Justice Studies - Police & Law Enforcement Certificate New England campus experience
Experienced professors
Career-relevant curriculum
Academic and career support
Program Overview Why get a policing and law enforcement certificate on campus?
If you're interested in pursuing an entry-level position in law enforcement, or if you're currently working in the field and looking to upgrade your skills, a Certificate in Policing and Law Enforcement from Southern New Hampshire University is an ideal option. The policing and law enforcement certificate delivers the essential training and knowledge needed to help you build or advance your career in this rewarding, fast-growing field.
Skills you'll learn:
- Understanding police organization and management
- Investigative techniques
- Application of theory, research and historical perspectives
- Written and oral communications
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Social responsibility and ethical awareness
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 Serve your community with policing and law enforcement courses
Unlike traditional criminal justice programs, our interdisciplinary approach goes beyond courses in criminology and law enforcement. The 12-credit Certificate in Policing and Law Enforcement curriculum provides broader course options that give you an overview of the American justice system, helping prepare you for a career or further education in policing and law enforcement.
Learn from instructors with industry experience
Our faculty members bring with them decades of knowledge and experience, 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.
Lisa Speropolous
Position
Associate Professor and Department Chair, Justice Studies
Joined SNHU
2017
Education
- PhD in Sociology and BA in Psychology from the University of New Hampshire
- MS in Criminal Justice from Northeastern University
Prior to teaching on campus at SNHU, Dr. Speropolous taught at the University of New Hampshire and North Shore Community College, as well as for SNHU online since 2014. Speropolous is a passionate educator who was nominated for the Excellence in Teaching Award in 2018, 2019 and 2020. During her time as a graduate student, Speropolous also earned a Cognate in College Teaching and dedicated much of her time to the scholarship of teaching and learning. Her research interests primarily focus on childhood victimization, delinquency and evidence-based crime reduction initiatives.
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 Police and Law Enforcement 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 certificate in policing and law enforcement?
This certificate can help prepare you for an entry-level job or career advancement in human services, security, corrections, court administration or law enforcement. However, it's important to note that a law enforcement career likely requires additional training. You may choose to continue your education with SNHU's Bachelor of Science (BS) in Justice Studies with a concentration in policing and law enforcement.
Campus Student Experience So, what's it like taking classes on campus?
When you earn your Certificate in Policing and Law Enforcement 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.
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