Justice Studies - Law & Legal Process Certificate New England campus experience
Experienced professors
Career-relevant curriculum
Academic and career support
Program Overview Why get a law and legal process certificate on campus?
Discover the intricacies of the American justice system through the Justice Studies Law and Legal Process Certificate at Southern New Hampshire University. If you're fascinated by courtroom processes and criminal investigations, or seeking an entry-level position in criminal justice, this on-campus certificate is designed for you. It's also a smart way to upgrade your skills if you currently work in the field, or the perfect first step toward a bachelor's degree in justice studies.
Skills you'll learn:
- Theory and research in justice studies
- Historical perspectives
- Effective communication
- Critical thinking
- Analytical problem solving
- Ethically informed and culturally aware practices
Note: This certificate is available to those not enrolled in our AS or BS in Justice Studies, non-matriculated students, part-time students and other students as approved by the department chair.
Courses & Curriculum On-campus law classes tailored to your interests
In the law and legal process certificate program, you'll get a behind-the-scenes look at the American justice system. You'll start with a foundational overview of our criminal justice system, the American legal tradition and what's involved in judicial administration. From there, you can tailor your certificate to emphasize business, juvenile justice, forensic law, state and local government or other areas you're passionate or curious about.
Learn from instructors with industry experience
Our faculty members bring with them decades of knowledge and experience in law, which informs the development of SNHU’s courses and curriculum. They look forward to supporting your journey both in the classroom and as you work toward a career in your field.
Joanne DeLena
Position
Assistant Professor and Coordinator, Justice Studies
Joined SNHU
2021
Education
- Juris Doctor from NOVA Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law
- BA in English from University of Florida
Prior to joining the SNHU faculty, Dr. Joanne DeLena worked as an attorney for nearly 30 years, serving as Assistant United States Attorney with the Department of Justice for 18 years. She also worked as a federal prosecutor in South Florida, focusing on drug trafficking, violent crime and the opioid epidemic. She advised and represented the Department of Justice Executive Office for United States Attorneys in Washington, D.C., and helped the Drug Enforcement Administration with investigations. In the education sector, DeLena worked as an assistant librarian, special education paraprofessional and substitute teacher. She currently serves as an independent legal consultant.
To learn more about SNHU faculty, visit our campus faculty page.
Campus major courses
You’ll take major courses that provide you with a solid foundation in your area of study – in some cases featuring experiential or project-based learning opportunities, labs, simulations and internships. These courses will allow you to learn a wide variety of topics and help prepare you for a role in your desired field.
Courses may include:
Visit the course catalog to view the full Certificate in Justice Studies Law and Legal Process curriculum.
Can’t wait? You don’t have to!
Whether you’re looking to continue to enhance your education or further your career, certificates can help expand your future opportunities.
Career Outlook What can I do with a law and legal process certificate?
SNHU's law and legal process certificate is the perfect stepping stone if you're looking to complete your associate or bachelor's degree in justice studies. If you're already working in the field, this certificate can help you grow your skill set in areas like court administration, law enforcement and victim advocacy. If you go on to earn your associate degree, you could also be qualified for a position as a paralegal or legal assistant.
Note: Certificates could help you advance your career and may help you gain the skills employers are looking for, but cannot guarantee job placement.
Campus Student Experience So, what's it like taking classes on campus?
When you earn your Certificate in Law and Legal Process on campus at SNHU, you'll have access to unmatched state-of-the-art facilities and student services. You'll collaborate with your peers in and out of the classroom and build a support system with your classmates as you work toward a common goal.
Student support
At SNHU, you'll never have to worry about feeling alone. Here, you’ll have help from your advisors, access to tutoring and office hours, career coaching, and mental health services so you can do your best and feel your best.
Additionally, our Office of Diversity Programs, International Student Services and Campus Accessibility Center make campus an inclusive place for everyone. Visit our Student Services page to learn more about our support offerings.
Small class sizes
With small class sizes, you’ll learn in an environment where professors with real world experience know you by name.
Here, you’re not getting lost in giant lecture halls, but instead, actively participating in thoughtful dialogue where you’re always encouraged to collaborate with your peers and ask questions when they arise.
State-of-the-art facilities
Our 300-acre campus has everything you need. From technology-advanced classroom settings to your dorms complete with fitness centers and hangout spots, our goal is to give you the best college experience possible.
Whether you’re learning in a classroom, in a lab, on the field, or in your field, you’ll have what you need to be successful from the moment you wake up to the moment you close your textbooks.
School of Arts, Sciences and Education Learn about the School of Arts, Sciences and Education
From understanding why people behave the way they do, to studying and tackling today's environmental issues, the School of Arts, Sciences and Education serves as an academic hub for creativity, collaboration and learning. Here, you'll have the chance to gain real-world experience through internships, student teaching, lab work and community-based projects. From studying cells under a microscope or analyzing crime scenes to leading a student-teaching session in an elementary classroom, you’ll learn how the world works so you can help make it a better place.
Student teaching opportunities
Inkwell game design studio
State-of-the-art labs
How SNHU makes college affordable
At Southern New Hampshire University, we're on a mission to make high-quality education more accessible with more affordable tuition. With 70+ career-focused majors, state-of-the-art facilities, D2 sports and over 70 student clubs and organizations, you can get the campus experience you've always dreamed of at a more affordable price.
This certificate is not eligible for federal financial aid. Students seeking alternatives to federal financial aid can explore tuition assistance, grants and scholarships, as well as private loans. To learn more about private loans, visit our Student Loans page.
Accreditations
SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.
Sources & Citations
1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/paralegals-and-legal-assistants.htm (viewed Nov. 18, 2024). Cited projections may not reflect local or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.
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