Certificate in Criminal Justice Leadership

Certificate

Hours: 12 On-Campus Online

About

The Certificate in Criminal Justice Leadership at Fort Hays State University is designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of both current professionals and those aspiring to enter the field. This 12-credit-hour undergraduate certificate provides a strong foundation for those seeking to deepen their understanding of criminal justice processes and leadership within the justice system. By combining practical experience with theoretical insights, the program prepares students to engage effectively in today’s complex criminal justice environment.

The curriculum focuses on leadership in criminal justice administration and integrates contemporary practices across law enforcement, the courts, and corrections. This comprehensive approach equips students with diverse roles in policing, corrections, community supervision, and public policy.

Why pursue a Certificate in Criminal Justice Leadership at Fort Hays State University?

The Certificate in Criminal Justice Leadership complements and enhances a student’s major or minor in criminal justice or a related field. The certificate emphasizes the development of leadership skills specifically aligned with the operational and administrative demands of justice system environments. Through focused coursework, students gain the knowledge and competencies necessary to lead effectively in areas such as law enforcement, corrections, courts, and community supervision.

Who is this certificate for?

This certificate is designed for:

Individuals interested in pursuing a position of leadership in a criminal justice career

Real-World Applications

The certificate serves current and aspiring criminal justice professionals aiming to make a positive impact on the system. The curriculum provides practical experience in applying leadership principles to challenges across law enforcement and other criminal justice sectors. Students who complete the certificate are equipped to pursue promotional opportunities and advance within their departments.

Participants develop a deep understanding of the criminal justice field and can directly apply their knowledge to strengthen community partnerships and enhance agency effectiveness.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

Fort Hays State University integrates the latest advancements in forensic science, criminal investigation, and political science into the curriculum. The certificate applies research-based theories and regularly updates the curriculum to reflect current developments and best practices in the criminal justice field.

Hands-on Activities

The Certificate in Criminal Justice Leadership is offered online while promoting active student engagement through virtual simulations and collaborative projects that replicate real-world decision-making scenarios. These activities enhance critical thinking and enable students to apply theoretical knowledge to practical challenges, preparing them for dynamic environments where swift, informed decisions are crucial.

What You’ll Learn:

Leadership theories in criminal justice
Ethical decision-making
Criminal law and justice processes
Strategic problem-solving for crime prevention
Effective communication within the criminal justice system

How You’ll Learn:

Theoretical coursework and case studies
Scenario-based learning simulations
Research and data analysis projects
Strategic planning exercises
Policy analysis and evaluation discussions

Courses

The core curriculum emphasizes a thorough understanding of leadership theories and their practical application within the criminal justice system. Students examine key topics, including the roles of law enforcement and community corrections officers, the influence of criminal law on public policy, and the strategic skills needed for effective leadership in justice-related fields. Some courses include:

CRJ 307: Administration of Justice Systems

The course analyzes administrative theory and practice pertaining to justice agencies, focusing on organization and function. It examines law enforcement, corrections, and the courts from both a system’s approach and by considering each component within the larger justice system.

LDRS 300: Introduction to Leadership Concepts

This course will actively engage students in the acquisition of information about historical and contemporary theories, concepts, and issues associated with leadership. Students will be exposed to the nature of leadership through the presentation of objective material, group activities, and laboratory exercises.

LDRS 302: Introduction to Leadership Behavior

The course is an interdisciplinary introduction to the tasks, strategies, and skills of effective leadership. It moves students from theory to practical processes, covering essential concepts for personal skills development and organizational leadership behavior.

Discover the full Certificate in Criminal Justice Leadership course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.

Career Prospects

Participants in the Certificate in Criminal Justice Leadership are well-prepared for diverse careers in law enforcement and criminal justice. The certificate’s emphasis on leadership and practical skills equips students to succeed in dynamic and challenging environments.

Community Service Manager

Community service managers coordinate and supervise social service and community programs focused on crime prevention, youth outreach, and public health. Professionals with criminal justice and leadership training are well-prepared to lead these efforts, ensuring programs run effectively and benefit the community.

