First, it’s time-efficient. Certificate take about half as long as an Associate’s degree program, allowing you to build basic proficiencies in your field of study and get out into the workforce.

Second, industry timing: This is an exciting time to get involved in criminal justice in Massachusetts. Several major groups, including the Boston Foundation and the Criminal Justice Reform Coalition are investigating Massachusetts incarceration statistics to look for ways to improve fairness and prevent the prison system from overflowing (Sampan, 2016).

If you’re ready to get started, find out how you can earn a criminal justice certificate by contacting Massachusetts schools below.

What Kind of Criminal Justice Certificates are Available in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts is home to many universities, four-year colleges, and two-year colleges that allow students to pursue their certification. If you are new to postsecondary education, a technical certificate is an excellent way to further your education.

By choosing a field of study that fits your career goals, you may spend your time in school focusing on the skills that today’s employers look for. In certain specialties, you may even be able to earn your criminal justice certificate online.

Law Enforcement Technical Certificate Requirements (27 credits)

• Criminal Law
  • This course focuses on the criminal law statutes and limitations that guide your work as a police officer.
• Evidence and Court Procedure
  • Students in this class learn how to gather evidence and use it in court proceedings. You may also learn what your role is as a police officer in criminal cases.
• Policing in a Democratic Society
  • In this class, professors look at the role of police officers in society and how the role has changed over the years.
• Criminology
  • This course looks at societal factors in crime rates and what factors may lead offenders to commit crime.

Paralegal Technical Certificate Requirements (36 credits)

• Family Law
  • Explore the foundations of family law, including divorce, custody, and visitation rights.
• Real Estate Law
  • In this course, learn about the purchase, transfer, and gifting of real estate. You also learn about contractual issues that can arise in real estate transactions.
• Litigation
  • Learn about the tenets of civil litigation and criminal litigation.
• Legal Research Methods
  • Develop techniques for finding information from legal journals and other verified legal sources.

Correctional Administration Technical Certificate Requirements (27 credits)

• Corrections Process
  • Build a solid understanding of the correctional process in Massachusetts and the average timeframe for processing suspects accused of crime.
• Contemporary Operational and Inmate Treatment Practices
  • Learn about the standards and protocols used in prisons and jails today.
• Criminology
  • Explore the causes of crime and the ways in which criminal justice professionals may reduce crime rates in Massachusetts.
• Criminal Law
  • Build a basic understanding of criminal law, particularly the areas that refer to incarcerated suspects and offenders.

What Can I Do With a Criminal Justice Certificate in Massachusetts?

Each certificate graduate has a different job outlook to look forward to, since programs at this level specialize in one or two particular career paths. If you study law enforcement, you may become a police officer and work in the community, on the roads, or in emergency situations.

The average salary for a Massachusetts police officer is $64,250 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2016). Between 2014 and 2024, job openings may increase at an average rate of 550 jobs per year (O*Net, 2016).

Paralegals may work in law firms that focus on criminal law, civil law, or family law. Massachusetts paralegals earn an average income of $52,790 annually (BLS, 2016). By 2024, job openings may swell 7% (O*Net, 2016).

Corrections officers are generally employed by the county or state. They often work rotating shifts, including nights, holidays, and weekends. The average annual income for a Massachusetts correctional officer is $66,880 (BLS, 2016). Each year through 2024, you may see an average of 160 new jobs in this field (O*Net, 2016).

Discover which type of certificate program can get you on the path to your preferred career.

Get started by requesting information from Massachusetts criminal justice certificate programs below.

Online programs may not be available in all areas

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