Fundamentals of Criminal Justice
Undergraduate Certificate Online Program

The undergraduate certificate program in the Fundamentals of Criminal Justice is designed to expose students to the fundamental facts and workings of the criminal justice system. Students will be introduced to procedures in the legal system, learn the required steps in criminal investigations, and receive an overview of general judicial principles. Students will acquire knowledge that is readily applicable to their professional interests in the field of law and criminology.

Designed For You

The California Coast University online Undergraduate Certificate in the Fundamentals of Criminal Justice program was designed for complete flexibility for the student. All courses are self-paced and completed 100% online.

View Program Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:

[READ MORE]

Explore The Program

The Undergraduate Certificate in the Fundamentals of Criminal Justice consists of 4 total courses.
The required courses are comprised of: 4  Core Courses .
There are 12 total semester units in this program.

4 Core Courses

The online Undergraduate Certificate in the Fundamentals of Criminal Justice is comprised of the following 4 courses. Click on course title to expand and read more.

[CLOSE]
ID Course Name Units
BCJ 100 Introduction to Criminal Justice  3

Introduction to Criminal Justice aims to provide students with a general understanding of the criminal justice system’s response to crime in society. It is important to note that the general theme of this course involves the delicate balance between community interests and individual rights that criminal justice decision-making requires. This theme will be explored by examining the criminal justice process, focusing on how the system is structured to respond to crime.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Describe the nature and extent of crime and discuss the foundations of law and the criminal justice system.
  • Examine law enforcement from the history of policing through to contemporary issues and challenges confronting the profession.
  • Describe the role of the courts in the criminal justice system and the process of prosecution, criminal trial, and sentencing.
  • Discuss the key aspects of corrections including its history, community and institutional corrections, prison life, and parole.
  • Examine special issues in criminal justice related to juvenile justice, terrorism, human trafficking, hate crimes, and the #MeToo Movement.
  • Demonstrate proficiency with academic writing related to criminal justice.
BCJ 230 Criminal Investigation  3

Criminal Investigation aims to provide students with an overview of the criminal investigation field. Course topics include the fundamentals of criminal investigation, follow-up investigative processes, methods for obtaining information, and how to approach the investigation of different types of crimes.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Identify and define the study of criminal investigation and discuss the foundations of criminal investigation.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of follow-up investigative processes and analyze the legal issues involved.
  • Discuss best practices for obtaining information through interviews, interrogations, criminal intelligence and surveillance operations.
  • Examine the various types of crimes related to people, property and national security.
  • Demonstrate proficiency with academic writing related to criminal investigation.
BCJ 240 Procedures in the Justice System  3

Procedures in the Justice System covers the fundamental principles and procedures employed in the investigation of crimes. The course connects criminal procedure cases to the real world through innovative instruction and encourages critical thinking. This course is designed to help students develop a working knowledge of the steps of investigation, beginning with the initial security of the crime scene and concluding with the presentation of evidence and proper testimony in court in such a way as to make the concepts easy to apply to any state’s specific procedural laws.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Describe the foundations of criminal procedure and define the exclusionary rule.
  • Examine the various components of search and seizure.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of criminal procedures including interrogations, confessions, and identification procedures.
  • Describe the different elements of formal proceedings.
  • Demonstrate proficiency with academic writing related to procedures in the justice system.
BCJ 351 Forensic Science  3

Forensic Science explores the forensic investigation process and procedures. Students will learn how to identify, gather, and analyze multiple types of evidence through contemporary case studies. This course is designed to make the subject of forensic science comprehensible to a wide variety of students who are, or plan to be, aligned with the forensic science profession.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Define forensic science and criminalistics including commonly used terms and key concepts.
  • Examine factors related to the various types of evidence related to forensics.
  • Describe and examine best practices of collection and preservation of evidence.
  • Assess the role of forensic science in terrorism including aspects of cybercrime, computer forensics, cyberterrorism, classification of explosives, and detecting weapons of mass destruction.
  • Demonstrate proficiency with academic writing related to forensic science.

Prerequisites to Admission:

The applicant should meet the following prerequisites in order to be admitted to the program: An applicant must be at least 18 years of age and have successfully obtained a high school diploma, GED, or its equivalent.

FAQ About Coursework

Required units may be satisfied in the following ways: