Online Criminal Sentencing and Sentencing Advocacy Graduate Certificate
Are you passionate about restorative justice? Gain the expertise to advocate for defendants and promote fair sentencing with Arizona State University’s online graduate certificate in criminal sentencing and sentencing advocacy. Graduates gain the specialized knowledge needed to work as a mitigation specialist and support justice-centered outcomes in court systems.
Quick facts
Next start date: 08/21/2025
Total classes: 5
Weeks per class: 7.5
Total credit hours: 15
Prepare for a career as a mitigation specialist and other sentencing advocacy roles

Will my certificate say 'online'?
No, Arizona State University’s certificates and diplomas don’t specify whether you earn them online or in person. All certificates, diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”
Criminal sentencing and sentencing advocacy courses
You’ll take courses in pre-sentence investigations, race and ethnicity, victimization and more. The training and credentials you’ll gain in these courses will support your advancement in the field of criminal sentencing. Courses may include:
Mitigation specialist and more: The jobs you’ll be readied for
When paired with a relevant degree and work experience, this graduate certificate can open career paths in courtrooms, forensic agencies, social work and more.
With this training, you may pursue roles such as:
Learn from professionals in the field of advocacy
The impressive faculty in the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions inspire the next generation of public service leaders through real-world solutions to issues in areas such as child welfare, safety, city management, human trafficking and water scarcity. Faculty highlights include:
- Fellow of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences
- Fellow of the American Psychological Association
- Member of the National Academy of Public Administration
Learn from professionals in the field of advocacy
The impressive faculty in the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions inspire the next generation of public service leaders through real-world solutions to issues in areas such as child welfare, safety, city management, human trafficking and water scarcity. Faculty highlights include:
- Fellow of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences
- Fellow of the American Psychological Association
- Member of the National Academy of Public Administration
How to apply
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions.
Nationally recognized public service programs
The Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions is a comprehensive public service college dedicated to addressing social problems through teaching, research and service. Our programs, which range from public policy and social work to criminal justice and emergency management, are designed to prepare graduates to make a difference in their communities.
#2
best graduate homeland security and emergency management programs, according to U.S. News & World Report
#2
in the U.S. and #7 in the world for hospitality, leisure, sport and tourism, according to the Center for World University Rankings
Top 5
Master of Nonprofit Leadership and Management Programs in the nation, according to U.S. News & Report
Top 10
best online master's in criminal justice programs for veterans, according to U.S. News & World Report
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.