Overview
The Department of Sociology & Criminology offers a Graduate Certificate in Criminology and Criminal Justice. The program provides training in fundamentals of the criminal justice system and criminological theory, as well as foundational training in research methods and statistics. The Certificate is designed for students who wish to augment their training in criminology and criminal justice as well as for those students seeking to enter the M.S. program in Criminology and Criminal Justice but who may not meet all program requirements. Students earn the Certificate by successfully completing the five required courses.
Please see our website for more information: https://crim.as.miami.edu/.
Academic Standing
Graduate students are expected to maintain a minimum of a 3.0 overall GPA in all coursework. Should the average fall below that minimum in a semester, the student will be notified and will work with his/her advisor to rectify the performance issues. If the student has a second consecutive semester with an average overall GPA below 3.0, he/she will be placed on academic probation. Three semesters of below average performance may result in suspension from the program in accordance with guidelines for the University’s Graduate School.
Admission Requirements
Students are evaluated for admission based on a holistic assessment of the following requirements. Students must submit:
- A statement of purpose
- In this personal statement, applicants detail their reasons for pursuing the degree, both in general and in our program specifically. The statement will help evaluate applicants’ writing abilities as well as fit with our program.
- Transcripts from all academic institutions attended
- Official transcripts from all academic institutions attended must be submitted. Transcripts should show that students attained a minimum of 3.0 in the last 60 credits of upper division undergraduate coursework and/or 3.0 in graduate coursework. Applicants with lower averages may be admitted to the Certificate Program.
- Letters of recommendation from at least three references familiar with the individual’s scholastic and/or work performance
- At least three letters of recommendation must be submitted. These should be positive and strongly indicate that the applicant has the aptitude and stamina necessary to successfully complete a graduate degree.
Curriculum Requirements
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| SOC 609 | Social Statistics | 3 |
| SOC 610 | Advanced Research Methods | 3 |
| SOC 670 | Theories in Criminology and Criminal Justice | 3 |
| SOC 673 | The Criminal Justice System | 3 |
| SOC 677 | Criminology and Public Policy | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 15 | |
Mission
The Graduate Certificate in Criminology and Criminal Justice program aims to address issues related to crime and its control in the United States. For those working in or seeking to work in criminal-justice related positions, higher levels of education are increasingly required for employment and/or advancement in many professions and jobs. The 15 credit hour program is designed to provide students with a foundation in criminal justice and criminological theory, connections between theory and policy, and in research methods and statistics.
Goals
The program objectives of the Graduate Certificate program in Criminology and Criminal Justice are to:
- Provide a Graduate Certificate for those currently or intending to work in research or applied settings in criminal justice agencies or community college teaching. It also provides an opportunity for interested students to explore potential further education in a Master’s program.
- Provide training in criminology and criminal justice, enabling a strong and integrated knowledge of research and practice. This will enable greater understanding of both the etiology and prevention of crime as well as to better inform criminal justice policy.
- Provide the research and conceptual skills required to conduct analyses and assessments of the criminal justice system.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate advanced knowledge of classic and contemporary criminological theory.
- Certificate earners will demonstrate proficiency in written and oral communication.
- Certificate earners will have a thorough knowledge of the fundamentals of research in the social sciences and be able to synthesize and apply them in written form.
