Correctional Studies (Certificate)

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Gain an in-depth education in the theories, practices and policies related to institutional and community corrections and develop knowledge that can lead to better employment opportunities in jails, prisons and probation, parole and reentry services.

The certificate program in correctional studies educates students about a variety of components that make up the corrections system. It is designed to provide students with understanding and knowledge of the histories, philosophies and contemporary practices of both institutional and community corrections. The program emphasizes evidence-based best practices concerning the rehabilitation of correctional clients to reduce recidivism.

At A Glance

Correctional Studies (Certificate)

Application requirements

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements:

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Program requirements

Required Courses -- 15 credit hours
Elective Courses (choose two) -- 6 credit hours
Notes: Only approved corrections-related topics
Notes: Only approved corrections-related topics

Special Topics courses (CRJ 394 and CRJ 494) will be designated and approved by departments and schools. Students will need to work with an advisor in order to select appropriate special topics courses that are approved for credit in the correctional studies certificate program.
At least 15 credit hours must be taken in-residence at ASU.
Lower-division courses such as CRJ 100 (Introduction to Criminal Justice) and CRJ 240 (Introduction to Corrections) may be used to satisfy the requirements of any major or a minor at ASU, as well as requirements for the certificate program in correctional studies. No upper-division courses in criminology and criminal justice, however, may be used to satisfy the requirements of the certificate program in correctional studies and either the major or minor in criminology and criminal justice. For example, students majoring or minoring in criminology and criminal justice may not use CRJ 394, CRJ 406, CRJ 411, CRJ 434, CRJ 435, CRJ 443, CRJ 444, CRJ 445, CRJ 484, or CRJ 494 to satisfy the requirements of the certificate in correctional studies and either the major or minor in criminology and criminal justice.
Depending on a student's undergraduate program of study, prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this certificate.

Enrollment requirements

Students must complete CRJ 100 Introduction to Criminal Justice with a grade of "C" or better (scale is 4.00 = "A") in order to be admitted to the certificate program. This course may be taken in residence at ASU or may be transferred from other institutions, including community colleges. Because this course is a requirement for the bachelor's degree program and the minor in criminology and criminal justice, its completion satisfies the requirements of the major or minor and satisfies the prerequisite requirement for admission to the certificate program in correctional studies.

A student pursuing an undergraduate certificate must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at ASU. Undergraduate certificates are not awarded prior to the award of an undergraduate degree. A student already holding an undergraduate degree may pursue an undergraduate certificate as a nondegree-seeking graduate student.