Crime analysis and criminal intelligence is a criminal justice professional field
that engages in the systematic analysis of data from a wide variety of sources to
provide information about the patterns and trends of crimes in a locality, state,
or nation. The work product of a crime and criminal intelligence analyst can be used
to inform tactical and strategic decision making, support investigative efforts, assist
in the study of resource needs, and facilitate the development of criminal justice
policy.
A post-baccalaureate certificate (PBC) is an educational certificate that attests
to certain advanced graduate study in an area of concentration beyond the baccalaureate
level. It is graduate-level coursework, but is less than the credit hours necessary
to earn a Master’s degree. The PBC in crime analysis is a 12-credit hour program designed
to develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities for an entry level position as an
analyst or to enhance the skills of a working analyst. It includes coursework in crime
science, problem solving, statistics, crime analysis, criminal intelligence, crime
mapping, and spatial analysis of criminal justice data. Upon completion of the required
curriculum, the student is awarded the PBC in Crime Analysis. The following describes
the 12-credit hour curriculum:
CRJU-672 Crime Analysis and Criminal Intelligence (3 credits, Fall Semester)
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to crime analysis and criminal intelligence
through the application of key intelligence, tactical, and strategic analytical methods
that support criminal investigations and evidence-based crime prevention strategies.
CRJU-673 Crime Mapping and Spatial Analysis in Criminal Justice (3 credits, Fall Semester)
This course develops students’ knowledge in crime mapping and criminology of place
as well as skills in spatial analysis of crime and criminal justice data that support
criminal intelligence/investigations, crime prevention, and criminal justice agencies.
CRJU 671. Quantitative Methods in Criminal Justice Research (3 credits, Spring Semester)
Description: This course is intended to equip the students with the ability to calculate
and conduct statistical analyses for applied research, to ensure the ability to interpret
the results from statistical analysis, and to apply those results to appropriate situations.
CRJU-676 Crime Science and Crime Analysis (3 credits, Spring Semester)
This course applies theoretical concepts of crime science with crime analysis, crime
mapping, and criminal intelligence techniques to conduct a comprehensive analysis
of crime and disorder that results in specific recommendations for evidence-based
crime prevention strategies.
Course Delivery
Course delivery will be in person on the Main Campus in Radford, VA or online through
a hybrid format. Either way, there is a set time and day for class each week that
students are required to attend. The courses will also make use of the D2L platform
to augment the course with a variety of web-based educational materials and learning
tools. Each course will last one 14-week semester and upon successful completion the
student will earn 3-credit hours of graduate study. Students will complete weekly
reading and homework assignments designed to assess their mastery of the skills being
taught in the class. Students will need to have access to a computer with high-speed
access to the internet. This computer should have Microsoft Office software installed.
No special computer skills are needed, and those necessary to survive in a contemporary
office environment are sufficient.
The Certificate can be completed in two semesters by taking two courses per semester
or four semesters by taking one course per semester.
Enrollment and Application
Anyone who has completed a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
and meets the admission standards for graduate students in the Department of Criminal
Justice at Radford University, is eligible to enroll. Also, graduate students currently
enrolled in a course of study at Radford University may participate in this program.
Applicants wishing to pursue the certificate should apply submitting graduate application,
including “Crime Analysis Certificate” from the drop down-box, the application fee,
and official transcripts.
Certificate Contact
Dr. Roberto G. Santos, Program Coordinator
Department of Criminal Justice
Phone: 540-831-5157
Email: rsantos4@radford.edu