Advance Your Career—Without the Commitment of a Full Degree
Tarleton Extended Education offers flexible, non-credit certificate programs designed for professionals who want to build specialized skills without enrolling in a full undergraduate or graduate program. Whether you’re looking to enhance your resume, pivot into crime analysis, or gain practical tools for law enforcement and public safety, our certificate programs are built to support your growth.
Explore hands-on, career-focused training that fits your schedule—and your goals.
- Undergraduate Certificate in Crime Analysis – This program is offered through the School of Criminology, Criminal Justice, and Public Administration in partnership with the Texas Law Enforcement Analyst Network (TXLEAN). The program consists of five undergraduate-level courses.
- Graduate Certificate in Crime Analysis – This program is offered through the School of Criminology, Criminal Justice, and Public Administration in partnership with the Texas Law Enforcement Analyst Network (TXLEAN). The program consists of four graduate-level courses. Enrollment in this program requires proof of a bachelor’s degree.
Applied Crime Analysis: Online Certificate Programs
100% Online | Fall 2025 Registration Now Open
Certificates in Crime Analysis
Tarleton State University offers fully online Undergraduate and Graduate Certificates in Crime Analysis, designed to equip law enforcement professionals and criminal justice students with essential skills for modern, data-driven policing.
Developed in partnership with the Texas Law Enforcement Analyst Network (TXLEAN), the Texas chapter of the International Association of Crime Analysts (IACA), both programs combine criminological theory with practical experience using industry-standard software for crime mapping, spatial analysis, and predictive policing techniques.
- 100% online, with start dates in January, May, or August
- Undergraduate Certificate: 5 courses | $1,000 | Complete in 3 semesters
- Graduate Certificate: 4 courses | $1,200 | Complete in 2 semesters
- Gain hands-on experience in crime analysis, mapping, and agency-specific reporting
What is Crime Analysis
Crime analysis is the systematic study of crime and disorder problems to support law enforcement decision-making, crime prevention, and community safety efforts. Crime analysts gather and evaluate data from police reports, calls for service, and other sources to identify patterns, trends, and emerging issues.
By using tools such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), statistical modeling, and intelligence analysis, crime analysts can:
- Pinpoint crime “hot spots”
- Predict where crimes are likely to occur
- Assist investigators in linking related cases
- Help police agencies deploy resources efficiently
Crime analysis plays a critical role in modern policing, bridging the gap between raw data and actionable strategies that make communities safer.
Required Coursework
Undergraduate Certificate
Undergraduate Required Coursework (5)
CRIJ 3370: Introduction to Crime Analysis (offered Fall semester only)
This course provides the requisite skills needed for efficient data management. The manipulation and conversion of crime data to useful information is a basic requisite to accomplish data-driven management and support intelligence-led policing. Several data management applications are examined including Microsoft Excel and Access.
CRIJ 3371: Introduction to Crime Mapping (offered Spring semester only)
This course provides the conceptual background and practical skills to design and implement GIS-based analysis of community crime problems. The theory, logic, and practical applications of mapping and analysis are examined with a focus on developing a knowledge base, skills, and integration of concepts that are applicable to crime detection and prevention.
CRIJ 4316: Methods of Criminal Justice Research (offered Spring, Summer, and Fall semesters)
This course is a study of scientific research methods used in the criminal justice system. It includes a review and critique of research on crime causation, law enforcement, courts, and corrections. Emphasis will be placed on quantitative research methods.
CRIJ 4318: Criminal Justice Statistics (offered Spring, Summer, and Fall semesters)
This course is a study of basic and advanced descriptive and inferential statistics with an emphasis on applications in the criminal justice system.
Field Experience
Choice of Field Experience in Crime Analysis OR Criminology:
- CRIJ 4332: Field Experience in Crime Analysis (offered Spring, Summer, and Fall semesters)
- Application and integration of academic content and development of skills within a criminal justice setting. Entry into this course will be arranged with the internship coordinator OR students may take Criminology instead.
- CRIJ 3305: Criminology (offered Spring, Summer, and Fall semesters)
- Study and critical appraisal of various theories of crime causation, including an examination of classical, biological, psychological, and sociological perspectives on the etiology of crime.
Graduate Certificate
Graduate Required Coursework (4)
CRIJ 5364: Introduction to Crime Analysis (offered Fall semester only)
This course provides the requisite skills needed for efficient data management. The manipulation and conversion of crime data to useful information is a basic requisite to accomplish data-driven management and support intelligence-led policing. Several data management applications are examined including Microsoft Excel and Access.
CRIJ 5363: Introduction to Crime Mapping (offered Spring semester only)
This course provides the conceptual background and practical skills to design and implement GIS-based analysis of community crime problems. The theory, logic, and practical applications of mapping and analysis are examined with a focus on developing a knowledge base, skills, and integration of concepts that are applicable to crime detection and prevention.
CRIJ 5398: Applied Research Design 1 (offered Spring, Summer, and Fall semesters)
This course is a study of scientific research methods used in the criminal justice system. It includes a review and critique of research on crime causation, law enforcement, courts, and corrections. Emphasis will be placed on quantitative research methods.
CRIJ 5300: Applied Data Analysis for Criminal Justice 1 (offered Spring, Summer, and Fall semesters)
This course is a study of basic and advanced descriptive and inferential statistics with an emphasis on applications in the criminal justice system.
