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How to ApplyRequest Info
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Graduate Certificate inCriminological Theory and Research

Summary Courses Careers Costs and Aid

The criminological theory and research graduate certificate is designed to enhance your skills in advanced statistical techniques in criminology. You will focus on understanding the latest theories in criminal justice best practices, analyzing computer-generated data, and researching how to address current criminal justice issues.

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Complete your Penn State course work at your own pace and 100% online.

Apply by August 1 to start August 25

9 Credits$1,027 per credit

Stackable Credential

Gain job-ready skills and update your résumé

Gain Skills and Knowledge to Excel in Criminal Justice Research and Theory

  • Understand and explain the goals of criminological theories.

  • Learn research methods used in criminal justice and their applications.

  • Tackle ethical dilemmas with criminal justice research.

  • Prepare for crime analyst roles and inspire evidence-based policies in criminal justice organizations.

In the 9-credit Graduate Certificate in Criminological Theory and Research, you will study advanced statistical techniques in criminal justice and criminology. You will focus on the theories behind crime, analyze data, and apply the techniques to research questions, all while gaining hands-on experience using statistical software.

Required Courses (9 credits)

  • 3
    credits

    This course provides a survey of social science theories of criminal behavior at the individual and group levels.

  • 3
    credits

    This course provides a survey of social science research methods, applied to the study of criminal justice topics and the evaluation of criminal justice policies.

  • 3
    credits

    The purpose of this course is to teach the student the theory behind a particular statistical technique and its appropriate use.

Using Stackable Certificate Credits toward a Master’s Degree

As part of the stackable pathway, the courses required for this 9-credit certificate may also be applied to satisfy core requirements of the Penn State Master of Professional Studies in Criminal Justice Policy and Administration (CJPA) degree, if you apply and are accepted into the program. You should plan to work closely with an adviser to determine the appropriate sequence of courses to match your education goals.

Courses may also apply to other degree programs. Students should contact their adviser to discuss transfer credit policies and application fees and details.

Course Availability

If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search (opens in new window) to start planning ahead.

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You can use the knowledge gained from this program and the support of Penn State career resources to pursue careers in a variety of fields, depending on your goals.

Career Services to Set You Up for Success

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From the day you're accepted as a student, you can access resources and tools provided by Penn State World Campus Career Services to further your career. These resources are beneficial whether you're searching for a job or advancing in an established career.

  • Opportunities to connect with employers
  • Career counselor/coach support
  • Occupation and salary information
  • Internships
  • Graduate school resources 

Graduates can be well-qualified for meaningful and rewarding work in the field of criminal justice. The research skills attained within this certificate can benefit those in law enforcement, court administration, corrections, and policy and advocacy. As a graduate with this certificate, you could find work in such occupations as:

  • crime analyst
  • crime intelligence analyst
  • criminal justice policy analyst
  • criminal justice researcher
  • victim advocacy or community support

Ready to Learn More?

Get the resources you need to make informed decisions about your education. Request information on this program and other programs of interest by completing this form.

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Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State graduate certificate?

Apply by August 1 to start August 25. How to Apply 

Learn about this program's tuition, fees, scholarship opportunities, grants, payment options, and military benefits.

Graduate Tuition

Graduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register. Tuition is due shortly after each semester begins and rates are assessed every semester of enrollment.

2024–25 Academic Year Rates

Tuition Rates for the Fall 2024, Spring 2025, and Summer 2025 Semesters
How many credits do you plan to take per semester?Cost
11 or fewer$1,027 per credit
12 or more$12,325 per semester

2025–26 Academic Year Rates

Tuition Rates for the Fall 2025, Spring 2026, and Summer 2026 Semesters
How many credits do you plan to take per semester?Cost
11 or fewer$1,037 per credit
12 or more$12,448 per semester

Paying for Your Certificate

Students pursuing a certificate are considered "nondegree," a status that is not eligible for federal student aid, including the Federal Direct Stafford Loan program. A private alternative loan may be an option to consider.

Additionally, Penn State offers many ways to pay for your education, including an installment plan and third-party payments. Penn State World Campus also offers an Employer Reimbursement and Tuition Deferment Plan. Learn more about the options for paying for your education.

