Degree Programs

Our world-class faculty is engaged in cutting edge research which prepares students for the challenges of criminal justice practice in the 21st century.

Our undergraduate program prepares students for leadership and policy positions at the local, state and federal level. At the graduate level, we provide rigorous training in a rich research environment, immersing our students in diverse research topics that develop skills to help them advance as practitioners or researchers for continued study in doctoral programs in criminology and criminal justice.

Degrees

Our degree opportunities are linked below: 

Undergraduate Degrees

Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice (in-person or online)

Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice (Policing) (in-person or online)

Graduate Degrees

Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice (in-person)

Master of Science in Crime Analysis (online)

Master of Arts in Criminal Justice (online)

Master of Public Safety Leadership and Administration (online)

         EMS - Mobile integrated Health Care
         Executive Fire Administration
         Executive Police Administration

Doctor of Philosophy in Criminology and Criminal Justice (in-person)

Doctorate of Criminal Justice (ASU Sync)

Minors & Certificates

Students may pursue certificate programs along with a major, minor, other certificate program, or independently as a non-degree seeking student. For a full list of available minors and certificates offered by the Watts College of Public Service & Community Solutions, please visit the Watts College of Public Service minors & certificates page.

Criminology and Criminal Justice, minor

The minor in Criminology and Criminal Justice allows students in other undergraduate programs at ASU to explore issues of crime, law and the criminal justice system. The minor provides students with the tools to analyze complex issues and policies within the criminal justice system, enhancing students' ability to understand the nature of crime and the system response to law breaking. In addition to the three required courses, which provide a solid understanding of the field, each student will be able to select electives to meet his or her specific interests. Criminal justice majors cannot earn a minor in criminal justice.

Undergraduate Certificate in Criminal Investigations

The undergraduate certificate program in Criminal Investigations educates students about a variety of aspects of criminal investigations and criminalistics. This in-person certificate program is designed to provide students of the social sciences, natural sciences, humanities, and public services with an understanding of the nature of criminal evidence; the language of forensic science; the scope, probative value, and limitations of a variety of investigative specializations and their techniques; and an appreciation of how forensic investigative methods are used in the quest for justice. The certificate program allows students to satisfy two of their General Studies requirements (SQ & SB) in a thematic manner, but it is not designed to prepare students to work in a crime laboratory.

Undergraduate Certificate in Homeland Security

The undergraduate Homeland Security Certificate will provide students with the skills and credentials necessary to prepare them to enter fields specializing in Homeland Security. Students will receive extended education in topics pertaining to Homeland Security such as Domestic and International Terrorism, Cyber Terrorism, and advanced crime courses.

Undergraduate Certificate in Correctional Studies

The undergraduate Homeland Security Certificate will provide students with the skills and credentials necessary to prepare them to enter fields specializing in Homeland Security. Students will receive extended education in topics pertaining to Homeland Security such as Domestic and International Terrorism, Cyber Terrorism, and advanced crime courses.

Undergraduate Certificate in Juvenile Justice

The curriculum of the juvenile justice certificate program covers key topics focused on justice-involved youth, including theoretical perspectives on why youth engage in delinquent acts; life-course criminology and how key turning points in life impact trajectories of youth; the number of youth who engage in delinquency who have a prior history of victimization; and juvenile justice and how the criminal justice system, including police, courts and correctional agencies, responds to youth.

Undergraduate Certificate in Law and Human Behavior

Law and human behavior is an umbrella term that encompasses various aspects of the rapidly emerging field of forensic psychology, law and justice. The program is designed to provide students of social services and social sciences with an understanding of important but understudied areas where justice policy is in desperate need of empirical, psychological research.

Undergraduate Certificate in Legal Issues in Criminal Justice

The legal issues in criminal justice certificate program focuses on the intersection of policy and its effects on the criminal justice system. Topics include a focus on law and theoretical perspectives regarding the ramifications of certain policies in the field of criminal justice.

Undergraduate Certificate in Security Studies

The Security Studies Certificate provides students with the skills and credentials needed for employment in corporate and public security. Students will receive extended education in cross- disciplinary topics such as accounting, computer studies, and advanced crime and law courses. Upon completion of this certificate, students will be well-equipped to work alongside a variety of security professionals with different skill sets—an essential component of working in corporate or public security.  

Graduate Certificates 

Graduate Certificate in Corrections Leadership and Management

The Graduate Certificate in Corrections Leadership and Management will prepare and enhance the corrections administration professional through comprehensive coverage of topics in criminal justice organizations, corrections and community supervision, institutional management, and in cross-disciplines such as public administration. Students will cover the challenges of management, learn how to lead in a public agency, and gain an understanding of the process of policy development. The certificate is designed to give students a solid foundational understanding of correctional administration, leadership, and policy analysis.

Graduate Certificate in Crime Analysis

The graduate certificate program in crime analysis is focused on crime analysis as a field applicable to all levels of government --- federal, state and local --- and to positions in private sector organizations with functional and operational activities related to crime analysis. Students study topics relating to the current principles of crime analysis, crime mapping and statistical tools in crime analysis.

Graduate Certificate in Homeland Security

The graduate certificate in homeland security focuses on homeland security as a field related to organizational security. Students can study topics related to current international and domestic terrorism issues, global security, intelligence analysis, cybersecurity issues, crime prevention and law enforcement.

Graduate Certificate in Law Enforcement Administration

The Graduate Certificate in Law Enforcement Administration will prepare and enhance the law enforcement professional through comprehensive coverage of topics in criminal justice organizations, policing and program analysis, and cross-disciplines such as public administration. Students will cover the challenges of management, learn how to lead in a public agency, and gain an understanding of the process of policy development. The certificate is designed to give students a solid foundational understanding of law enforcement agency administration, leadership, and policy analysis.