Certificates in Criminology & Criminal Justice

Certificate Overview

The Criminology and Criminal Justice (CCJ) Department offers undergraduate certificates for students interested in specializing in specific crime and justice topics. The certificates are open to any admitted Portland State student, both CCJ majors and non-majors. Undergraduate certificates are issued by PSU at the time of completion of a bachelor's degree. 

Certificate courses are offered in a mix of formats, with some in-person courses required. 

For students interested in completing one or more CCJ certificates one hundred percent online, CCJ offers a separate Criminology and Criminal Justice Online program option. Full details are provided on the Criminology and Criminal Justice Online page.

Criminal Law & Justice Certificate

The Criminal Law & Justice undergraduate certificate is designed for students interested in understanding criminal law and in developing legal skills for careers within and related to the criminal justice system. It focuses on how the content, practice and enforcement of criminal law impacts individuals and society, particularly through the criminal justice system. Students will gain insights into the practical application of both research and theory to the law and criminal justice policy and practice.

Through the certificate coursework, the concept of “equal justice under the law” will be examined in the context of the criminal law-making, enforcement, and imposition of criminal punishments.  Students are able to tailor the electives to focus on subject areas that are most relevant to their interests and career goals.
 

Criminal Law and Justice Certificate Curriculum (24 credit hours)

The Criminal Law & Justice Certificate is made up of a total of 24 credits, consisting of three required courses (12 credits), one Criminal Law & Practice elective (4 credits) and two Criminal Justice System electives (8 credits).  Full course descriptions are provided in the PSU Bulletin.

Complete Three Required Courses (12 credits): 

• CCJ 200 Criminology and Criminal Justice (4)
• CCJ 310U American Courts (4)
• CCJ 420 Criminal Law (4)

Choose One Criminal Law and Practice Elective (4 credits): 

• CCJ 345 Human Behavior and the Law (4)
• CCJ 311 Defense, Prosecution & Justice (4)
• CCJ 360 Victims of Crime (4)
• CCJ 390U Crimes of the Powerful (4)
• CCJ 317 Race, Crime and Criminal Justice(4)*

*CCJ Majors may not choose CCJ 317 as an elective toward this certificate because this course is already required for the CCJ bachelor's degree. 

Choose Two Criminal Justice System Electives (8 credits):

• CCJ 210 Introduction to Juvenile Justice (4)
• CCJ 312 Criminal Behavior (4)
• CCJ 315 Crime Myths (4)
• CCJ 365U Crime and Social Justice (4)
• CCJ 370U Women, Crime and Justice (4)
• CCJ 230 Policing in America (4)*
• CCJ 240 Punishment and Corrections (4)*
• CCJ 320U Theories of Crime and Justice (4)*
• CCJ 330U Crime Control Strategies (4)* 

*CCJ Majors may not choose CCJ 230, CCJ 240, CCJ 320U, CCJ 330U as electives toward this certificate because these courses are required for the CCJ bachelor's degree. 

Up to 4 transfer credits (one course) from a regionally accredited institution may be applied towards the course requirements of the Criminal Law & Justice Certificate. Transfer courses must have been taken for a letter grade, and the grade received must have been a  “C-” or higher. Be sure to check the list of pre‐approved substitution courses that transfer from your Oregon or Washington community college. 

Criminal Behavior & Justice Certificate

APPROVAL PENDING: The CCJ Department is awaiting final approval from the Portland State Faculty Senate to launch an undergraduate certificate in Criminal Behavior & Justice.  Following the anticipated Faculty Senate approval (in June 2024), the certificate program will begin accepting students Fall 2024.

The Criminal Behavior and Justice certificate explores the complex nature of crime and factors that contribute to criminal behavior in general, and within specific populations and contexts. The curriculum focuses on the major criminology theories that explain the causes of crime, including the social, cultural, psychological, and economic factors. It also focuses on the major risk and protective factors related to individual criminality and crime patterns. 

The coursework explores how criminal justice agencies (e.g. police, courts, corrections) can se criminal behavior theory and evidence based assessments to impact equitable and effective outcomes. Students learn to use the policy implications of criminology theories as tools to critically assess common criminal justice system efforts to control criminal behavior. Ultimately, students are prepared to employ both research and theory to make meaningful contributions in their chosen careers.
 

Criminal Behavior Certificate Curriculum

The Criminal Behavior & Justice Certificate is made up of six courses (24 credits), consisting of three required courses (12 credits) and three elective courses (12 credits). Through their choice of electives, students also have the opportunity to tailor their focus on specific criminal behavior and justice topic areas. Full course descprions are provided in the PSU Bulletin.

Complete Three Required Courses (12 credits): 

• CCJ 240 Punishment and Corrections (4 credits)
• CCJ 312 Criminal Behavior (4 credits)
• CCJ 320U Theories of Crime and Justice (4 credits)

Complete Three Elective Courses (12 credits) 

• CCJ 210 Intro to Juvenile Justice (4 credits)
• CCJ 305 Juvenile Justice Reform (4 credits)
• CCJ 315 Crime Myths (4 credits)
• CCJ 355U Perspectives on Terrorism (4 credits)
• CCJ 370U Women, Crime, and Justice (4 credits)
• CCJ 390U Crimes of the Powerful (4 credits)

Up to 4 transfer credits (one course) from a regionally accredited institution may be applied towards the course requirements of the Criminal Behavior and Justice Certificate. Transfer courses must have been taken for a letter grade, and the grade received must have been a “C-” or higher. Be sure to check the list of pre‐approved substitution courses that transfer from your Oregon or Washington community college. 

Get Started

Current PSU students should contact their academic advisor with questions and get more information about how to declare a certificate. CCJ certificates are open to both CCJ majors and non-majors and are issued at the time of completion of any PSU Bachelor's degree. To find your academic advisor, visit PSU Advising.