What is criminal justice?

Criminal justice encompasses policies and procedures that aim to punish criminal behavior while also affording the accused person certain rights. Several goals of the criminal justice system include deterring crime through penalties, rehabilitating criminals, and delivering justice to victims. Institutions, including prisons and courts, are part of the criminal justice system. Courts work to determine if a person is guilty of crime, while prisons remove convicted individuals from society for a certain length of time.

Why is it important to learn about criminal justice?

Learning about criminal justice allows you to protect innocent people and find ways to ensure victims of crimes receive justice. However, the criminal justice system is also imperfect, and knowledge of the system gives you an opportunity to help others who feel the system is treating them unfairly. You can also use your knowledge to help criminals change their ways through a rehabilitation process.

What career opportunities can arise from learning about criminal justice?

Learning about criminal justice can prepare you for a range of careers, ranging from law enforcement to prosecution and defense roles. Law enforcement jobs involve investigating wrongdoings and arresting offenders. Prosecutors and defense lawyers either attempt to prove wrongdoing or defend the accused. Other positions in the court include clerks, witness coordinators, and judges.

How can online courses help me learn about criminal justice?

Online courses can introduce you to various systems of laws, such as international law and American law. Some lessons focus on behavioral theories that explain criminal behavior, providing insight into what motivates people to break the law. You'll also learn about problematic aspects of the justice system, such as police brutality, and how reform is possible. Online courses are ideal for people who want flexible educational opportunities. You can access the lessons from anywhere with an internet connection and work at your own pace.

What are the benefits of taking an online Criminal Justice course?

Online Criminal Justice courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Criminal Justice skills. Choose from a wide range of Criminal Justice courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.

What Criminal Justice courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?

When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Criminal Justice, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here .

Best Criminal Justice Courses & Certificates [2025]

Explore the Criminal Justice Course Catalog

Status: Preview
Vanderbilt University
Hot Topics in Criminal Justice
Skills you'll gain: Criminal Investigation and Forensics, Social Justice, Legal Proceedings, Social Sciences, Policy Analysis, Disabilities, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Law, Regulation, and Compliance, Cultural Diversity, Case Studies
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
186 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Preview
Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
Introduction to Forensic Science
Skills you'll gain: Criminal Investigation and Forensics, Scientific Methods, Chemistry, Investigation, Case Studies, Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Pharmacology, Laboratory Testing, Hematology, Pathology, Molecular Biology
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
2.7K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Preview
University of Pennsylvania
An Introduction to American Law
Skills you'll gain: Civil Procedures, Civil Law, Commercial Laws, Lawsuits, Court Systems, Legal Proceedings, Legal Strategy, Legal Research, Case Law, Law, Regulation, and Compliance, Criminal Investigation and Forensics, Case Studies, Governance
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
5.3K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Preview
Case Western Reserve University
Introduction to International Criminal Law
Skills you'll gain: Criminal Investigation and Forensics, Legal Proceedings, Legal Hearings, Litigation and Civil Justice, International Relations, Legal Strategy, Law, Regulation, and Compliance, Public Safety and National Security, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Case Law, Interactive Learning, Case Studies
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
4K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Preview
Yale University
A Law Student's Toolkit
Skills you'll gain: Legal Strategy, Legal Proceedings, Legal Research, Legal Writing, Policy Analysis, Case Studies, Learning Strategies, Economics
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.6K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Macquarie University
Cyber Security: Digital Forensics
Skills you'll gain: Criminal Investigation and Forensics, Investigation, File Systems, Mobile Security, Cybersecurity, Data Security, Threat Detection, Data Integrity, Graphical Tools, Digital Communications, Malware Protection, File Management, Computer Security Incident Management, Incident Response, Mobile Development Tools, Data Storage, Real Time Data, Disaster Recovery, Network Analysis, Regulation and Legal Compliance
4.2
Rating, 4.2 out of 5 stars
6 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

What brings you to Coursera today?

Start my career

Change my career

Grow in my current role

Explore topics outside of work

Status: Preview
Yale University
Introduction to Psychology
Skills you'll gain: Psychology, Child Development, Psychiatry, Mental Health, Human Development, Human Learning, Social Sciences, Behavioral Health, Sociology, Neurology, Critical Thinking, Scientific Methods, Problem Solving
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
32K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Status: Preview
University of Cambridge
Forensic Science: DNA Analysis
Skills you'll gain: Criminal Investigation and Forensics, Molecular Biology, Healthcare Ethics, Specimen Collection, Scientific Methods, Biostatistics, Laboratory Techniques, Analytical Testing, Biology, Image Analysis, Emerging Technologies
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Preview
University of California, Santa Cruz
Feminism and Social Justice
Skills you'll gain: Social Justice, Advocacy, Sociology, Social Sciences, Jury Trial, Case Studies, World History, Labor Law
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
6.4K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Preview
Universiteit Leiden
International Law In Action: Investigating and Prosecuting International Crimes
Skills you'll gain: Court Systems, Legal Proceedings, Adjudication, Legal Strategy, Criminal Investigation and Forensics, International Relations, Appeals, Case Law, Policty Analysis, Research, and Development, Case Studies, Child Development
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
721 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Rice University
Mindfulness and Well-being
Skills you'll gain: Growth Mindedness, Stress Management, Resilience, Mindfulness, Personal Development, Self-Awareness, Compassion, Personal Attributes, Positivity, Empathy, Mental Health, Mental Concentration, Interpersonal Communications, Communication, Emotional Intelligence, Behavioral Health, Cognitive flexibility, Sustainable Development, Social Justice, Persistence
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
1.2K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Preview
University of Michigan
Social Work Practice: Advocating Social Justice and Change
Skills you'll gain: Social Work, Community and Social Work, Social Justice, Social Sciences, Human Services, Advocacy, Cultural Sensitivity, Diversity Awareness, Research, Policty Analysis, Research, and Development, Case Studies, Systems Thinking, Ethical Standards And Conduct
Build toward a degree
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
425 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks