In-Person National Criminal Justice Command College

Program Details

The National Criminal Justice Command College is accepting applications for exceptional law enforcement leaders to attend its next in-person cohort. Early application is encouraged for this highly competitive program.

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This intensive, 10-week residential program is for mid-to-upper-level law enforcement leaders from across the country. Focused on leadership, innovation and collaboration, the Command College inspires students to challenge traditional assumptions and provides an integrated, forward-looking approach to solving contemporary public safety challenges.

A collaborative partnership of the University of Virginia and the Virginia State Police, the program takes place in central Virginia, with some portions hosted on the campus of the University of Virginia and other portions hosted at the Virginia State Police training center.

Upon completion, graduates will receive a certificate from the University of Virginia 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.

Upcoming Program Dates:

• Summer 2026 start: July 6 - September 17, 2026 (deadline to apply is April 1, 2026)
• Summer 2027 start: July 12 - September 23, 2027 (deadline to apply is April 1, 2027)

Key Takeaways

• The program runs July through September.
• Students take 5 courses over 10 weeks.
• Traditional and specialized law enforcement agencies are encouraged to apply. Law enforcement personnel from federal, state, local, tribal, college, university, capitol/legislative, ABC, investigative agencies, etc. are eligible.
• 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 & Deadlines

Application Deadlines:

• Apply by April 1 to begin in July

Applications Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent for undergraduate-level NCJCC certificate program
• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution for admission to graduate-level NCJCC 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 & Fees

Estimated cost: For 2026-2027, $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. 

*Rates are subject to change annually by the Board of Visitors.

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

See Tuition Details

Scholarships

Enslaved Ancestors College Access Scholarship Program

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 scheduled from mid-July through late September. A formal application for admission is required to register for these courses.

PSCJ 4310 | PSCJ 5310: Organizational and Personal Development

Two-week program 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

Two-week program 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

Two-week program 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

Two-week program 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

Two-week program 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.