Criminal Justice Certificate Program Online

Interactive Online Learning that Fits Your Schedule

At Washington Tech we understand that you have a busy schedule and that you are looking for a school that will fit into your lifestyle.

WTI offers daily start sessions, and since there is no physical classroom to attend, you can do your coursework whenever and wherever you like, 24/7, via the Internet.

Enroll Today and Start Tomorrow

Tuition includes full access to our interactive online classroom, instructor-led courses, and a wealth of reference materials, quizzes, learning exercises, and other tools to ensure you get an outstanding education.

Lifetime Career Development Guidance

As a Washington Tech Graduate, you will receive one-on-one guidance from a dedicated career development counselor who will help you to find the perfect job. This process will begin before you have actually finished your studies.

Your dedicated counselor will help you with the following:

• Craft a world-class resume that is certain to impress potential employers.
• Develop strategies for your job search that are specifically tailored to your needs and that are focused on your career goals.
• Learn how to find job listings in your area.
• Provide important advice and encouragement throughout your job search.

Lifetime Career Development Guidance

As a WTI Graduate, you will receive one-on-one guidance from a dedicated career development counselor who will help you to find the perfect job. This process will begin before you have actually finished your studies.

Your dedicated counselor will help you with the following:

• Craft a world-class resume that is certain to impress potential employers.
• Develop strategies for your job search that are specifically tailored to your needs and that are focused on your career goals.
• Learn how to find job listings in your area.
• Provide important advice and encouragement throughout your job search.

Faculty & Staff

All instructors at Washington Technical Institute are credentialed professionals with extensive knowledge in the subjects they teach.

WTI students also receive outstanding service from our friendly Student admissions advisor. Contact us at any time by email or phone.

Earn up to 18 institution credits

The Washington Technical Institute is pleased to announce that we have entered into an articulation agreement with the University of Phoenix, one of the country's leading providers of online degrees. Under this agreement, students who take online courses at Washington Tech may earn up to 18 institution credits, transferable to the University of Phoenix, National American University, York College, Thomas University, Westcliff College, and many other colleges and universities.

Interest-Free Installment Plans

We, at Washington Technical Institute, understand that times can be tough financially so we offer all of our students the opportunity to utilize an interest-free payment plan. To find out more information check out the tuition page

Ask Our Student Affairs Counselors about Special Tuition Options
Call Today 1-800-371-5581

Tuition Includes:

• 24/7 Access to WTI Interactive Online Classroom
• Hands-on Instruction by qualified instructors
• Audio Lectures (downloadable)
• Lifetime Career Development Guidance
• No Interest Installment Plans

Total Tuition: $2,900

Available Payment Options & Financing

Financial Aid is available for those who qualify

• Pay in full
• Interest-free installment plans
• Employer Reimbursement (check with your employer)
• Private loans & Scholarships

Click here to learn more about financing your certificate program with Climb.

You can see all your options by clicking here.

Course Syllabus

CJ-100: The American Criminal Justice System (3-credits)

This basic course covers the complex subject of criminal justice in America. The student is exposed to an analysis of such varied subjects as societal problems, determinants of individuals' behavior, government processes, and conceptions of morality and justice. This course draws from an interdisciplinary foundation of research, with contributions from criminology, law, history, sociology, psychology, and political science. This approach provided analytical tools to evaluate the varied institutions, processes, and social phenomena of criminal justice. Examples of subjects covered include: Victimization and Criminal Behavior, Criminal Justice System, the Rule of Law, Police and Law Enforcement Operations, Courts and Pretrial Processes, Prosecution and Defense, Incarceration, Corrections, Juvenile Justice and other vital contemporary issues that define Criminal Justice in 21st Century America.

CJ-200: Terrorism and Homeland Security (3-credits) 

This essential course is a clear and comprehensive introduction to the complex issues surrounding terrorism and homeland security, perhaps the most pressing major issue facing criminal justice professionals in the 21st century. Students will learn to think critically about the causes of terrorism, both domestic and international. No subject is off-limits. Students are encouraged to contemplate and understand the various religious, ideological, nationalistic, and ethnic terrorist movements taking place around the world, their origins, their outlook, their aims. Subjects examined in this exciting and fast-paced course include: suicide bombings, the specter of nuclear, biological and chemical terrorism, cyber-terrorism, Jihadism, the new economy of terrorism, and the organization, function, and bureaucracy of homeland security which is continuously evolving to counter the increasing threat of terrorism. The student is challenged to come to grips with the reality of terrorism and to be prepared to confront it as a criminal justice professional.

CJ-300: Criminology (3-credits)

The first part of this course provides a framework for studying criminology, including crime and crime theory, and various forms of criminal behavior. The course then moves from such basic, yet ever-controversial subjects and ranges into exciting topics including eco-terrorism, globalization, the international sex trade, cyber-crime, cultural diversity issues, and inmate re-entry into society. This course is perhaps the most comprehensive and penetrating course in the WTI Criminal Justice curriculum. This course covers a spectrum of literally hundreds of intriguing topics. No single point of view is advocated. Rather, many diverse views that are contained within criminology and characterize its interdisciplinary nature are presented. Very contemporary cases are studied. Examples: accusations of rape against basketball star Kobe Bryant, and the conviction of Dr. Sam Waksal in the Imclone insider trading case in 2003, among many other cases. Students are challenged on every front to confront the gripping issues facing criminal justice professionals in the 21st century.

CJ-400: Effective Communication for Criminal Justice Professionals (3-credits)

Perhaps the most important skill for any professional is the skill of communication. This course is designed to impart communication skills specifically geared toward the criminal justice professional. This course provides both a theoretical and practical study of the role of communication as it relates to law enforcement. Subjects include: thinking before speaking, oral and written communications, purposes of speech, public speaking including extemporaneous style speaking, non-verbal communication, grammar, making reports on the job, departmental records and record-keeping, proper communication in the courtroom, interviewing and interrogating witnesses and suspects, communication technology, communicating with ethnic groups, and much more.

CJ-500: Ethical Dilemmas and Decisions in Criminal Justice (3-credits)

This course examines the major ethical dilemmas that confront criminal justice professionals throughout their careers. Students are exposed to the philosophical principles of ethical decision-making. Students also examine issues-based, practical approaches to ethical issues found in all three branches of the criminal justice system-police, courts, and corrections. Policy issues are reviewed and students are encouraged to engage in discussions of key topics in professional ethics and the delicate balance between law and justice. Students enrolled in this course will begin to think about the impact and importance of ethical decision making as they explore such topics as: medical marijuana, police response to Hurricane Katrina, police subculture, systematic discrimination, racial profiling, terrorism and homeland security, the question of immoral laws and other issues which are both exciting and relevant to the Criminal Justice professional.

CJ-600: Substantive and Procedural Criminal Law (3-credits)

Every Criminal Justice professional should possess a fundamental understanding of the classic theories of American criminal law. This overview course reviews the basic concepts of both substantive and procedural criminal law. The course is based on leading criminal law courses taught at major law schools but condensed into a lively four-week session designed for the criminal justice professional. In addition to an overview of the critical concepts, the student is presented with thought-provoking examples from the annals of the criminal justice system. Crimes against the person, crimes against property, legal defenses (such as the insanity defense), as well as the theory and history of criminal justice are presented together with a practical skills exploration of the criminal justice process.