Correctional Studies ,Certificate
Corrections, Criminology, Delinquency, Justice, Juvenile Justice, Police, crime
Join one of the nation's leading schools of criminology and criminal justice and prepare to make an impact in correctional reform. You'll learn how to make facilities safer and healthier, help people succeed after release, and build the skills to turn ideas into action.
The certificate program in correctional studies introduces students to the key parts of the corrections system, including prisons, jails and community programs. Students explore the history, philosophies and current practices of corrections, focusing on strategies that support rehabilitation and reduce reoffending.
- College/school:
Watts College of Public Service & Community Solutions
- Location: Downtown Phoenix
2026-2027 Catalog Year
| Requirement | Minimum Grade | Credit Hours |
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| Requirement | Minimum Grade | Credit Hours |
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The certificate requires 15 credit hours taken in residence at ASU, of which 12 are upper division. |
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CRJ 240 Introduction to Corrections
3 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
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C | 3 |
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CRJ 443 Community Corrections
3 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
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C | 3 |
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CRJ 444 Institutional Corrections
3 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
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C | 3 |
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Special Topics courses (CRJ 394 and CRJ 494) must be approved by a School of Criminology and Criminal Justice advisor in order to select appropriate topics in the correctional studies certificate program.
6 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
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C | 6 |
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Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this certificate.
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Lower-division courses such as 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 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.
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A student pursuing an undergraduate certificate must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at ASU. Undergraduate certificates are not awarded before the completion of an undergraduate degree. A student who already holds an undergraduate degree may pursue an undergraduate certificate as a nondegree-seeking graduate student.
Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:
- Analyze the historical and contemporary trends and operations of community and institutional corrections.
- Apply knowledge of effective strategies for engaging and implementing rehabilitative programming to a variety of correctional populations.
Graduates find a strong job market in the public and private sectors. They have a strong foundation for pursuing a career or further study in corrections, law enforcement or community services. Employment opportunities include supervisory and management positions in criminal justice agencies, such as the National Institute of Corrections and the Federal Bureau of Prisons, and local and state-level corrections departments.
Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions.
School of Criminology and Criminal Justice
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UCENT 600
SCCJAdvising@asu.edu
602-496-1658
Program term definitions
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
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. 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.
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.
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.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