Corrections Officer

Corrections officers manage the daily operations of correctional facilities, supervise inmate behavior, enforce rules, and maintain safety and security. They monitor inmate activities, respond to emergencies, and support rehabilitation efforts.

Detective

Detectives lead criminal investigations by collecting evidence and analyzing facts with careful attention to detail and critical thinking. Training in leadership and criminal behavior equips students to coordinate with multiple agencies and develop effective strategies to solve complex cases and uphold justice.

Police Officer

Police officers maintain public safety by patrolling neighborhoods, responding to calls, conducting investigations, and engaging with the community. Leadership training prepares students for advancement into supervisory roles, enabling them to shape policing strategies and mentor fellow officers.

Public Safety Consultant

Public safety consultants apply their law enforcement and criminal justice expertise to enhance agency operations. They analyze policies, recommend improvements, and develop strategies to reduce crime and strengthen community relations. Leadership and analytical training prepare students to offer expert guidance and manage effective public safety initiatives.

The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere

Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $2,444.76* (on-campus) or $3,180.60* (online) per semester.

*Estimated cost based on 12 credit hours at the Undergrad resident/regional tuition rate ($203.73/credit hour) for on-campus courses, or the FHSU Online Undergrad tuition rate (265.05/credit hour) for online courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.

Ready for the next step?

Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.

Apply

Related Programs

The Certificate in Criminal Justice Leadership provides specialized training in leadership within the criminal justice system, offering a distinctive educational pathway. For those seeking to further expand their knowledge and credentials, Fort Hays State University offers a range of related programs that complement this certificate:

FAQ

What jobs can you get with a Certificate in Criminal Justice Leadership?

This certificate enhances a student’s major and broadens career prospects in roles such as community service manager, corrections officer, detective, police officer, and public safety consultant. Its focus on leadership, ethical decision-making, and strategic problem-solving equips students with the skills needed to excel in these varied criminal justice positions.

How long is the Certificate in Criminal Justice Leadership?

The certificate requires the completion of 12 credit hours of coursework. Its duration may vary depending on a student’s academic plan, especially when integrated with FHSU’s undergraduate criminal justice programs, which typically require 120 credit hours for degree completion.

What is a criminal justice program?

A criminal justice program encompasses studying various aspects of the justice system, including law enforcement, corrections, and the legal system. It gives students an understanding of criminal law, ethics, and societal responsibilities within law enforcement. Additionally, it focuses on practical skills such as leadership, communication, and strategic problem-solving, preparing graduates for careers in public safety, crime prevention, and criminal justice administration.

Information about the School of Criminal Justice, Leadership and Sociology

The School of Criminal Justice, Leadership and Sociology at FHSU offers a diverse range of programs designed to prepare students for meaningful and impactful careers in law enforcement, leadership, and the social sciences. Through an integrated, interdisciplinary approach, students develop critical skills that equip them to address complex societal challenges and become effective leaders and professionals.

The Criminal Justice programs provide both online and on-campus options, focusing on areas such as law enforcement, corrections, and the legal system, with a strong emphasis on leadership, ethics, and integrity. Leadership programs cultivate essential organizational and interpersonal skills through interactive coursework and hands-on internships, supported by initiatives like the Leadership Studies Association and the VALUE program. Sociology programs explore human behavior, social structures, and community issues, encouraging analytical thinking and research-based problem-solving.

Together, these programs create a robust and collaborative educational environment that promotes cross-disciplinary learning. Students are empowered to lead, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to their communities and the broader society. Whether focused on justice, leadership, or social change, students in the School of Criminal Justice, Leadership and Sociology gain the knowledge and experience needed to make a lasting impact.

Student Organizations

While earning a degree remains the primary focus, college life offers much more than classroom learning. Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities that foster leadership skills, deepen their understanding of their chosen careers, and provide opportunities to make a positive impact in their communities.

