Evidence-Based Practices in Corrections Certificate
The Evidence-Based Practices Certificate builds in-demand skills for working effectively with individuals and groups across social services, behavioral health, and justice-related fields. Designed for students in criminal justice, police science, psychology, social work, human services, and related majors, the program focuses on practical strategies to support behavior change, improve outcomes, and engage diverse populations. Classes are offered fully online, providing the flexibility to build career-ready skills on your schedule.Students develop practical competencies in:applying evidence-based research to real-world practicemotivational interviewing to build trust and support changeusing the Risk-Need-Responsivity (RNR) model to guide decision-makingconducting structured risk and needs assessmentscognitive-behavioral approaches to address thinking and behavior patternsfacilitating groups and leading structured interventionsdeveloping individualized, goal-oriented case plansDeveloped in partnership with the Hennepin County Department of Community Corrections and Rehabilitation, this one-semester certificate is recognized by the department as equivalent to one year of professional work experience—giving graduates a meaningful credential and a clear advantage in the job market. Graduates go on to work in community corrections and related fields, including adult and juvenile probation, community supervision, case management, reentry services, and program delivery—advancing into senior programming and public safety leadership positions over time.