Hybrid National Criminal Justice Command College

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Overview

The Hybrid National Criminal Justice Command College is a distinguished program for mid-to-upper-level law enforcement and public safety leaders. Focused on leadership, innovation and collaboration, the program inspires students to challenge traditional assumptions and provides an integrated, forward-looking approach to solving contemporary public safety challenges. This executive education experience is distinct from other leadership courses in its focus on statewide operations, inter-jurisdictional coordination, policy influence, and large-scale command strategy.

We welcome law enforcement professionals from all agencies across the nation to join this extended program, which is offered offered through an online and in-person hybrid format. 

Format and Delivery

Students will take five courses in a hybrid model, including:

• Course 1: Five-day residency at the University of Virginia, followed by 4 weeks of online training
• Course 2: Eight weeks of online training
• Course 3: Five-day residency at the University of Virginia, followed by 4 weeks of online training
• Course 4: Eight-weeks of online training
• Course 5:  Two-week residency in DC and at the University of Virginia

Students will experience practical, scenario-based learning with thought leadership from experienced law enforcement executives, university faculty, and national-level practitioners.

Upcoming Program Dates:

• Spring 2027 start: February 1 - September 2, 2027

Program Completion

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Upon completion, graduates will receive a certificate from the University of Virginia, depending on their level of coursework, and will earn 15 undergraduate or 15 graduate-level credits. 

Command College graduate credits are transferrable into UVA’s Master of Public Safety (MPS) program and meet half of the program requirements for a UVA MPS degree.  

Undergraduate level credits are transferrable into UVA’s Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) program.

Key Takeaways

• Students take five courses over approximately seven months, split between in-person and online courses
• Traditional and specialized law enforcement agencies are encouraged to nominate personnel. Law enforcement personnel from federal, state, local, tribal, college, university, capitol/legislative, ABC, investigative agencies, etc. are eligible for nomination. Please reach out to a pre-admissions advisor with eligibility questions.
• This curriculum is essential for law enforcement leaders from agencies of any size, and from any geographic location across the United States or internationally.

Admission Requirements and Deadlines

Application Deadlines:

• Apply by November 1 to begin in February.

Application Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent for undergraduate-level Command College certificate program
• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education for admission to graduate-level Command College certificate program 

How to Apply:

1. Begin the application process (or nominate someone else) by submitting this form. 
2. We will provide you with the next step, which includes the completion of the online application. You will need:

• Unofficial transcripts. Applicants who are offered admission will be required at that time to submit official transcripts prior to attending the University. Offers of admission are not binding until official transcripts are received and verified
• Resume
• Letter of nomination or recommendation from your commanding officer
• Statement of purpose describing motivation, interests, and goals (250-500 words)

Tuition and Fees

Estimated cost: $7,665 in-state and out-of-state for undergraduate; $9,915 in-state and out-of-state for graduate. 

• Students/law enforcement agency are responsible for lodging, meals, transportation, and incidental expenses
• This program is not eligible for financial aid but may be covered by your employer’s education benefits program.
• Additional fees may apply, including course materials. Tuition rates are adjusted annually.

Please visit University of Virginia Military Education Benefits page for more information on benefits available.

Scholarships

New and returning students in certificate or degree programs in the School of Continuing and Professional Studies are eligible to apply for the Enslaved Ancestors College Access Scholarship Program. 

Required Courses

These courses are part of the National Criminal Justice Command College. A formal application for admission is required to register for these courses.

PSCJ 4310 | PSCJ 5310: Organizational and Personal Development

This course is designed to enhance the leadership skills of state, local, and county law enforcement officials; sheriffs; and executives from corrections and private and corporate security. This is one course in a five-course program, three credits per course, for the National Criminal Justice Command College. This course provides the introduction to the Command College as well as the synthesis of the other four courses. It will present an introduction to management and leadership and will include assessments for style. The last week will focus on the future with individual capstone presentations of their goals and what they will take with them.

PSCJ 4320 | PSCJ 5320: Leadership, Management and Communication

This course is designed to enhance the leadership, management, and communication skills of state, local, and county law enforcement officials; sheriffs; and executives from corrections and private and corporate security. This is one course in a five-course series for the National Criminal Justice Command College. This course will cover basic management skills, generational differences, situational leadership and leadership styles from Jefferson and Madison.

PSCJ 4330 | PSCJ 5330: Leadership and Criminal Justice

This course is designed to enhance the leadership and forensic skills of state, local, and county law enforcement officials; sheriffs; and executives from corrections and private and corporate security. This is one course in a five-course program, three credits per course, for the National Criminal Justice Command College. Both weeks of this course will be presented by experts in the area of criminal justice and will include law enforcement specific topics and leadership. These topics will include terrorism, post traumatic stress, work and schoolplace violence, crimes against children, media training, and many more.

PSCJ 4340 | PSCJ 5340: Negotiation and Collaboration

This course is designed to enhance the negotiation and collaboration skills of state, local, and county law enforcement officials; sheriffs; and executives from corrections and private and corporate security. This is one course in a five-course program, three credits per course, for the National Criminal Justice Command College. During this course participants will discuss the various aspects and concepts of the negotiating process and apply concepts learned in class dealing negotiation and collaboration situations faced by law enforcement officials. It will also include a hands-on panel discussion, a case study, and presentations by individuals who have effectively implemented collaborative efforts.

PSCJ 4350 | PSCJ 5350: Individual and Organizational Effectiveness

This course is designed to enhance the individual and organizational skills of state, local, and county law enforcement officials; sheriffs; and executives from corrections and private and corporate security.  This is one course in a five-course program, three credits per course, for the National Criminal Justice Command College. This course will provide overall concepts of team building, situational leadership, leadership techniques, and performance management. A portion of the course will be held off-site at an equine facility with classroom work dealing with trust, communication, and application to their workplace.

* The information contained on this website is for informational purposes only. The Undergraduate Record and Graduate Record represent the official repository for academic program requirements.