Students pursuing a degree and meeting all other eligibility requirements may qualify for financial aid.

Financial Aid and Military Benefits

Some students may qualify for financial aid. Take the time to research financial aid, scholarships, and payment options as you prepare to apply. Federal financial aid may only be used to pay for credits used to satisfy program requirements.

Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities, as well.

Additional Cost of Attendance Details

To view the detailed list of cost of attendance elements:

Technical Requirements

Review the technical requirements for this program.

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This certificate may serve as a stand-alone credential and as a step on your journey toward the Penn State Master of Professional Studies in Criminal Justice Policy and Administration. Stackable credentials recognize your new skills and knowledge while you work toward your master's degree.

Earning graduate certificates from Penn State World Campus is a great way to gain new skills and quickly add valuable credentials to your résumé.

This graduate certificate’s courses satisfy requirements toward the following degree:

This master's degree is designed for those who want to address pressing criminal justice issues facing society. Learn to evaluate the societal workings that create crime, assess equity in policy enforcement, and propose data-driven and evidence-based solutions that benefit the greater society.

Learn more

In an era of complex challenges in criminal justice, our Graduate Certificate in Criminological Theory and Research empowers you to:

  • Understand the "why" behind crime: Delve into criminological theories to uncover the root causes of criminal behavior and systemic issues.
  • Drive evidence-based decisions: Gain the skills to apply advanced statistical methods and research techniques that inform better policies and practices.
  • Become a leader in justice reform: Turn your passion for fairness and justice into actionable solutions that improve lives and communities.

This program provides more than just credentials — it’s an investment in your ability to lead and innovate in a field that needs dedicated experts now more than ever.

Finish Your Certificate in Within a Year

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Whether you are looking to finish your program as quickly as possible or balance your studies with your busy life, Penn State World Campus can help you achieve your education goals. Many students take one or two courses per semester.

Convenient Online Format

This program's convenient online format gives you the flexibility you need to study around your busy schedule. You can skip the lengthy commute without sacrificing the quality of your education and prepare yourself for more rewarding career opportunities without leaving your home.

A Trusted Leader in Online Education

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Penn State has a history of more than 100 years of distance education, and World Campus has been a leader in online learning for more than two decades. Our online learning environment offers the same quality education that our students experience on campus.

Information for Military and Veterans

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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.

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Apply by August 1 to start August 25

Application Instructions

Deadlines and Important Dates

Complete your application and submit all required materials by the appropriate deadline. Your deadline will depend on the semester you plan to start your courses.

  • Fall Deadline

    Apply by August 1 to start August 25

  • Spring Deadline

    Apply by December 1 to start January 12

Steps to Apply

  1. For admission to the J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School, an applicant must hold either (1) a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or (2) a tertiary (postsecondary) degree that is deemed comparable to a four-year bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution. This degree must be from an officially recognized degree-granting institution in the country in which it operates.

    GPA — Postsecondary (undergraduate), junior/senior (last two years) GPA is required. All applicants are expected to have earned a junior/senior grade-point average of 3.0 or higher.

    Students who do not have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 will be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on the quality of their overall application. Work experience will be considered for applicants who have more than two years of experience in a related field.

  2. You will need to upload the following items as part of your application:

    Official transcripts from each institution attended, regardless of the number of credits or semesters completed. Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. If you are a Penn State alum, you do not need to request transcripts for credits earned at Penn State but must list Penn State as part of your academic history.

    Test Scores — GRE and GMAT test scores are NOT required.

    English Proficiency — The language of instruction at Penn State is English. With some exceptions, international applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum test scores and exceptions are found in the English Proficiency section on the Fox Graduate School's "Requirements for Graduate Admission" page. Visit the TOEFL website for testing information. Penn State's institutional code is 2660.

  3. To begin the online application, you will need a Penn State account.

    Create a New Penn State Account

    If you have any problems during this process, contact an admissions counselor at [email protected].

    Please note: Former Penn State students may not need to complete the admissions application or create a new Penn State account. Please visit our Returning Students page for instructions.

