Minors and certificates (in-person)

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 certificates:

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 progream 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. Note: This certificate is also offered online.

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.

  An estimated 200,000 new security officers will be added by 2020 according to a study by ASIS International, an association of 38,000 security practitioners, and the Institute of Financial and Management. Positions will be available in a wide range of industries, including banking and finance, insurance, technology, healthcare, retail, professional services, and government. ASIS International found the median annual salary for security professionals in 2012 was $121,000. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects one type of security position--information security analyst—will grow by 37 percent over the next six years. BLS reports median pay for security analysts is $86,170 a year.

Graduate certificates:

• The graduate certificate in emergency management provides motivated students with the skills and knowledge to manage and assume positions of leadership within the field of emergency management. More specifically, an all hazards and all-threats orientation provides the student with a generalist perspective which is critically important for today's and tomorrow's disaster managers. The certificate program may be of interest to students in disciplines such as public policy, planning, political science, nonprofit management, social work, criminology and other related fields.

A reminder

All colleges, schools, divisions, and departments establish certain academic requirements that must be met before a certificate is granted. Advisors, directors, department chairs, and deans are available to help the student understand these requirements, but the student is responsible for fulfilling them. At the end of a student's course of study, if requirements for award of a certificate have not been satisfied, the certificate is not granted. For this reason, it is important for all students to acquaint themselves with all regulations, to be informed throughout their academic careers, and to be responsible for completing all requirements.