Criminal Justice Undergraduate Certificate

Back to Programs Curriculum CostApply Now Request Information

The Undergraduate Certificate in Criminal Justice program at Boston University’s Metropolitan College (MET) provides a comprehensive and in-depth study of law enforcement, the judiciary, and corrections, beginning with introductory principles of criminal justice, and then laying the foundation for deeper study into the critical areas of the justice system.

Whether you earn the certificate as a stand-alone credential or pair it with a Metropolitan College degree program, the curriculum will help you lay a foundation in the discipline of criminal justice as you prepare for graduate study or professional development opportunities.

Program at a Glance

On Campus
Part-Time Study
16 Units
8–12 Months to Completion
Tuition & Fees—Part-Time Study*: $9,510

*Based on 2026–2027 Boston University tuition and fees.

Take the Next Step

Get essential information and guidance for applying.

Request
Information

Apply
Now

Apply
Now

A Foundation for Success in Criminal Justice

Metropolitan College’s Criminal Justice Undergraduate Certificate will equip you with:

Proficient knowledge of the policies, operations, decision-making 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 decision-makers, and the effect of justice policy and practice on diverse sets of values and groups in society.
The ability to synthesize, evaluate, recognize implications, and communicate effectively using scholarly sources of information connected to crime theory and policy.

Speak with our Admissions Team

Schedule a 1:1 call to speak with an advisor directly or attend an admissions event alongside other future students.

Schedule a Call

Find an Event

Why Complete Your Criminal Justice Undergraduate Certificate at BU?

Engaged Faculty: In BU MET’s criminal justice undergraduate certificate program, an exceptional student-to-instructor ratio ensures close interaction with highly qualified faculty who draw from active research and substantial professional achievements in areas such as policy, police reform, evidence-based practices, and reentry and reintegration.
Track Record: Learn from the best—BU MET has offered criminal justice education since 1973, introducing the master’s degree in criminal justice in 1980, which became BU’s first fully online program in 2002.
Extensive Network: Study principles of criminal justice alongside peers with professional experience, learn from faculty who have valuable contacts in community outreach, law enforcement, research, and corrections, and benefit from a global alumni community with strong connections.
Student Support: Benefit from access to personalized professional academic advice from the team of academic counselors in MET Enrollment & Student Success.
Valuable Resources: Make use of Boston University’s extensive resources, including the Center for Career Development, Fitness & Recreation Center, IT Help Centers, Mugar Memorial Library, Frederick S. Pardee Center for the Study of the Longer-Range Future, Initiative on Cities, Howard Thurman Center for Common Ground, George Sherman Union, and many others.
Flexible Schedule: Pursue your studies part-time, at the pace that works for you, evenings on campus.
Affordable Tuition: Complete your certificate part-time at BU at a substantial savings compared to full-time study.
Financial Assistance: Undergraduate students at BU MET are eligible for a range of financial aid and community-minded scholarship opportunities designed to support those investing in their education part-time who still need to navigate full-time responsibilities.

Flexible, Part-Time Degree Completion—at Boston University

Boston University’s Metropolitan College offers a wide range of bachelor’s degree completion programs in convenient, part-time evening formats—ideal for busy professionals who seek to earn a Boston University degree without turning their personal lives upside down or putting their careers on hold. Along with self-paced programs in a variety of majors on campus, MET also offers the Online Undergraduate Degree Completion Program, leading to a bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Studies.

A variety of undergraduate certificate programs provide the opportunity for focused study in a specific subject. Certificates can work into select degree programs at MET, offer breadth to current studies, or build professional skills and knowledge.

Certificate to Degree Pathways at BU MET

By mastering the fundamentals of the field under the tutelage of MET’s world-class Criminal Justice faculty, you develop both the skills and the habits necessary for continuing studies and vital University connections. The Criminal Justice Undergraduate Certificate program at Boston University’s Metropolitan College can serve as a building block to future undergraduate and graduate studies—including the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, the Graduate Certificate in Criminal Justice, and the Master of Science in Criminal Justice.

To be eligible for degree programs, you must apply for admission and be accepted into the degree program. Consult with an admissions advisor to learn more about this option.

Undergraduate Certificate in Criminal Justice Curriculum

A total of 4 courses (16 units) is required, as follows:

MET CJ 101 Principles of Criminal Justice

MET CJ 251 Police and Society

Sprg ‘27

MET CJ 271 Corrections

MET CJ 352 Courts and Criminal Procedure

How Much Does This Program Cost?

BU MET programs offer the flexibility of part-time study. Tuition, fees, and total program cost are determined by enrollment status. Course enrollment in this certificate program is 1–2 courses (4–8 units) in a semester, and tuition is charged the part-time per-unit rate.