Report an accessibility problem

Law Enforcement Administration (Graduate Certificate)

Law Enforcement Administration (Graduate Certificate)

Academic programs / Graduate degrees / Law Enforcement Administration (Graduate Certificate)

Criminal Justice, Criminology, Justice, Management, Police, crime, law

Are you a working professional with a bachelor's degree who hopes to work in a managerial position in law enforcement? Advance your career with the specialized knowledge and skills you'll obtain through this certificate program.

Program description
Degree awarded: Certificate  Law Enforcement Administration (Certificate)

The graduate certificate program in law enforcement administration prepares law enforcement professionals for career advancement.

The curriculum provides a comprehensive analysis of criminal justice organizations, policing, and program analysis and includes cross-disciplinary topics such as public administration. The program is designed to give students a solid foundational understanding of law enforcement agency administration, leadership and policy analysis.

At a glance
Degree requirements

15 credit hours

Required Courses (9 credit hours)
CRJ 512 Seminar in Policing (3)
CRJ 527 Police Accountability (3)
PAF 520 Public Management (3)

Restricted Electives (6 credit hours)

Culminating Experience: none required

Additional Curriculum Information
Students should see the academic unit for the approved restricted elective course list. Restricted electives may be substituted with approval of the academic unit.

Admission requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

Applicants who are nondegree-seeking students (not admitted to a graduate degree program at ASU) are required to submit:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts of undergraduate and, if applicable, graduate coursework
  3. a written statement of career and educational goals
  4. two letters of recommendation
  5. current resume
  6. proof of English proficiency

Applicants who are graduate degree-seeking students (admitted to an ASU graduate program) are required to submit:

  1. graduate admission application
  2. a written statement of career and educational goals

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

Students from related fields such as public policy, political science, psychology, sociology and other social science degrees might be interested in this program; however, all eligible students are considered. Although most students would likely come from the aforementioned degree fields, there is no specific undergraduate degree major required for admission; the school accepts applicants with undergraduate degrees from all educational backgrounds.

Admission examinations are not required for admission to the certificate program.

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Attend online
ASU Online

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.

Application deadlines
SessionModalityDeadlineType
Session A/COnline Rolling
Session BOnline Rolling
SessionModalityDeadlineType
Session A/COnline Rolling
Session BOnline Rolling
SessionModalityDeadlineType
Session A/COnline Rolling
Session BOnline Rolling
Program learning outcomes

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program has the following program outcomes:

  • Critically apply management and organizational theories to issues in contemporary law enforcement practice.
  • Demonstrate competence in explaining the role of proactive accountability measures in creating fairer and more effective law enforcement agencies.
Career opportunities

Graduates of the law enforcement administration graduate certificate program find a strong job market in the public and private sectors. Employment opportunities include supervisory and management positions in criminal justice agencies at federal, state and local levels, such as city police departments, county sheriff's offices, state bureaus of investigation and federal law enforcement agencies.

Contact information
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is WRGP (Western Regional Graduate Program)?
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.

click back to top