Graduate Certificate

Evidence-Based Policing and Reform Graduate Certificate

Deepen your background in criminal justice and prepare for law enforcement and related fields.

Evidence-Based Policing and Reform Graduate Certificate lecturer speaks to criminal justice students

About this Certificate

The Evidence-Based Policing and Reform (EBPR) Graduate Certificate is a fully online program that includes four courses totaling 12 hours of graduate-level course work. Courses are offered in accelerated terms so that learners may complete the certificate in as little as one semester or as long as two years.

  • The certificate is designed for individuals with backgrounds in criminal justice, mostly notably in law enforcement, and law enforcement-related fields.
  • The certificate offers knowledge and skills in evidence-based policing and reform for those who are actively employed/working with/or have intentions of working with or in the field of law enforcement and law enforcement-related jobs and careers.

Key Benefits

Students enrolled in the Evidence-Based Policing and Reform Graduate Certificate, enjoy many benefits, including: 

  • Courses are 100% online
  • Students can complete the certification in as little as one semester
  • Students can choose from 5 start dates throughout the year

Certificate Objectives 

The Evidence-Based Policing and Reform Graduate Certificate prepares students to: 

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of evidence-based policing and reform.
  2. Describe and discuss areas for innovation and reform in policing.
  3. Critically evaluate efforts to better engage and improve police-community relations and partnerships.
  4. Explore strategies in law enforcement practice and policy as they relate to the incorporation and implementation of technology.

On this Page…

    Program Information

    Program Type

    Major

    Area of Study

    Social Sciences, Law, and Policy

    Duration

    1 semester

    Degree

    N/A

    Program Location

    Online

    Emphases

    N/A

    Required Credit Hours

    12 hours

    Certificate Requirements

    CJ 682: Introduction to Evidence-Based Policing and Reform

    Provides students an overview of evidence-based policing and reform with a focus on the evidence-based movement as a scientific and social method. The goals of this course are to provide learners with a foundational knowledge about various evidence-based strategies and tactics in policing and the relevant theoretical perspectives that inform these evidence-based strategies and tactics.

    CJ 683: Innovation and Reform in Policing

    An in-depth examination of innovative approaches, practices, and strategies in policing as well as an evaluation of their effectiveness. The goals of this course are to recognize and appreciate areas for innovation and reform in the field of policing with attention to
    evidence-based best practices.

    CJ 684: Police and Community Partnerships

    Explore the relationships between the police and the community from a historical perspective and traces the evolution of police-community relations up to the current landscape. The goals of this course are for learners to develop an understanding of the history of police-community relations and to become aware of more recent efforts and strategies for the police to effectively engage with communities they serve to improve public safety and increase perceptions of legitimacy and procedural justice.

    CJ 688: Police Technology and Policy

    Review the technological advancements in policing and on assessing the utilization and effectiveness of these technological advancements. The goals of this course are for students to familiarize themselves with the types of technology that have and are being used in policing, what works and what doesn’t, and how the implementation of these technological advancements accompanies and/or impact policy.

    1. Applicants must hold a baccalaureate or graduate degree from an accredited institution and intend to participate in courses leading to a graduate certificate.
    2. Quality of the applicant’s academic record, as evidenced by cumulative grade point average. At least a 3.0 or equivalent grade point average on the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework.
    3. In lieu of the GRE, we require the submission of a professional writing sample of your recent written work that best showcases your skills as a writer and critical thinker. Writing samples should be in English and no more than 10 double-spaced pages in length. There are no specific formatting requirements. This could be a term paper, professional report, policy brief, or any other document that demonstrates writing and analytic skills.
    4. Resume or Curriculum Vitae

    Optional Documentation

    The admissions committee will also consider optional submitted material such as a statement of interest in the Graduate Certificate program (250-500 words) and/or documentation of professional accomplishments.

    The Evidence-Based Policing & Reform graduate certificate program requires official score reports for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) before admitting an applicant whose primary language is not English. For further details on the English language requirement, please see the OGE – Office of International Programs English proficiency requirements

    Program Start Dates

    Students can choose from five different start dates in 2024:

    • January 22
    • March 26
    • May 28
    • August 26
    • October 17

    The current tuition cost for one graduate semester hour is $534 + $75 fee for online programs. The total estimated tuition and online fees for completing the certificate depends on how long it takes you to complete coursework.

    If you complete the coursework in:

    • One regular semester, estimated tuition and online fees total $5,706
    • Multiple regular semesters, estimated tuition and online fees total $7,308.00

    The faster you complete your coursework, the cheaper your estimated tuition and online fees will be.  

    • The estimate is based on the most recent Fall and Spring full-time enrollment status tuition and fee information and is subject to change.

    Please contact us to inquire about a personalized cost estimate based on your individual plans on completing the EBPR certificate.

    Next Steps

    Explore Affordability

    We have a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make college more affordable for you and your family.

    Apply to the University of Mississippi

    Are you ready to take the next step toward building your legacy?