Individual Public Service Courses

Expand your public service expertise and knowledge with Capella individual courses.

A direct path to your goals

Individual courses in public service are a great way to:

  • Gain applicable skills through real-world assignments and assessments.
  • Expand your knowledge on a specific topic through continuing education.
  • Earn credits to apply to a Capella degree or certificate program.¹

¹A maximum of three courses taken as a Capella nondegree student can be applied to a Capella degree program.

Courses in public service leadership

Undergraduate Courses

Show all descriptions
CJ1000 Introduction to Criminal Justice 6 quarter credits In this course, learners examine the characteristics of the U.S. criminal justice system and its evolution in response to the continually changing forces that influence crime control. Learners gain an understanding of criminal justice theory and its relation to criminality, the criminal justice system, and the principles of the adjudication process. Learners who have received credit for PS3100 may not take CJ1000. 6 quarter credits
CJ1100 Introduction to Emergency Management 6 quarter credits This course provides an introduction to the growing field of emergency management. Learners study various hazard threats and examine strategies for determining and reducing vulnerability. Learners also analyze disaster response and recovery behaviors and activities. Course topics include local, state, and federal emergency management organizations and the impact of various stakeholders, including non-governmental organizations, on the emergency management process. Learners who have received credit for PS3200 may not take CJ1100. 6 quarter credits
CJ2120 Ethics of Criminal Justice 6 quarter credits Learners in this course analyze the ethical dimension of law enforcement practice and acquire the critical knowledge and skills that support ethical, on-the-job decision making. Learners examine major ethical problems such as discrimination, corruption, deception, racial profiling, and excessive force using material drawn from commissions of inquiry, internal affairs investigations, published literature, human rights documentation, and observed police-community relations. Learners explore the bases for developing personal and professional ethics, guided by professional codes of practice and human rights standards. Learners who have received credit for PS3700 may not take CJ2120. 6 quarter credits
CJ3200 Constitutional Law 6 quarter credits This course tracks the historical foundation of the U.S. Constitution, with particular emphasis on allocation of power between the branches of government and the role of each branch under separation of powers. Learners examine the Bill of Rights in the context of due process, state application, and procedural protections; develop knowledge of law making and law interpretation in a criminal justice substantive and procedural context; and explore philosophical underpinnings and public policy influences in conjunction with U.S. Supreme Court decisions. 6 quarter credits
CJ3220 Criminal Law 6 quarter credits Learners in this course examine the historical development of criminal law and the rules of criminal procedure that govern its application. Learners distinguish between the social and legal definitions of crime and dissect the various elements of crimes. Learners who have received credit for PS4145 may not take CJ3220. 6 quarter credits
CJ3250 Corrections, Probation, and Parole 6 quarter credits This course introduces learners to the fields of penology and corrections. Learners analyze the evolution of corrections, probation, and parole processes and the effects associated with corrections and reform movements. Learners also examine criminal behavior assessments that help determine offender placement and incarceration alternatives. Learners who have received credit for PS4110 may not take CJ3250. 6 quarter credits
CJ3260 Correctional Counseling 6 quarter credits Learners in this course build the skillsets required to enhance the safe operation and environment in corrections and gain an understanding of the challenges involved. Learners use intervention techniques and communication skills to impact the offender community and assess the role and techniques of casework and counseling in corrections and community-based programs. 6 quarter credits
CJ3270 Corrections Administration and Leadership 6 quarter credits In this course, learners apply correctional administrative concepts; communication principles; and decision-making, leadership, and human resource management skills used in contemporary correctional environments. Learners also analyze individual and group behaviors and ethics within correctional organizations. 6 quarter credits
CJ3500 Police Administration and Leadership 6 quarter credits In this course, learners evaluate police administration concepts. Learners examine communication principles and decision-making, leadership, and human resource management skills used in contemporary law enforcement environments. Learners also analyze individual and group behavior and ethics within police organizations. Learners who have received credit for PS4155 may not take CJ3500. 6 quarter credits
CJ3520 Police-Community Relations 6 quarter credits Learners in this course study the philosophies, responsibilities, and limitations of police forces. Learners analyze formal social control processes in the U.S. and examine the effects of police training, education, and career development on community relations. Learners who have received credit for PS4120 may not take CJ3520. 6 quarter credits
CJ3540 Criminal Procedure and Evidence 6 quarter credits This course, intended as an introduction to the facts based and research supported uses of criminal psychology relative to criminal behaviors, the theories surrounding these behaviors, as well as popular criminal defenses relative to criminal psychology and behaviors that may be encountered by those entering the field of criminal justice. Learners preparing for a career in criminal justice should have a basic understanding of the impact criminal psychology and criminal behaviors have on those they serve and the cases they attempt to prosecute on the people's behalf. Exploring examples of well-known criminal cases where these issues have been center stage will be utilized to provide the learner insight as to the impact criminal psychology and criminal behaviors have on the law, the police, and the communities they serve. This course will complement existing criminal justice offerings at Capella as well as provide a new perspective relative to how different fields of study cross-over and complement one another. Learners who have received credit for PS4160 may not take CJ3540. 6 quarter credits
CJ3560 Multiagency Investigations 6 quarter credits In this course, learners examine the intricacies of conducting successful multijurisdictional investigations. Learners identify considerations, laws, and protocols used in multiagency investigations, including emergency and terrorism response and border security, to overcome differences in approach and role. Learners assess cross-collaboration related to crime scene evaluation and preservation practices, crime-specific investigation strategies, and the different investigation standards of various federal agencies. Learners who have received credit for PS4390 may not take CJ3560. 6 quarter credits
CJ3600 Emergency Planning 6 quarter credits This course presents the strategies and skills required for successful emergency planning. Learners study the components of an effective emergency plan and the principles and resources that guide the planning process. Learners examine federal requirements governing emergency management and emergency planning structures, including Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs), the National Incident Management System (NIMS), the Incident Command System (ICS), and Mutual Aid Agreements. Learners also analyze the effect of disasters on physical and psychological health. Learners who have received credit for PS4220 may not take CJ3600. 6 quarter credits
CJ3620 Disaster Response Operations and Management 6 quarter credits This course provides learners with a broad overview of the emergency management system, including incident management teams and operations, threat detection to post-incident analysis, and interagency collaboration in disaster response. Learners apply response and management elements of an Emergency Operations Plan to case studies and real-world scenarios. Learners who have received credit for PS4270 may not take CJ3620. 6 quarter credits
CJ4280 Research Applications in Criminal Justice 6 quarter credits This course introduces learners to the uses of criminal justice data collected by major federal criminal justice agencies and private entities. Learners explore the social and economic impact this data has on the United States and its citizens. Learners also learn how to communicate findings based on criminal justice research and commonly used data sources. Learners who have received credit for PS3955 and PS3960 may not take CJ4280. 6 quarter credits

