How to ApplyRequest Info
How to ApplyRequest Info
criminal justice professional talking with a mother and child

Graduate Certificate inImpacts on Victims and Offenders

Summary Courses Careers Costs and Aid

The impacts on victims and offenders graduate certificate can provide you with a broad perspective on the effects of crime and the criminal justice system on both victims and offenders. The certificate program introduces you to the field of victimology, explores theories of criminology, and examines research and policies related to sentencing decisions, including the death penalty.

100% Online

Complete your Penn State course work at your own pace and 100% online.

Apply by August 1 to start August 25

9 Credits1,027 per credit

Stackable Credential

Gain job-ready skills and update your résumé

Gain Skills and Knowledge to Aid Victims and Offenders

  • Understand victimology, its history, and its applications in profiling and safety planning.

  • Examine the role of victims in the criminal justice process.

  • Analyze sentencing theories, policies, and their consequences.

  • Explore critical issues surrounding the death penalty, including legal and empirical analyses.

In the 9-credit Graduate Certificate in Impacts on Victims and Offenders, you will be introduced to the field of victimology, its historical developments, and its applications to modern criminal justice strategies. You will examine the roles victims and offenders play in the criminal justice system and evaluate and review the philosophies that govern sentencing decisions. You will also examine critical issues surrounding the death penalty by focusing on legal and empirical analyses.

Required Courses (9 credits)

  • 3
    credits

    Provides students with a basic understanding of the field of victimology and its historical developments.

  • 3
    credits

    This course is an examination of theory, research, and policy involving courts and their sentencing decisions.

  • 3
    credits

    This course provides students an overview of a wide range of works within the topic of the death penalty authored by the most renowned experts in the field.

Using Stackable Certificate Credits toward a Master’s Degree

As part of the stackable pathway, the courses required for this 9-credit certificate can also be applied to the Penn State Master of Professional Studies in Criminal Justice Policy and Administration (CJPA) degree, if you apply and are accepted into the program. The 9 credits from this certificate can satisfy the 9-credit elective requirement for the degree. You should plan to work closely with an adviser to determine the appropriate sequence of courses to match your education goals.

Courses may also apply to other degree programs. Students should contact their adviser to discuss transfer credit policies and application fees and details.

Course Availability

If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search (opens in new window) to start planning ahead.

Hiring manager reviewing a resume or CV with a job candidate

You can use the knowledge gained from this program and the support of Penn State career resources to pursue careers in a variety of fields, depending on your goals.

Career Services to Set You Up for Success

Student having a virtual meeting on a laptop with a career counselor

From the day you're accepted as a student, you can access resources and tools provided by Penn State World Campus Career Services to further your career. These resources are beneficial whether you're searching for a job or advancing in an established career.

  • Opportunities to connect with employers
  • Career counselor/coach support
  • Occupation and salary information
  • Internships
  • Graduate school resources 

Graduates can be well-qualified for meaningful and rewarding work in the field of criminal justice. The leadership skills attained within this certificate can benefit those in law enforcement, court administration, corrections, and policy and advocacy. By deepening your understanding of crime’s effects and honing your analytical skills, you can elevate your role in the following fields and positions:

  • victim advocation or case management
  • sentencing specialist or policy adviser
  • legal professional or consultant
  • public policy analysis
  • specialized social work

Ready to Learn More?

Get the resources you need to make informed decisions about your education. Request information on this program and other programs of interest by completing this form.

required
1 of 3

I agree to be contacted via phone, email, and text by Penn State World Campus and affiliates. I understand my information may also be shared with select providers to offer ads that may be of interest to me.Privacy Policy. reCAPTCHA protected. Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.

Learn more about this program

Download Program Brochure All my programs

Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State graduate certificate?

Apply by August 1 to start August 25. How to Apply 

Learn about this program's tuition, fees, scholarship opportunities, grants, payment options, and military benefits.

Graduate Tuition

Graduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register. Tuition is due shortly after each semester begins and rates are assessed every semester of enrollment.

