Criminal Justice Certificate of Professional Preparation

The criminal justice system is evolving, and the need for those with the skills to meet the demands of this field is increasing. For bachelor’s degree holders looking to change or advance their careers, the Certificate of Professional Preparation in Criminal Justice will provide a broad knowledge of three primary areas of the criminal justice system: law enforcement, court systems and corrections. This certificate also explores the purpose and processes of the system as well as the local, state and federal agencies students will be working in and with as criminal justice professionals in areas such as law enforcement, corrections, probation, private security and more.

Related Programs

Getting Started: Fall Term

Aug. 18:  Application Deadline

Aug. 25:  Classes Begin

Other Important Dates ยป

Why Seminole State?

  • Unique program: One-of-a-kind degree for Central Florida geared to train future leaders across a variety of agencies
  • Industry-driven curriculum: Courses developed with input from the regional public safety community
  • Online degree: Degree offered 100% online, so you can study when and where you want 
  • Dedicated faculty: Quality instruction from faculty with industry experience as well as academic credentials
  • Affordable tuition: Significantly lower costs than Florida's universities
  • Small class sizes: most classes have fewer than 30 students.

Additional Information

Criminal Justice
Type: Certificate of Professional Preparation
Major Code: CJ-BC
CIP: 5554301990

Program Description

Available Course Course Not Offered Fall 2025
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Criminological Theory
3
Credits
This course provides an advanced study and critical appraisal of various theories of crime causation, including an examination of biological, psychological, economic and sociological perspectives on the etiology of crime. An examination of the causes, types and patterns of crime in society will be included. Major schools of thought and current research are introduced, compared and contrasted in the study of crime and its social context.
The Criminal Justice System
3
Credits
This course is an advanced examination of the criminal justice system in the United States with an emphasis on crime data, its strengths and weaknesses and its uses. This course provides students with a comprehensive knowledge of the history, philosophy and organization of the U.S. police, the U.S. courts and correctional institutions, including probation and parole, as well as a study of crime, law and the administration of criminal justice in the U.S.
Courts and the Criminal Justice System
3
Credits
This course provides an advanced study and critical examination of the American court system, focusing on understanding judicial and prosecutorial discretion in the context of the legal, organizational and practical processes of decision-making. It also analyzes the role of appellate courts in the criminal justice process, the rules of evidence and socio-political influences on the judicial process.
Correctional Theory
3
Credits
This course provides an advanced study of the history and current status of jails and adult prisons with emphasis on punishment rationales, institutional programs and procedures, inmates' social structures, correctional officers and correctional administration and contemporary issues in corrections.
Police Administration
3
Credits
This course provides an advanced study of the organization, management and administration of law enforcement agencies. Topics include police administration in the political arena, organizational theory, police organizational structure, leadership, organizational communication, police subsystem tasks, decision-making, performance evaluation and organizational improvement.
Criminal Justice Adminstration
3
Credits
This advanced course provides an in-depth examination of both the practical and theoretical aspects of the administration of criminal justice agencies. Included will be an analysis of leadership styles, techniques in supervision, theories, practices and skills associated with managing personnel. Addressed are budgeting, organizational behavior, civil service, unions, manpower distribution, policy development and execution as applied in both small and large criminal justice agencies.
Critical Issues for the CJ Professional
3
Credits
This course focuses on critical concerns facing American criminal justice agencies, including discretion, abuse of authority, the stress and strain on the CJ professional, civil liability, victimization, wrongful convictions, human trafficking and mental illness in relation to offenders.
Total Credits: 21

Your tuition shouldn’t go against your intuition.

Your pursuit of higher education is admirable. So why struggle with high tuition in the process? Here we make life’s next steps affordable. Whether you’re seeking a university transfer (A.A.) degree, a four-year bachelor’s, an Associate in Science degree or even earning a post-baccalaureate certificate, you’ll find reasonable tuition and payment plans that make sense.

Go For Less.

Tuition and Fees*


Seminole State
Tuition and Fees$1,799
Room and Board-0-
Books and Supplies$500
Total$2,299

For more information on Seminole State's tuition and fees, please see the current fee schedule.

* Tuition costs are based on 15 total credit hours for this program in the current term for in-state students. Book expenses are estimates and may vary by course. Lab fees and other fees that may assessed at the time of registration may be viewed in the College fee schedule. As Seminole State is a commuter college with no residence halls on its campuses, costs for room and board are not calculated.