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Evidence-Based Practices in Corrections Certificate

College of Community Studies and Public Affairs / School of Criminology and Criminal Justice
Undergraduate certificate

About The Program

Remote video URL

The Evidence-Based Practices in Corrections Certificate prepares students for working with justice-involved individuals. Developed in partnership with the Hennepin County Department of Community Corrections and Rehabilitation, this one-semester program provides the training and empirical basis for the techniques and tools used by correctional professionals in the field. Students gain the expertise they need to help facilitate changes in behavior, including:

  • the research behind evidence-based practices
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • the Risk-Need-Responsivity model
  • administering risk/needs assessments (i.e., the Level of Service/ Case Management Inventory)
  • cognitive-behavioral interventions
  • facilitating groups
  • combining all of these skills to develop an effective case plan

Student outcomes

Students will be able to:

  • understand the relationship between academic knowledge and the practical application of that knowledge in working with the justice-involved client
  • understand how various evidence-based practice (EBP) interventions and practices relate to and support each other
  • identify the eight principles of effective intervention and supporting theory
  • demonstrate and model interviewing skills, Motivational Interviewing (MI) skills, critical thinking skills and problem solving skills
  • understand and apply the Risk Need Responsivity (RNR) model
  • examine the research behind cognitive behavioral interventions (CBI) and what it looks like in the field of corrections, including facilitating CBI groups
  • demonstrate how EBP, MI, RNR and CBI inform the case planning process

How to enroll

Program eligibility requirements

The EBP Certificate is designed to prepare professionals for the realities of the field. Success requires dedication and consistency—just like the job.

  • Who Can Apply: You’re eligible if you’re already a Metro State student or if you have at least one year of college or relevant experience in criminal justice, corrections, or human services. You’ll need access to observe a correctional group, which may mean passing a background check.
  • Course Schedule: You’ll take all four EBP courses together in one semester (12 credits). This is a demanding, cohort-based program—just like the work itself. It is comprised of evening classes (two nights per week, 3.25 hours each) and Saturday sessions (one per month for 8 hours).
  • Curriculum: Mirrors the training probation officers in Minnesota receive on the job. Graduates enter the field with practical skills that make them competitive and ready to make an immediate impact with clients.
  • Attendance: 90% minimum required. Because courses build practical skills, attendance is mandatory.
  • Delivery: All courses are taught virtually via Zoom, although delivery formats may change depending on circumstances.
  • Grades: To earn the certificate (recognized by Hennepin County as equal to one year of work experience), you need a B or better in every course. If you’re using the courses as electives toward the Criminal Justice BA, a C- or better is required. Students who fail any course are not eligible for the certificate, and missed courses cannot be made up.

Questions? Contact EBP Coordinator Jocelyn Worden, at jocelyn.worden@metrostate.edu

How to enroll

Evidence-Based Practices (EBP) in Corrections is offered as a stand-alone 12-credit undergraduate certificate or as an elective focus area within the Criminal Justice BA, fulfilling the major’s directive elective requirement.

Our program begins every spring, and space in each cohort is limited. We encourage you to apply in the fall to secure your spot. Early applications give the university time to process required transcripts from high schools or transfer colleges, which can take several weeks.

Don’t wait—apply early to avoid delays and ensure full consideration.

Application instructions

Step 1: Apply for admission to Metro State

Be sure to indicate that you wish to enroll in the Evidence-Based Practices in Corrections Certificate. You can upload a copy of your driver’s license with the application form, or show it in person at Gateway Student Services.

Step 2: After admission

Courses and Requirements

SKIP TO COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Students must complete all four courses concurrently in the same semester, typically in spring, owing to the consecutive presentation of content. Classes meet two evenings per week and one Saturday per month on average. To earn the professional certificate, recognized by the Hennepin County Department of Community Corrections and Rehabilitation as equivalent to one year of work experience, students must achieve a grade of at least B in all four courses. For directive elective credit toward the Criminal Justice BA, a minimum grade of C- is required.

For more information, contact Dr. Lesli Blair: lesli.blair@metrostate.edu

Course Requirements (12 credits)

+ Evidence Based Practices in Corrections

Special permission is required to register. Criminal Justice majors can apply these credits toward their directed electives requirement.

This course will introduce students to the history, practice and theory of Evidence-based Practice in the field of corrections/criminal justice. Students will explore the principles of effective intervention through highly interactive activities and discussion. Students will discuss and identify personal goals to enhance professional effectiveness.

Full course description for Core Concepts: Evidence-Based Practices in Corrections 1

The goal in corrections is to reduce risk of reoffending and help clients change their thinking and behavior. This course utilizes strategies within a case planning process by addressing criminogenic needs that most effectively protect the public and effect change in the client's criminal behavior. This will teach you a process for creating initial case plans in partnership with clients, as well as a process for ongoing case plan development.

Full course description for Case Planning: Evidence-Based Practices in Corrections 3

This course introduces students to basic counseling skills to be used with clients dealing with a variety of issues including family challenges and substance use disorders. As such, it is designed to help students develop essential helping skills needed for client engagement, follow-through, completion and overall therapeutic effectiveness. It includes examination and practice Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing, techniques central to helping others across a range of issues including substance use disorders. Specific skills covered include developing rapport, building empathy and active listening, encouraging trust, self-disclosure, immediacy, questioning and evoking, addressing discrepancies, etc. This course is highly experiential in its format. Students will participate in classroom exercises, role plays, and video-taping and self-assessment of counseling skills.

Full course description for Counseling and Interviewing Skills