Students must achieve a minimum term grade point average of 2.0.

A course may not be repeated more than once without approval of the designated academic official.  Grades achieved in courses that are repeated due to course withdrawal (W, WP) or failure (F, WF) will replace previous withdrawal or failing grades.  A student who is approved to repeat a course due to a failing grade (F, WF) must successfully pass the course by the third attempt. After three failed attempts the student will be academically dismissed (for appeal of academic dismissal, see Appealing an Academic Dismissal.