Criminal Justice
Certificate
Start your career in law enforcement or security in as little as one year with our Criminal Justice certificate program. This 24-credit program focuses on the fundamentals of law, psychology, and sociology to help you make a difference in your community.
Certificate Program Overview
Whether you want to start a career in criminal justice, get promoted from an entry-level position, or reskill and enter a new industry — our certificate in criminal justice will help you get there. Gain a valuable introduction to criminal justice that focuses on criminal, procedural, and constitutional law. Courses in writing, psychology, and sociology provide the essential people skills you'll need to succeed in this field.
Earn College Credit for Prior Training
Reduce the time it takes to finish our criminal justice program by receiving credits for prior education, training, and life experiences.
- BOCES program — Our partnership with the Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) helps you earn college credit in high school.
- New Visions program — Complete a one-year criminal justice career exploration program to earn credits toward this degree.
- In-service credits — If you've served in the military, completed police officer training or corrections academy, or worked in a civil service position, you may qualify for prior learning credits.
Network with Regional Employers
Meet and learn from experienced law enforcement and criminal justice professionals who live and work in the local community. Chiefs of police, correctional officers, judges, and others will visit your classrooms to share their knowledge of the industry with you.
Online Learning
Over 50% of our criminal justice courses are available online. Online learning provides a convenient and flexible way to earn an education. Study on your time and from a location that fits your busy schedule. Learn more about FLCC online learning.
Certificate Program Outcomes
Career Pathways
Many graduates of our program work in law enforcement at state and local agencies. Others have careers in private security, the court system, and the U.S. Border Patrol. Some potential career options include:
- Correctional Officer
- Drug Enforcement
- Forensic Science Technician
- Police Officer
- Private Security
- Probation or Parole Officer
Seamless Transfer Opportunities
Continue your education by seamlessly transferring into our A.A.S. Criminal Justice degree program. With an associate degree, you'll be well positioned to advance quickly in your career or enter a four-year program where you can further specialize your law enforcement training and expertise.
Low-Cost Tuition and Scholarship Opportunities
Earn a quality education at an affordable rate. With our low cost-per-credit and general scholarship opportunities, you can maximize your potential with minimal debt. Over 75% of FLCC students receive financial awards that reduce the cost of college — or cover it completely!
As a criminal justice student, you'll have the opportunity to pursue a variety of program specific scholarships, including:
- Becker/Strong Memorial Scholarship
- Anthony L. Cecere Memorial Scholarship
- Agnes B. Valenti Criminal Justice Book Fund
- New York State Sheriff's Association Scholarship
To learn about these scholarships, contact the FLCC Foundation.
Faculty
Our criminal justice faculty bring decades of real-world law enforcement experience to the classroom. A practicing attorney and former sergeant teach the majority of our law enforcement and criminal justice courses. Our adjunct faculty also bring a range of specialized knowledge to FLCC. From patrol officers and chief of police to corrections administrators, our instructors have the experience and connections needed to help you get started in criminal justice.
Criminal Justice Certificate
Explore Your Career Options
Map out a path toward your future career, and discover opportunities related to this area of study.