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Criminal Justice Courses

Criminal justice courses can help you learn about legal systems, law enforcement practices, corrections, and crime prevention strategies. You can build skills in critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and effective communication in high-stress environments. Many courses introduce tools such as case management software, crime mapping technologies, and data analysis programs, that support analyzing crime trends and improving community safety.

Popular Criminal Justice Courses and Certifications


  • V

    Vanderbilt University

    Hot Topics in Criminal Justice

    Skills you'll gain: Criminal Investigation and Forensics, Public Safety and National Security, Social Justice, Legal Proceedings, Jury Trial, Political Sciences, Case Law, Neurology, Social Sciences, Policy Analysis, Appeals, Litigation and Civil Justice, Disabilities, Mental and Behavioral Health Specialties, Sociology, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Law, Regulation, and Compliance, Cultural Diversity, Investigation, Intelligence Collection and Analysis

    4.6 stars, 198 reviews, Beginner, Course, 1 - 3 Months

    ★ 4.6 (198) · Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    Category: Preview
    Preview
  • U

    University of Pennsylvania

    An Introduction to American Law

    Skills you'll gain: Civil Procedures, Civil Law, Personal Injury Law, Lawsuits, Court Systems, Legal Proceedings, Political Sciences, Litigation and Civil Justice, Plaintiff, Case Law, Law, Regulation, and Compliance, Case Studies, Governance

    4.8 stars, 5.3K reviews, Beginner, Course, 1 - 3 Months

    ★ 4.8 (5.3K) · Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    Category: Preview
    Preview
  • U

    University of California, Davis

    Climate Justice: Vulnerability, Resilience, and Adaptation

    Skills you'll gain: Climate Change Adaptation, Social Justice, Climate Change Programs, Community Organizing, Community Development, Environmental Issue, Environmental Policy, Sustainable Development, Civil Engineering, Cultural Responsiveness, Diversity Awareness, Governance

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    Category: New
    New
    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
  • M

    Macquarie University

    Cyber Security: Digital Forensics

    Skills you'll gain: Criminal Investigation and Forensics, Investigation, Cybersecurity, Data Security, Cyber Governance, Cyber Security Policies, Digital Analysis, Computer Security, Digital Assets, Security Testing, Data Analysis Software, Cyber Risk, Incident Management

    4.4 stars, 31 reviews, Beginner, Course, 1 - 3 Months

    ★ 4.4 (31) · Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
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  • U

    University of Cambridge

    Forensic Science: DNA Analysis

    Skills you'll gain: Criminal Investigation and Forensics, Molecular Biology, Healthcare Ethics, Specimen Collection, Scientific Methods, Molecular, Cellular, and Microbiology, Biostatistics, Life Sciences, Laboratory Techniques, Biotechnology, General Science and Research, Analytical Testing, Research, Biology, Emerging Technologies

    4.8 stars, 19 reviews, Beginner, Course, 1 - 3 Months

    ★ 4.8 (19) · Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    Category: Preview
    Preview

What brings you to Coursera today?

  • U

    University of Michigan

    Social Work Practice: Advocating Social Justice and Change

    Skills you'll gain: Social Work, Community and Social Work, Social Justice, Social and Human Services, Cultural Responsiveness, Social Impact, Advocacy, Community Organizing, Cultural Sensitivity, Diversity Awareness, Research, Policy Analysis, Research, and Development, Systems Thinking, Ethical Standards And Conduct

    4.8 stars, 450 reviews, Beginner, Course, 1 - 4 Weeks

    ★ 4.8 (450) · Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
    Category: Build toward a degree
    Build toward a degree
  • N

    Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

    Introduction to Forensic Science

    Skills you'll gain: Criminal Investigation and Forensics, Analytical Testing, Chemistry, Investigation, Biochemistry, Laboratory Testing, Pharmacology, Science and Research, Laboratory Procedures, Molecular Biology

    4.9 stars, 2.9K reviews, Mixed, Course, 1 - 3 Months

    ★ 4.9 (2.9K) · Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    Category: Preview
    Preview
  • M

    Macquarie University

    Cyber Security: Essentials for Forensics

    Skills you'll gain: Mobile Security, Digital Forensics, Criminal Investigation and Forensics, Cyber Threat Intelligence, Cyber Security Strategy, Investigation, Intrusion Detection and Prevention, Cyber Attacks, Cybersecurity, digital literacy, Mobile Development, Model Training, Cyber Security Policies, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Threat Modeling, Data Security, Cyber Governance, Machine Learning Methods, iOS Development, Application Security

    4.5 stars, 58 reviews, Intermediate, Specialization, 3 - 6 Months

    ★ 4.5 (58) · Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
  • Y

    Yale University

    Introduction to Psychology

    Skills you'll gain: Psychology, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Child Development, Human Development, Human Learning, Psychological Evaluations, Psychotherapy, Social Sciences, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Learning Theory, Scientific Methods, Critical Thinking, Research, Problem Solving

    4.9 stars, 33K reviews, Beginner, Course, 1 - 3 Months

    ★ 4.9 (33K) · Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    Category: Preview
    Preview
  • P

    Pearson

    Business Law and the Legal Environment

    Skills you'll gain: Intellectual Property, Labor Relations, Legal Risk, Civil Procedures, Labor Law, Employee Relations, Court Systems, Commercial Laws, Environmental Regulations, Labor Compliance, Lawsuits, Litigation and Civil Justice, Immigration Law, Business Ethics, Arbitration, Legal Strategy, Asset Protection, Property and Real Estate, Tax Management, Real Estate Transactions

    Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

    Category: New
    New
    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
  • U