Master's-Level Courses

Show all descriptions
EMG7011 Critical Infrastructure National Strategies and Policies 4 quarter credits In this course, learners assess the current critical infrastructure and key resources (CIKR) national strategies, National Infrastructure Protection Plan (NIPP), authorities, and policies. Learners also identify the requirements and responsibilities for management of the national system and analyze various theories and policies that would protect sustainable, resilient critical infrastructure systems. 4 quarter credits
EMG7012 Foundations of Continuity Management Programs 4 quarter credits In this course, learners investigate the components of business continuity management within the private and nonprofit sectors as well as the components of operations continuity within the public sector. Learners analyze the integrative requirements of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1600, Federal Continuity Directive (FCD) 1, and Continuity Guidance (CG) 1 and the theories that support continuity management. Learners examine theories of risk, risk perception, theories of systems, and systems thinking. Learners also strengthen their understanding of the need for continuity of operations and demonstrate their knowledge by developing an outline for a continuity management plan. 4 quarter credits
EMG7022 Risk Assessment for Continuity Programs 4 quarter credits This course is an introduction to risk assessment and risk management. Learners examine the relationship of risk assessment to an integrated emergency management and continuity program. Learners assess the meaning of business in the context of continuity planning and programming and identify the management need for an integrated plan, based on National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1600. In addition, learners gain and apply knowledge of Federal Continuity Directives (FCD) 1 and 2 and Continuity Guidance Circulars (CGC) 1 and 2. 4 quarter credits
EMG7042 Business Continuity Planning 4 quarter credits Learners in this course apply advanced knowledge and skills in continuity management and use risk assessment and impact strategies in the development of an annotated outline for a business continuity plan. Learners demonstrate knowledge of the metrics needed to assess performance. Learners also investigate the critical importance of effective continuity on organizational resilience. 4 quarter credits
CRJ7032 Life-Course and Biosocial Criminology 4 quarter credits In this course, learners articulate life-course and biosocial theories of crime, including the history, trends, and empirical status of various life-course and biosocial theories used to understand crime. Learners also examine the various fields of study from which the theories developed, such as developmental psychology, sociology, biology, and genetics; and analyze the key findings that emerge from these perspectives as well as the controversies experts are currently debating. 4 quarter credits
CRJ7035 Criminal Justice Policy and Administration 4 quarter credits This course focuses on the organizational challenges that criminal justice leadership typically encounters in contemporary society. Learners critically examine the intended and unintended effects of political, social, and legal policies and pressures on how criminal justice organizations function. Learners assess organizational and administrative theories, strategic models, and best practices for leadership and administration in criminal justice. Learners analyze innovative policies and change initiatives to achieve specific ethical and functional objectives. Prerequisite(s): CRJ7015, PSL7030; or PSL5002 or PSF5002 or PSL8002 or PSF8002. 4 quarter credits
CRJ7045 Crime Intelligence Analysis 4 quarter credits In this course, learners assess the role and significance of community relationships in criminal investigations. Learners investigate current criminal justice information systems and computer applications in analysis and projection of crime patterns. Learners evaluate and apply approaches to resolve community crime problems through partnerships. Learners also analyze the effectiveness of a community-based program related to criminal justice intelligence operations. Prerequisite(s): CRJ7015, PSL7030. 4 quarter credits

Make the most of your credits

Your graduate certificate can stand alone to demonstrate your specialized knowledge, but because each certificate program is comprised of master’s- doctoral-, or bachelor’s-level courses, you can apply the credits you earn to a degree program in the same area.3

³A maximum of three courses taken as a Capella nondegree student can be applied to a subsequent Capella degree program.

Ready to take the next step?

Get started—there’s no application fee when applying for an individual course as a non-degree learner. We'll connect you with an enrollment specialist trained in your area of interest who can assist you with any questions you may have.

Call Us: 1.877.855.3690