bS in criminal justice| BAAS in Criminal Justice administration
Undergraduate Certificate in Crime Analysis
Build undergraduate-level skills in crime analysis, crime mapping, research, and criminal justice statistics through a focused 15-hour certificate developed in partnership with the Texas Law Enforcement Analyst Network (TXLEAN) and designed to strengthen analytical preparation for criminal justice and public safety settings.
15 credit hours
Five core courses or four courses and an internship option
Open to all majors
Available to undergraduate students from any academic major.
Flexible entry
Students outside a degree pathway can explore the non-degree route through Extended Education.
Declaration Required
Students should file the certificate form as part of formally declaring the certificate.
Why Study Crime Analysis at Tarleton?
The undergraduate certificate in crime analysis helps students connect criminological concepts to data, mapping, and analytical problem solving. It is designed for students who want to strengthen practical skills that can support agency work, public safety analysis, and broader criminal justice careers.
What You Will Learn
- Introduction to crime analysis and crime data management
- GIS-based mapping and spatial analysis of community crime problems
- Research design, ethics, and data collection methods
- Statistics used in criminal justice research and planning
- Application of classroom learning in a crime analysis field setting or approved option
Why This Certificate Stands Out
This certificate gives undergraduate students a focused way to build analytical and mapping skills that complement a broader degree pathway.
Applied Skills
Develop transferable skills in analysis, mapping, and data interpretation valued in public safety, business, and government.
Industry Connected
Developed with TXLEAN, the certificate reflects skills valued by law enforcement agencies.
Online Delivery available
All five courses within certificate can be completed in fully online format.
All-Majors Access
Open to undergraduate students across majors who want analytical training.
Curriculum
The certificate totals 15 credit hours. Students complete four core courses and one approved final option including an internship
CRIJ 3370 — Introduction to Crime Analysis
This course provides introductory skills needed for efficient data management. The manipulation and conversion of crime data to useful information are basic requisites to accomplish data-driven management and support intelligence-led policing. Several data management applications are examined including MS Excel and Access. No prerequisites.
CRIJ 3371 / GEOG 3352 — Introduction to Crime Mapping
The course provides conceptual knowledge and practical skills to design and implement a GIS-based analysis of community crime problems. It introduces the scope and methods of crime mapping and analysis, with a focus on theory, logic, and practical applications that are applicable to crime detection and prevention. No prerequisites.
CRIJ 4316 — Methods of Criminal Justice Research
This course introduces methods of criminological and criminal justice research, with emphasis on research ethics, research design, and methods of data collection and analysis. Prerequisites include ENGL 1301 and ENGL 1302 and the appropriate degree/certificate pathway.
CRIJ 4318 — Criminal Justice Statistics
This course introduces elementary forms of statistical analysis, including measures of central tendency, variation, the normal curve and Z scores, measures of difference, regression analysis, and correlations, with emphasis on criminal justice research and planning using SPSS. Prerequisite: CRIJ 4316.
CRIJ 3305/CRIJ 3306/CRIJ 4332
Choose one approved final option: CRIJ 4332 Field Experience in Crime Analysis, CRIJ 3305 Criminology, or CRIJ 3306 Crime Prevention.
Degree overlap note: Students in the Criminal Justice and Criminal Justice Administration degree pathways may already complete several certificate courses as part of their major, all courses in the certificate can be used towards BS in CJ or BAAS in CJA degrees
Meet Our Instructor
Laura Weaver
Laura has been teaching Introduction to Crime Analysis since Fall 2020. She holds both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice/Criminology from the University of Texas at Arlington. With over 17 years of experience as a Crime and Intelligence Analyst in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, Laura brings real-world expertise to the classroom and is passionate about sharing the insights she has gained throughout her career.
Where This Certificate Can Lead
This certificate strengthens undergraduate preparation for agency support work, analytical roles, internships, and data-informed criminal justice careers.
Where These Skills Apply
Students build skills that can support agency analysis, crime mapping, internship preparation, research assistance, and broader analytical work across criminal justice and public safety settings.
- Crime analysis and intelligence support
- GIS and mapping applications
- Criminal justice research support
- Public safety decision support
Internships & Field Experience
The certificate supports preparation for applied learning through fieldwork and agency-connected experience.
Degree Enhancement
The certificate adds focused analytical training that complements BS and BAAS criminal justice pathways.
How to Declare the Certificate
Declaring the certificate starts with the Undergraduate Certificate Plan Acknowledgement and Responsibility Form. Complete the form, sign it with your advisor or department head, and send it to the Office of the Registrar so the certificate plan is officially documented under your catalog year.
Step 1
Fill out the certificate form.
Step 2
Get the required signatures.
Step 3
Submit the completed form toemail.
Step 4
Meet with the advisor if you have questions.
Important: Once requirements are completed, the student’s transcript is noted with the certificate award date and a hard copy certificate is issued after grades are posted for the completion term.
Ready to explore what’s next?
Discover more about the Criminal Justice Department, explore additional certificate options, or consider non‑degree and continuing education pathways designed to build focused, career‑ready skills. Talk with your advisor and complete the certificate plan form so your chosen pathway is formally documented under your catalog year.