    University of California, Davis

    Climate Justice

    Skills you'll gain: Social Justice, Policy Analysis, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Issue, Policy Analysis, Research, and Development, Physical Science, Social Impact, Environmental Resource Management, Environment, Environment and Resource Management, Land Management, Sustainable Systems, Public Policies, Community Organizing, Community Development, Public Affairs, Economics, Policy, and Social Studies, Policy Development, Sustainable Development, Environmental Policy

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    Category: New
    New
    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
  • E

    Emory University

    Understanding Violence

    Skills you'll gain: Injury Prevention, Public Health and Disease Prevention, Substance Abuse, Public Health, International Relations, Social Justice, Mental Health, Sociology, Mental and Behavioral Health, Social Sciences, Economics, Policy, and Social Studies, Media and Communications, Trauma Care, Child Welfare, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders

    4.6 stars, 338 reviews, Beginner, Course, 1 - 3 Months

    ★ 4.6 (338) · Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    Category: Preview
    Preview

What brings you to Coursera today?

1234…42

Best free Criminal Justice courses

High-quality free Criminal Justice courses you can start today.

  1. 1
    An Introduction to American Law
    University of PennsylvaniaBeginner1 - 3 Months4.8(5,310)Free
  2. 2
    Introduction to Forensic Science
    Nanyang Technological University, SingaporeMixed1 - 3 Months4.9(2,851)Free
  3. 3
    Introduction to Psychology
    Yale UniversityBeginner1 - 3 Months4.9(32,693)Free

Best Criminal Justice courses from University of California, Davis

Top-rated Criminal Justice courses offered by University of California, Davis on Coursera.

  1. 1
    Climate Justice: Vulnerability, Resilience, and Adaptation
    University of California, DavisBeginner1 - 4 WeeksUniversity of California, Davis
  2. 2
    Climate Justice
    University of California, DavisBeginner3 - 6 MonthsUniversity of California, Davis

Best Criminal Justice certificate programs

Earn a certificate in Criminal Justice from top universities and companies.

  1. 1
    Cyber Security: Essentials for Forensics
    Macquarie UniversityIntermediate3 - 6 Months4.5(58)Specialization
  2. 2
    Business Law and the Legal Environment
    PearsonBeginner1 - 3 Months5.0(1)Specialization

Best Criminal Justice courses for beginners

Top-rated beginner-friendly Criminal Justice courses with no prerequisites.

  1. 1
    Hot Topics in Criminal Justice
    Vanderbilt UniversityBeginner1 - 3 Months4.6(198)No prerequisites
  2. 2
    Cyber Security: Digital Forensics
    Macquarie UniversityBeginner1 - 3 Months4.4(31)No prerequisites
  3. 3
    Forensic Science: DNA Analysis
    University of CambridgeBeginner1 - 3 Months4.8(19)No prerequisites

Frequently Asked Questions about Criminal Justice

Criminal justice is a system of practices and institutions aimed at upholding social control, deterring and mitigating crime, and sanctioning those who violate laws. It encompasses various components, including law enforcement, the judiciary, and corrections. Understanding criminal justice is crucial because it plays a vital role in maintaining public safety, ensuring justice for victims, and rehabilitating offenders. A well-functioning criminal justice system fosters trust within communities and promotes social order, making it an essential aspect of a healthy society.‎

A degree or training in criminal justice can open doors to various career paths. Common job roles include police officer, probation officer, criminal investigator, and forensic analyst. Additionally, positions in legal services, such as paralegals or legal assistants, are also available. Those interested in policy-making may find roles in government agencies or non-profit organizations focused on criminal justice reform. Each of these positions contributes to the broader goal of ensuring justice and safety within communities.‎

To succeed in the field of criminal justice, you should develop a range of skills. Critical thinking and analytical skills are essential for assessing situations and making informed decisions. Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, are necessary for interacting with diverse populations and documenting findings. Additionally, understanding legal principles and ethical considerations is crucial. Familiarity with technology, especially in areas like forensic science and data analysis, can also enhance your employability in this evolving field.‎

There are several excellent online courses available for those interested in criminal justice. For example, Hot Topics in Criminal Justice offers insights into contemporary issues affecting the justice system. Another valuable course is Introduction to International Criminal Law, which provides a foundational understanding of global legal frameworks. These courses can help you gain knowledge and skills relevant to various roles in the criminal justice field.‎

Yes. You can start learning criminal justice on Coursera for free in two ways:

  1. Preview the first module of many criminal justice courses at no cost. This includes video lessons, readings, graded assignments, and Coursera Coach (where available).
  2. Start a 7-day free trial for Specializations or Coursera Plus. This gives you full access to all course content across eligible programs within the timeframe of your trial.

If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in criminal justice, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎

Learning criminal justice can be approached through various methods. Online courses provide flexibility and accessibility, allowing you to study at your own pace. Engaging with textbooks and academic journals can deepen your understanding of theories and practices. Additionally, participating in discussions, forums, or study groups can enhance your learning experience. Practical experience through internships or volunteer opportunities in law enforcement or legal settings can also be invaluable.‎

Criminal justice courses typically cover a range of topics, including the history and philosophy of criminal justice, law enforcement practices, the court system, and correctional policies. You may also explore specialized areas such as juvenile justice, victimology, and criminology. Understanding the social implications of crime and justice, as well as the impact of technology on law enforcement, are also common themes in these courses.‎

For organizations looking to train and upskill employees in criminal justice, courses like Leaders in Citizen Security and Justice Management can be particularly beneficial. These courses focus on leadership and management within the justice system, equipping employees with the skills needed to address contemporary challenges. Additionally, courses on social justice topics can help foster a more equitable approach within organizations involved in criminal justice.‎

This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

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