Criminal Justice Club: Open to students majoring, minoring, or pursuing a certificate in Criminal Justice, as well as those majoring in Criminalistics, the Criminal Justice Club offers career-focused opportunities for service, networking, and social engagement. The club meets weekly during the academic year, with activities that vary each semester based on student interests.
Delta Tau Omega: Students in the Criminal Justice Club have an opportunity to join the FHSU chapter of the American Criminal Justice Association, Delta Tau Omega. Membership in this organization allows students to participate in regional and national conferences, where they can engage in a variety of competitions, including written exams, mock crime scene investigations, physical agility tests, scholarly research poster presentations, and national research paper and scholarship contests. To remain active in the organization, students must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA in their criminal justice coursework.
Sociology Club: Open to all students and majors, the Sociology Club promotes research on topics aimed at improving the community. The club actively collaborates with both the FHSU campus community and residents of Hays, hosting student engagement events and participating in a variety of community service projects. Its mission is to foster a deeper interest in sociology while highlighting the discipline’s importance in understanding society and enhancing the human condition.
Alpha Kappa Delta: Sociology majors may be eligible for membership in Alpha Kappa Delta, the honor society for sociology. This organization promotes academic excellence and fosters scholarship and fellowship among undergraduate and graduate students. To qualify for membership, students must have junior standing, a minimum 3.0 GPA in sociology, and at least 12 completed credit hours in sociology coursework.
Leadership Studies Association: The Leadership Studies Association provides students with opportunities to develop their leadership skills by building meaningful relationships, engaging in skill-building activities, and applying leadership in real-world settings. The organization encourages student growth through a variety of events and activities designed to foster personal and professional development.

Additional Information

Criminal Justice Centers

National De-escalation Training Center:

In August 2020, Fort Hays State University’s Criminal Justice Programs and University Police partnered with the National De-escalation Training Center (NDTC) to become the Region 2 Central Region Training Center. As a designated regional center, FHSU offers the only Level 3 de-escalation training currently available in the United States.

Level 1 training includes traditional de-escalation techniques grounded in procedural justice.
Level 2 provides basic crisis intervention strategies.
Level 3 enhances both traditional de-escalation and crisis intervention methods by incorporating rapid personality identification.

The NDTC De-escalation: Principles & Practice course is an evidence-based program that has been shown to increase officer confidence in applying de-escalation techniques when working with the public.

FHSU facilitates all three of NDTC’s training modalities, including an 8-hour online training, a two-day, in-person training, and a comprehensive 32- to 40-hour train-the-trainer program. Supported by substantial federal funding, these training opportunities are available to agencies at little to no cost. In addition, scholarships may be available to help agencies enroll officers in the online course.

NDTC training is approved by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community-Oriented Policing Services (COPS), and certified by the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training (IADLEST).

Center for Empowering Victims of Gender-based Violence:

Located within the Criminal Justice Programs at Fort Hays State University, the Center for Empowering Victims of Gender-Based Violence functions as a regional hub for collaborative research and community service. Its mission is to alleviate the barriers faced by survivors, promote economic independence, and empower survivors to embrace new opportunities with freedom and confidence.

The Center commits to providing sustainable support aimed at helping survivors break the cycle of violence and transform from victims/survivors into social entrepreneurs.

Focusing on gender-based violence in rural areas, the Center facilitates cross-disciplinary research that explores its causes and effective control measures. It leads collaborative networks of researchers committed to applying evidence-based approaches and identifying best practices to address gender-based violence within rural communities.

Additionally, the Center fosters academic-community partnerships through service-learning, research, assessment, education, and policy development, all designed to enhance the well-being and resilience of rural populations.

VALUE Program:

The Voss Advanced Leadership Undergraduate Experience (VALUE) is a year-long program designed to cultivate promising undergraduates into effective agents of change. It offers a combination of curricular and co-curricular experiences across three specialized tracks: corporate leadership, civic/nonprofit leadership, and scholarship/leadership research.

CNN Heroes Advisory Board:

The Sociology Programs focus on creating real-world impact through projects aimed at supporting those in need. A key initiative involves collaboration with CNN Heroes, individuals nationally recognized for their outstanding contributions to nonprofit organizations. The CNN Heroes Advisory Board, made up of these distinguished leaders, offers students valuable guidance and insights drawn from their successful experiences in the nonprofit sector.

Criminal Justice Leadership

Certificate

On-Campus
Online

Criminal Justice Leadership