Admissions Contact

Undergraduate Recruitment & Admissions

Academic Contact

Julie Schnobrich-Davis
Professor, Detective Program Coordinator
Criminology & Criminal Justice
R.C. Vance Academic Center
405

Academic Department

Detective Certificate

Central to Gathering the Facts.

This is a for-credit undergraduate certificate program with courses taught by experts in police investigations. Students complete any 4 designated courses (12 credits): CRM 480 Death Investigations, CRM 481 Sexual Assault Investigations, CRM 482 Police Involved Shootings and Crime Scene Analysis, CRM 483 Interview and Interrogation, CRM 484 Expectation of Privacy, and CRM 485 Financial Crime Investigations. Central’s Detective Certificate provides investigators with in-depth knowledge, skills, and theoretical perspectives that can assist in the application of their role as an investigator. Courses are designed for criminal investigators at all levels and ranks. 

The Connecticut State Detective Methodology Program Advisory Board endorses this program and is an integral part of the development and ongoing assessment of classes. The classes in the program can be applied toward Central’s BA in Criminology.

Program Features

  • Starts every January and August
  • 12-credit program
  • Attend part-time
  • Evening classes
  • HyFlex format
  • Local and State Police attending the courses may be eligible for POST credit
  • Taught by leading subject matter experts
  • Scholarships are available through the Department of Criminology & Criminal Justice
  • Free on-campus child care available

This certificate is endorsed by the Connecticut Advisory Board consisting of:

  • State Attorney’s Office
  • Local police chiefs
  • Department Emergency Services and Public Protection
  • Connecticut State Police Major Crime Unit
  • Police Officer Standards and Training Council (POST)
  • Connecticut Forensic Lab
  • Office of the Chief Medical Examiner

Requirements for admission:

New Students:

Current Central students:

  • Complete survey
  • Interview with Program Coordinator
  • GPA of 3.0 or better

Learning Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the investigatory process
  2. Identify key components necessary for an effective investigation
  3. Describe legal and ethical practices for securing evidence and testimony

I attained a better understanding of what to look for and expect during an investigation. No matter how much experience you think you have on this subject, this course will improve on it.

Detective Kyle Rapp
Connecticut State Police - Major Crime

Did You Know?

Central is the only school in the country that offers a Detective Certificate program.