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Certificate in Juvenile Justice

School of Justice Studies

College of Justice, Safety & Military Science

Certificate in Juvenile Justice

School of Justice Studies

College of Justice, Safety & Military Science

Online

Program

18 Credit Hours

to Graduate

Online Tuition Rate

$443 Per Credit Hour

Free Books

for All Students

Prepare for Leadership Roles as a Juvenile Justice Professional

EKU’s online juvenile justice certificate prepares students with the essential knowledge and skills for a successful career as juvenile justice professionals. Students will learn about trends in delinquency, the role of juvenile courts and evidence-based delinquency interventions.

A certificate is a great option for students who are just beginning their education and want to explore the curriculum and the field before committing to a bachelor’s degree. It is also a good option for students who have earned, or are currently working toward, a bachelor’s degree in another area of study who want to apply their education to the field of juvenile justice.

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Career Outlook


The criminal justice system employs nearly two million people across the nation and offers a variety of career opportunities. These opportunities include corrections, law enforcement, the court system, probation and parole.

Criminal justice is a dynamic, multidisciplinary field of study that prepares students for a wide range of career options.

Job Titles Include:

  • Correctional officer
  • Victims advocate
  • Court administrator
  • Border patrol agent
  • Treatment specialist

EKU criminal justice graduates are prepared to pursue challenging responsibilities in criminal justice agencies and organizations.

Employers Include:

  • Cincinnati / Northern Kentucky International Airport Police Department
  • Department of Juvenile Justice
  • Lake Cumberland Youth Development Center

The Office of Academic and Career Services is a one-stop shop for all your career and professional development needs.

Services Include:

  • Creating/updating your resume and cover letter
  • Interviewing tips and coaching
  • Career documents review
  • Job search

Why EKU?

  • Free textbooks through EKU BookSmart
  • No application fee
  • Reduced tuition for active-duty military members and their spouses
  • Law enforcement officers that have completed Kentucky’s DOCJT training can receive 9 hours of college credit
  • Personal advisors stay with you from application to graduation
  • Study anytime, from anywhere
  • Dynamic, supportive learning environment

Curriculum & Enrollment


Focusing on rehabilitation and evidence-based practices, EKU blends academic and professional preparation through course topics such as the juvenile justice system, rehabilitation strategies , school-based interventions for at-risk youth, and advanced legal issues in juvenile justice.

A minimum of 18 credits are required to graduate.

View the degree requirements:

Please review the admissions requirements before applying for this or any program. If you have questions about the program or are planning to register for classes, please speak to the program advisor.

Online Deadlines

All applicants must provide an application and evidence of appropriate scholastic achievement through prior educational experience.

Please note that certain degree programs have special admission requirements. Admission to the University does not mean automatic admission to all degree programs.

The completed application and all required supporting documentation must be received by the University no later than:

• August 1 for fall enrollment
• December 1 for spring enrollment
• May 1 for summer enrollment

To apply for undergraduate admission to Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), submit an application at apply.eku.edu and submit any required materials electronically or by mail to:

Office of Admissions
Eastern Kentucky University
Whitlock Bldg. 112, CPO 54
521 Lancaster Avenue
Richmond, KY 40475-3154.

Enrolling & Advising Information


EKU’s College of Justice, Safety, and Military Science is committed to delivering high-quality enrollment and academic advising for our students. We strive to create an atmosphere of mutual trust and meaningful engagement to help students reach their academic goals and have a rewarding educational experience.

Interested in enrolling? Reach out to our college enrollment advisor today.

Lou Martin

Online Enrollment Advisor

859-622-1150
Lou.Martin@eku.edu


Student Stories & Features

Amber Napier poses for a selfie.

Amber Napier

EKU Criminal Justice Student
By earning this degree it has opened the door to many different possibilities and I can not wait to explore them all. I found it surprising how much I did not really understand about our criminal justice system until I started this program. Now I can not wait to use my degree to help make a change in our system.
Outside and wearing sunglasses and a beard, Matt Agee pulls out his shirt to display the EKU Alumni logo

Matt Agee

EKU Criminal Justice Student
Earning this degree has expanded my mind tremendously on various issues throughout the criminal justice system. I plan on using this degree as a stepping stone that will make me more marketable, employable, and promotable with future employers. I would never have found the success of a 4.0 GPA without the aid of EKU’s online faculty. The professors truly want to see you succeed and your advisor will be there with you every step of the way.
photo of EKU criminal justice student Justin Robinson

Justin Robinson

EKU Criminal Justice Student
Balancing the active duty military life, working as a paramedic, a family, and being a college student definitely takes its toll. The criminal justice professors and advisors are the utmost supportive, understanding, and professional people I have had the pleasure of getting to learn and grow from.

Upcoming Events


News & Updates

The Right Fit

Beau Mosley, ’23, started his career as a police officer for the Kentucky State Police in 2009, then moved into transportation safety. Now Mosley is the chief risk officer and […]

Related Programs

Certificate in Correctional Intervention Strategies

Common Job Titles: treatment specialist, court administrator, corrections officer

Modalities: online

Credit Hours: 18

B.S. in Corrections & Juvenile Justice Studies

Common Job Titles: corrections officer, court administrator, treatment specialist

Modalities: online

Credit Hours: 120


Contact Information

School of Justice Studies

Stratton Building
Room 467

859-622-1978
jus.dean@eku.edu