2024–25 Academic Year Rates

Tuition Rates for the Fall 2024, Spring 2025, and Summer 2025 Semesters
How many credits do you plan to take per semester?Cost
11 or fewer$1,027 per credit
12 or more$12,325 per semester

2025–26 Academic Year Rates

Tuition Rates for the Fall 2025, Spring 2026, and Summer 2026 Semesters
How many credits do you plan to take per semester?Cost
11 or fewer$1,037 per credit
12 or more$12,448 per semester

Financial Aid and Military Benefits

Some students may qualify for financial aid. Take the time to research financial aid, scholarships, and payment options as you prepare to apply. Federal financial aid may only be used to pay for credits used to satisfy program requirements.

Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities, as well.

Additional Cost of Attendance Details

To view the detailed list of cost of attendance elements:

Technical Requirements

Review the technical requirements for this program.

A figure standing halfway up a set of stairs leading towards a graduation cap

This certificate can serve as a stand-alone credential and as a step on your journey toward the Penn State Master of Professional Studies in Criminal Justice Policy and Administration. Stackable credentials recognize your new skills and knowledge while you work toward your master's degree.

Earning graduate certificates from Penn State World Campus is a great way to gain new skills and quickly add valuable credentials to your résumé.

This graduate certificate’s courses satisfy requirements toward the following degree:

This master's degree is designed for those who want to address pressing criminal justice issues facing society. Learn to evaluate the societal workings that create crime, assess equity in policy enforcement, and propose data-driven and evidence-based solutions that benefit the greater society.

Learn more

Behind every statistic is a human story. Understanding all the elements of crime — its roots, impacts, and solutions — can unlock the power to heal, reform, and prevent.

Whether you’re focusing on a victim seeking safety, an offender seeking redemption, or a community grappling with the consequences of crime, this graduate certificate can give you the knowledge to shape the future of society. This program empowers you to:

  • advocate for victims
  • shape fairer sentencing policies
  • lead with knowledge and compassion

Whether you’re in the field today or preparing for a future in criminal justice, this certificate can equip you to stand at the intersection of empathy and expertise. Because justice is more than punishment — it’s understanding.

Finish Your Certificate in Less Than a Year

Adult student doing course work online while a child plays nearby

Whether you are looking to finish your program as quickly as possible or balance your studies with your busy life, Penn State World Campus can help you achieve your education goals. Many students take one or two courses per semester.

Convenient Online Format

This program's convenient online format gives you the flexibility you need to study around your busy schedule. You can skip the lengthy commute without sacrificing the quality of your education and prepare yourself for more rewarding career opportunities without leaving your home.

A Trusted Leader in Online Education

Penn State students wearing caps and gowns at their commencement ceremony

Penn State has a history of more than 100 years of distance education, and World Campus has been a leader in online learning for more than two decades. Our online learning environment offers the same quality education that our students experience on campus.

Information for Military and Veterans

Four sergeants major in the Army pose for a photo with Army uniforms and military honor cords

Are you a member of the military, a veteran, or a military spouse? Please visit our military website for additional information regarding financial aid, transfer credits, and application instructions.

Note: 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.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

A new student holding a sign that reads, We Are Penn State and #PennStateBound

Apply by August 1 to start August 25

Application Instructions

Deadlines and Important Dates

Complete your application and submit all required materials by the appropriate deadline. Your deadline will depend on the semester you plan to start your courses.

  • Fall Deadline

    Apply by August 1 to start August 25

  • Spring Deadline

    Apply by December 1 to start January 12

Steps to Apply

  1. For admission to the J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School, an applicant must hold either (1) a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or (2) a tertiary (postsecondary) degree that is deemed comparable to a four-year bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution. This degree must be from an officially recognized degree-granting institution in the country in which it operates.

    GPA — Postsecondary (undergraduate), junior/senior (last two years) GPA is required. All applicants are expected to have earned a junior/senior grade-point average of 3.0 or higher.

    Students who do not have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 will be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on the quality of their overall application. Work experience will be considered for applicants who have more than two years of experience in a related field.

  2. You will need to upload the following items as part of your application:

    Official transcripts from each institution attended, regardless of the number of credits or semesters completed. Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. If you are a Penn State alum, you do not need to request transcripts for credits earned at Penn State but must list Penn State as part of your academic history.

    Test Scores — GRE and GMAT test scores are NOT required.

    English Proficiency — The language of instruction at Penn State is English. With some exceptions, international applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum test scores and exceptions are found in the English Proficiency section on the Fox Graduate School's "Requirements for Graduate Admission" page. Visit the TOEFL website for testing information. Penn State's institutional code is 2660.

