Program Overview

Program Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Impacts on Victims and Offenders is designed to provide students with a broad perspective on the effects of crime and the criminal justice system on both victims and offenders. This certificate program introduces students to the field of victimology, explores theories of criminology, and examines research and policies related to sentencing decisions, including the death penalty.

Program Details

• Program Name: Graduate Certificate in Impacts on Victims and Offenders
• Credits: 9 credits
• Cost per Credit: $1,037 per credit (2025-26 academic year)
• Application Deadline: December 1 to start January 12
• Online Format: 100% online, allowing students to complete coursework at their own pace
• Stackable Credential: This certificate can be applied towards the Penn State Master of Professional Studies in Criminal Justice Policy and Administration degree

Program Structure

Required Courses (9 credits)

• CJPA 569: The Death Penalty (3 credits) - Provides an overview of works on the death penalty by renowned experts in the field
• CJPA 570: Forensic Victimology (3 credits) - Offers a basic understanding of the field of victimology and its historical developments
• CJPA 833: Courts and Sentencing (3 credits) - Examines theory, research, and policy involving courts and their sentencing decisions

Career Opportunities

Graduates can pursue careers in various fields, including:

• Victim advocacy or case management
• Sentencing specialist or policy adviser
• Legal professional or consultant
• Public policy analysis
• Specialized social work

Admission Requirements

• GPA: Junior/senior (last two years) GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Transcripts: Official transcripts from each institution attended
• Test Scores: GRE and GMAT test scores are not required
• English Proficiency: International applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

Faculty

The program is taught by experienced faculty members, including:

• Eileen M. Ahlin, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice
• Siyu Liu, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice
• Emily R. Strohacker, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice
• Jeffrey T. Ulmer, Professor of Sociology and Criminology

Tuition and Financial Aid

• Tuition: Calculated based on the number of credits for which you register
• Financial Aid: Students pursuing a certificate are considered "nondegree" and are not eligible for federal student aid
• Payment Options: Penn State offers an installment plan and third-party payments

Additional Information

• Technical Requirements: Review the technical requirements for this program
• Military Benefits: Explore potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities
• GI Bill: This program is under review for GI Bill eligibility, and you may experience delays attempting to use GI Bill benefits toward this program until it has been officially approved.