  4. Associated programs in the criminal justice policy and administration stack:

    Certificates

    • Graduate Certificate in Criminal Justice Administration and Procedure
    • Graduate Certificate in Criminological Theory and Research
    • Graduate Certificate in Global Justice and Security
    • Graduate Certificate in Impacts on Victims and Offenders

    Degree

    • Master of Professional Studies in Criminal Justice Policy and Administration

    If you begin with a certificate and are interested in pursuing the Master of Professional Studies in Criminal Justice Policy and Administration, work with your adviser while completing your first certificate to determine which program to apply to next.

    Up to 15 credits earned in any of these certificate programs may be transferred to the Master of Professional Studies in Criminal Justice Policy and Administration, subject to restrictions outlined in GCAC-309 Transfer Credit.

  5. You can begin your online application at any time. Your progress within the online application system will be saved as you go, allowing you to return at any point as you gather additional information and required materials.

    • Choose Enrollment Type: "Certificate Admission"
    • Choose "WORLD CAMPUS" as the campus

    Checking Your Status 
    You can check the status of your application by using the same login information established for the online application form. 

  6. 6. Complete the application.

    Penn State Fox Graduate School Application

Admissions Help

If you have questions about the admissions process, contact an admissions counselor at [email protected].

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Have questions or want more information? We're happy to talk.

To learn more about the Graduate Certificate in Criminological Theory and Research, please contact:

Ahmet Guler, Ph.D.
Director of Graduate Studies in Criminal Justice Policy and Administration
Associate Teaching Professor, Department of Sociology and Criminology
[email protected]

This program is offered in partnership with the Penn State College of the Liberal Arts Department of Sociology and Criminology and the Penn State Harrisburg School of Public Affairs.

These are the same faculty members who teach students in our Master of Professional Studies in Criminal Justice Policy and Administration. Furthermore, a Penn State degree is renowned throughout the industry, giving you a recognized and respected credential to add to your résumé.

Faculty

  • Eileen M. Ahlin

    • Ph.D., Criminology and Criminal Justice, University of Maryland, College Park
    • M.A., Sociology, George Mason University
    • B.A., Administration of Justice and Sociology, Penn State

    Dr. Eileen M. Ahlin is an associate professor of criminal justice in the School of Public Affairs at Penn State Harrisburg. She joined the faculty in 2013 after 15 years with a private corporation, where she conducted criminal justice research at the federal, state, and local levels. Her teaching and research interests include violence, neighborhood effects, corrections, research methods, and criminological theory.

  • Ahmet Guler

    Ph.D., Public Administration and Policy, Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy, University at Albany

    Dr. Ahmet Guler, associate teaching professor in the Department of Sociology and Criminology at Penn State, is director of graduate studies in criminal justice policy and administration. His research focuses on criminal justice policy, policing, terrorism, criminal justice reform, information technology in criminal justice, and transnational crime.

  • Jonathan Lee

    • Ph.D., Criminology, Sam Houston State University
    • M.A., Criminal Justice, Penn State
    • B.A., Economics, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies

    Dr. Jonathan Lee is an associate professor of criminal justice at Penn State Harrisburg's School of Public Affairs. He specializes in quantitative research on sociology and psychology of deviance, police-public relations, and police decision-making. He is associate editor of International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, a consultant to Dauphin County DA's Office and police agencies, and principal investigator of criminal justice projects funded by U.S. Department of Justice.

  • Jeffrey T. Ulmer

    Ph.D., Sociology, Penn State

    Dr. Jeffery T. Ulmer is a professor of sociology and criminology at Penn State, and serves as associate department head. His work spans such topics as courts, criminal case processing, sentencing, and corrections, as well as criminological theory, religion and crime, and violent crime. 

Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State graduate certificate?

Apply by August 1 to start August 25. How to Apply 

Explore Other Academic Programs

Criminal Justice Administration and ProcedureGraduate Certificate
Impacts on Victims and OffendersGraduate Certificate
Global Justice and SecurityGraduate Certificate
Criminal Justice Policy and AdministrationMaster of Professional Studies