  3. To begin the online application, you will need a Penn State account.

    Create a New Penn State Account

    If you have any problems during this process, contact an admissions counselor at [email protected].

    Please note: Former Penn State students may not need to complete the admissions application or create a new Penn State account. Please visit our Returning Students page for instructions.

  4. If you begin with a certificate and are interested in pursuing the Master of Professional Studies in Criminal Justice Policy and Administration, work with your adviser while completing your first certificate to determine which program to apply to next.

    Up to 15 credits earned in any of these certificate programs may be transferred to the Master of Professional Studies in Criminal Justice Policy and Administration, subject to restrictions outlined in GCAC-309 Transfer Credit.

  5. You can begin your online application at any time. Your progress within the online application system will be saved as you go, allowing you to return at any point as you gather additional information and required materials.

    • Choose Enrollment Type: "Certificate Admission"
    • Choose "WORLD CAMPUS" as the campus

    Checking Your Status 
    You can check the status of your application by using the same login information established for the online application form. 

  6. 6. Complete the application.

    Penn State Fox Graduate School Application

Admissions Help

If you have questions about the admissions process, contact an admissions counselor at [email protected].

Customer service representative wearing a headset

Have questions or want more information? We're happy to talk.

To learn more about the Graduate Certificate in Impacts on Victims and Offenders, please contact:

Ahmet Guler, Ph.D.
Director of Graduate Studies in Criminal Justice Policy and Administration
Associate Teaching Professor, Department of Sociology and Criminology
[email protected]

This program is offered in partnership with the Penn State College of the Liberal Arts Department of Sociology and Criminology and the Penn State Harrisburg School of Public Affairs.

These are the same faculty members who teach students in our Master of Professional Studies in Criminal Justice Policy and Administration program. Furthermore, a Penn State degree is renowned throughout the industry, giving you a recognized and respected credential to add to your résumé.

Faculty

  • Eileen M. Ahlin

    • Ph.D., Criminology and Criminal Justice, University of Maryland, College Park
    • M.A., Sociology, George Mason University
    • B.A., Administration of Justice and Sociology, Penn State

    Dr. Eileen M. Ahlin is an associate professor of criminal justice in the School of Public Affairs at Penn State Harrisburg. She joined the faculty in 2013 after 15 years with a private corporation, where she conducted criminal justice research at the federal, state, and local levels. Her teaching and research interests include violence, neighborhood effects, corrections, research methods, and criminological theory.

  • Siyu Liu

    • Ph.D., Criminal Justice, University at Albany (SUNY)
    • M.A., Criminal Justice, University at Albany (SUNY)
    • B.A., Biomedical English, Peking University Health Science Center
    • B.S., Psychology, Peking University

    Dr. Siyu Liu specializes in quantitative research on the topic of criminal desistance, police legitimacy and the Forth Amendment process, and the death penalty in China. Dr. Liu is an active member of the Association of Chinese Criminology and Criminal Justice based in the U.S. and has been presenting her research projects in more than eight prestigious universities in China.

  • Emily R. Strohacker

    Ph.D., Sociology, University of Central Florida

    Dr. Emily Strohacker joined the School of Public Affairs at Penn State Harrisburg in August 2017 as an assistant professor of criminal justice. Her areas of research interest include criminology, deviance, and victimology, specifically in the areas of cyber victimization and sexual victimization. She regularly teaches courses in victimology, research methods, and criminology. Her published works have appeared in Crime & Delinquency, Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, and Police Quarterly.

  • Jeffrey T. Ulmer

    Ph.D., Sociology, Penn State

    Dr. Jeffery T. Ulmer is a professor of sociology and criminology at Penn State, and serves as associate department head. His work spans such topics as courts, criminal case processing, sentencing, and corrections, as well as criminological theory, religion and crime, and violent crime. 

Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State graduate certificate?

Apply by August 1 to start August 25. How to Apply 

Explore Other Academic Programs

Criminal Justice Administration and ProcedureGraduate Certificate
Criminological Theory and ResearchGraduate Certificate
Global Justice and SecurityGraduate Certificate
Criminal Justice Policy and AdministrationMaster of Professional Studies