Enhance your qualifications in criminology, criminal justice or public administration by learning how to identify patterns in criminal behavior, analyze trends across time and location, and apply evidence-based methods to support law enforcement and policy decisions.
This program can stand alone or complement a graduate degree like the Master of Arts in criminal justice. It’s also ideal if you’re interested in crime analysis without pursuing the more technical Master of Science in crime analysis.
The skills you’ll develop
In this program, you’ll build a foundation in the tools and methods used by crime analysts. Courses focus on both theory and real-world application, including:
- Crime mapping using geographic information system (GIS) software.
- Criminal network identification through social network analysis (SNA).
- Statistical methods for analyzing crime trends.
- Data management and the systematic processing of criminal intelligence.
You’ll work with real-world data and apply insights to complex issues in criminal justice. These skills can advance your career, equipping you to support law enforcement, community safety and justice initiatives at local, state or federal levels.
Who’s a good candidate for this certificate program?
This program is ideal for professionals or graduate students with a background in criminal justice, criminology or related fields.
You may be a strong candidate if you’re:
- Comfortable working with data and statistics.
- Interested in crime prevention, public safety or justice reform.
- Looking to specialize in crime analysis without pursuing a full graduate degree.
Most applicants hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in criminal justice, criminology, public administration, psychology, sociology or a related discipline. While experience with statistics is helpful, it’s not required. You may choose to complete a statistics course before applying for additional preparation.
You may already be working in law enforcement, probation, corrections or courts, or you might be transitioning into a more analytical role. This certificate also benefits professionals already working in crime analysis who want to formalize their training.
As law enforcement agencies and justice organizations increasingly rely on data to guide public safety efforts, the need for professionals with strong analytical skills continues to grow. Arizona State University’s online graduate certificate in crime analysis equips you with advanced training in statistical methods, geographic mapping and criminal intelligence to prepare you for data-driven criminal justice work.
You’ll learn from faculty who’ve trained crime analysts for U.S. law enforcement agencies, the United Nations Development Program and the U.S. Agency for International Development. Courses may include:
The impressive faculty in the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions inspire the next generation of public service leaders through real-world solutions to issues in areas such as child welfare, safety, city management, human trafficking and water scarcity. Faculty highlights include:
- Fellow of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences
- Fellow of the American Psychological Association
- Member of the National Academy of Public Administration
The Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions is a comprehensive public service college dedicated to addressing social problems through teaching, research and service. Our programs, which range from public policy and social work to criminal justice and emergency management, are designed to prepare graduates to make a difference in their communities.
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Applicants to the crime analysis graduate certificate must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions. Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in criminology or criminal justice or another closely related field from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants who have an academic background in an unrelated area may be considered for provisional admission.
Applicants to the crime analysis graduate certificate must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions. Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in criminology or criminal justice or another closely related field from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants who have an academic background in an unrelated area may be considered for provisional admission.
All applicants must submit:
- Graduate admission application and application fee.
- Official transcripts.
- Personal statement.
- Resume
An applicant whose native language is not English (regardless of current residency) must provide proof of English proficiency.
The written statement should be no more than one page in length and describe the applicant's educational goals and long-term professional development strategy.
No, Arizona State University’s certificates and diplomas don’t specify whether you earn them online or in person. All certificates, diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”