100% Online
Earn your degree part-time and online while you continue to gain valuable work experience.
25+ Years
Penn State World Campus has been a leader in online education for more than two decades.
Expanding the Impacts of Justice
The U.S. criminal justice system is conventionally associated with three interconnected pillars: law enforcement, the judicial system, and corrections. But as advancements in technology, data-gathering, and media have continued, so has the need to broaden our understanding of justice. Our four graduate certificates in criminal justice policy and administration provide a framework for expanding the scope of what justice looks like. Whether you’re working in traditional criminal justice professions like law enforcement, corrections, or the court system, or aiding a victim seeking safety or helping an offender seeking redemption, Penn State wants to help you be a practitioner of the modern criminal justice system.
Criminal Justice Policy and Administration Stackable Credentials
Graduate certificates are a great way to quickly add valuable credentials to your résumé while gaining new skills. If you wish to continue your education beyond graduate certificates to a master’s degree, you can earn up to 3 graduate certificates while you work toward your master’s in criminal justice policy and administration degree — without any additional course work.
Earn a Master’s Degree
The master’s degree program is designed to take your understanding of criminal behavior and policy to the next level. Synthesizing the curriculum of the stackable certificates, you’ll identify new trends in the field and learn to apply data-driven practices that work for your agency and community.
Completely Online — Designed for Working Adults
With our convenient online platform, you’ll have the flexibility to earn a world-class degree part-time and online — while balancing your work and family commitments.
- asynchronous delivery
- study whenever, wherever
- complete weekly assignments at your preferred pace
- freedom to take a semester off
- start in fall, spring, or summer
- SAT/GRE test scores are NOT required
Information for Military and Veterans

Are you a member of the military, a veteran, or a military spouse? Please visit our military website for additional information regarding financial aid, transfer credits, and application instructions.
Note: This program is under review for GI Bill® eligibility, and you may experience delays attempting to use GI Bill benefits toward this program until it has been officially approved.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.