Bobbie Sheppard
Past Student – Graduate certificate in crime analysis
The courses weren’t just theoretical; they were practical, hands-on workshops where we learned to dissect crime data and identify patterns and trends hidden within numbers. The certificate wasn’t just about skills; it was about perspective. It challenged me to see beyond the headlines, to understand the social, economic, and environmental factors that contribute to crime. It taught me to be a critical thinker, to question assumptions, and to use data not just to catch criminals, but to prevent crime in the first place. So, if you’re looking for a challenge, a chance to make a real difference, and a career that’s both intellectually stimulating and deeply rewarding, I urge you to consider the Crime Analysis Certificate.
Angela Molder
Past Student – Graduate certificate in crime analysis
As a newly appointed Crime Data Analyst, completing the courses required for the Crime Analysis Certificate Program significantly enhanced my practical skill set. Throughout each semester, I deepened my understanding of how to analyze data effectively and interpret its relevance within the field of crime analysis. The program emphasized real-world applications, enabling me to connect theoretical knowledge with actual investigative practices. One of the most valuable aspects of the program was the experience with software that is currently used by law enforcement agencies across the country. This hands-on practice made the program especially relevant and beneficial. I highly recommend it to anyone entering the field or looking to strengthen their foundational skills as a Crime Analyst.
For questions about the registration process, please contact Extended Education office at extendeded@tarleton.edu.
Career Outlook
Demand for crime analysts is on the rise as agencies move toward data-driven policing.
Career paths include:
- Local, state, and federal law enforcement
- Intelligence and homeland security agencies
- Private security and corporate risk teams
- Research, policy, and nonprofit organizations
Salary range: Typically, $50,000–$90,000+ annually, depending on experience, location, and agency size.”
Growth trends:
- The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment for related roles such as operations research analysts to grow 23% from 2022–2032—much faster than average (BLS, 2024).
- Data science and analytics roles across industries are also projected to expand significantly, driven by demand for evidence-based decision-making (BLS, 2024).
With agencies nationwide investing in predictive policing and real-time crime centers, now is the perfect time to enter this high-impact, future-focused profession.
Meet our Instructors
Dr. Michael Reynolds
Dr. Kenneth Michael Reynolds is a seasoned criminal justice scholar and practitioner with over 12 years of direct law enforcement experience and a distinguished career in crime analysis and policing innovation. As Principal Investigator on numerous federally and locally funded initiatives, Dr. Reynolds has led pioneering efforts in law enforcement data sharing, crime mapping, and intelligence-led policing, including the development of the Florida Law Enforcement Data Sharing Consortium and the FINDER system. His research and consulting have directly supported agencies such as the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Department of Justice, enhancing operational efficiency and investigative success. A prolific contributor to the field, Dr. Reynolds has authored multiple peer-reviewed studies on police practices, juvenile curfews, and community policing, and has trained law enforcement professionals across the U.S. and internationally.
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.
For questions about the undergraduate or graduate certificate program, please contact Dr. Olga Semukhina at at semukhina@tarleton.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about Enrollment and Admissions
What is the process for enrollment?
If a student does not already have a Texan ID (Tarleton State Issued ID), the Registrar sends their information to Admissions for a quick admit. Once admitted, students are enrolled in a non-credit section cross-listed with the credit course and then added to Canvas.
How do I submit proof of a bachelor’s degree?
Proof is typically submitted by emailing an undergraduate transcript to the shared program email. This is tracked internally to confirm eligibility.
Will I receive confirmation or onboarding instructions?
Yes. Students are sent onboarding instructions, including how to claim their Texan ID and access Canvas. If you haven’t received these, contact the Registrar or program coordinator.
What is the application deadline, and how do I apply?
Deadlines vary by term. Applications are submitted through the university’s graduate portal. For assistance, contact the program coordinator, Dr. Olga Semukhina.
Questions about Course Planning & Structure
Can I take multiple courses per semester?
Yes. Many students take 1–2 courses per semester. For example, one student planned to take Introduction to Crime Mapping and Research Methods I in Spring, followed by Crime Analysis and Statistics in the Fall.
How should I plan my course load each semester?
Students often begin with foundational courses like Introduction to Crime Analysis and pair them with complementary subjects. Two courses per semester is the most common load.
Can I start the program in the summer?
Yes, some students begin with Methods of Criminal Justice Research in the summer, though starting in the fall with Introduction to Crime Analysis is also common.
Are the courses self-paced, or do they require live attendance?
The courses are online and typically asynchronous, allowing flexibility. However, some may include scheduled activities or deadlines.
Is the program fully online?
Yes, the certificate is offered entirely online for maximum flexibility.
How long does it take to complete the certificate?
Most students complete the program in 2–3 semesters depending on course load.
Questions about Course Planning & Structure
What kind of job preparation does the certificate offer?
The program prepares students for roles in crime analysis, including mapping, data interpretation, and law enforcement collaboration. Guest speakers and faculty often share real-world insights
Will this certificate prepare me for a job in crime analysis?
Yes, the program is designed to equip students with essential skills in crime mapping, data analysis, and law enforcement collaboration. Additional software training may be beneficial depending on your career path.
Should I pursue the undergraduate or graduate certificate?
If you already hold a bachelor’s degree and are seeking advanced skills, the graduate certificate is recommended.
Who oversees the certificate program?
The program is managed by faculty within the Department of Criminal Justice. Contact the program coordinator Dr. Olga Semukhina for further questions.