Legal Issues in Criminal Justice ,Certificate
Criminology, Policy, law
Explore how legal and policy decisions shape the criminal justice system. You'll learn about the laws that govern the investigation of crime and the prosecution of offenders, enabling you to make a difference in your chosen field.
In the certificate program in legal issues in criminal justice, you learn how laws and policies shape the practice of criminal justice. Coursework examines law and theoretical perspectives on the effects of specific policies, including their impact on justice professionals and communities. You study issues such as crimes and defenses, searches and seizures, interrogations and confessions, and constitutional rights during adjudication.
- College/school:
Watts College of Public Service & Community Solutions
- Location: Downtown Phoenix, West Valley or Online
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 18 credits hours, of which 12 are upper division. At least 12 credit hours must be taken in residence at ASU. |
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CRJ 203 Courts and Sentencing
3 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
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C | 3 |
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CRJ 260 Criminal Law I: Introduction to Substantive Criminal Law
3 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
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C | 3 |
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CRJ 410 Criminal Procedure I: The Law of Investigations
3 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
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C | 3 |
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CRJ 416 Criminal Procedure II: Adjudication
3 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
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C | 3 |
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CRJ 460 Criminal Law II: Advanced Substantive Criminal Law
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 legal issues-related topics only.
3 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
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C | 3 |
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Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this certificate.
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Bachelor of Science in criminology and criminal justice majors who are also pursuing the Legal Issues in Criminal Justice certificate may not use CRJ 410, CRJ 416, CRJ 460, and their chosen elective (CRJ 321, CRJ 350, or CRJ 411) towards both their degree and certificate.
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Students must complete CRJ 100 Introduction to Criminal Justice with a grade of "C" or higher (scale is 4.00 = "A") to be admitted to the certificate program. This course may be taken at ASU or transferred from another institution, including a community college.
Bachelor of Science in criminology and criminal justice majors who are also pursuing the legal issues in criminal justice certificate may not use CRJ 410, CRJ 416, CRJ 460 or their chosen elective (CRJ 321, CRJ 350 or CRJ 411) for both their degree and this certificate.
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.
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.
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:
- Demonstrate competency in explaining the criminal process and Constitutional rights.
- Demonstrate competency in the historical development of criminal law, and the public policy implications of it.
- Demonstrate competency in explaining how the criminal court systems of the United States apply the law to pretrial, adjudication and sentencing processes.
Graduates are prepared for employment opportunities in public policy, law enforcement and corrections, law firms and social service agencies. 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.
