Undergraduate Certificate in Criminal Justice
The criminal justice system is comprised of three major components—law enforcement, the judiciary, and corrections. The undergraduate Certificate in Criminal Justice curriculum provides a comprehensive and in-depth study of these components, beginning with introductory principles of criminal justice and then laying the foundation for deeper study of the critical areas of the justice system—police, courts, and corrections.
The certificate program integrates scholarship about criminal justice within a student’s existing program of study at Boston University or may serve as a stand-alone credential for nondegree students enrolled in Metropolitan College. The certificate lays a foundation in the discipline of criminal justice that could enhance professional development or serve as preparation for graduate study.
Learning Outcomes
- Proficient knowledge of the policies, operations, decisionmaking processes, and strategies of major institutions associated with the criminal justice system.
- Specialized knowledge of content areas connected to domains within the administration of justice (law, policing, adjudication, and corrections) and specific crime- and justice-related social problems.
- A capacity to recognize and analyze legal and ethical constraints, their implications for criminal justice policy- and decisionmakers, and the effect of justice policy and practice on diverse sets of values and groups in society.
- An ability to synthesize, evaluate, and recognize implications, and communicate effectively using scholarly sources of information connected to crime theory and policy.
Admissions Information
For current admissions information, please visit the Metropolitan College website.
Required Courses (four courses/16 credits)
- MET CJ 101 Principles of Criminal Justice
- MET CJ 251 Police and Society
- MET CJ 271 Corrections: Concepts, Systems, and Issues
- MET CJ 352 Courts, Society, and Criminal Procedure
Students must earn a grade of C or higher in each course taken toward the certificate.
