how long is a phd in criminal justice

Exploring (PhD) Doctorates in Criminal Justice: Programs, Benefits, and More

Are you considering doctorates in criminal justice? The decision to pursue this advanced degree can open up a world of opportunities for both your professional and personal growth. With various specializations, program formats, and financial aspects to consider, it’s essential to understand the ins and outs of criminal justice doctoral programs. In this guide, we’ll guide you through the key considerations, specializations, and admission requirements, ensuring you make an informed decision and unlock your full potential in the criminal justice field.

What you’re about to learn in this guide :

Careful consideration of career goals, program format and accreditation is essential when pursuing a Doctorate in Criminal Justice.

Programs offer specializations to support students’ diverse interests, with options such as Homeland Security, Organizational Leadership and Public Administration available.

Admission requirements include a master’s degree or equivalent experience along with coursework and dissertation research for completion.

Pursuing a Doctorate in Criminal Justice: Key Considerations

Earning a doctorate in criminal justice represents a significant investment for your future. Selecting a program that aligns with your career goals, suits your preferred learning format, and maintains the highest quality standards is essential. This selection process involves three key considerations: career goals, program format, and accreditation. A careful evaluation of these aspects will ensure that your chosen criminal justice degree program fully caters to your educational needs and career objectives.

Courses in a doctorate in criminal justice program typically cover advanced criminological theory, criminal justice forecasting, behavioral science and the law, and other topics pertinent to the field. With a wide variety of specializations and concentrations available, such as homeland security, organizational leadership, and policing, aspiring criminal justice professionals can tailor their education to their specific interests and career goals.

Career Goals

A doctorate in criminal justice can open doors to a range of advanced positions in education, research, and policymaking. Graduates may find employment opportunities as postsecondary educators, forensic scientists, or sociologists, with salaries ranging from $60,000 to $86,000, depending on the position.

Online criminal justice programs offer flexibility for working professionals and mid-career individuals, allowing them to choose from full-time or part-time enrollment options and synchronous or self-paced learning formats.

Furthermore, students pursuing a PhD in criminal justice, a doctoral degree in the field, have access to a wealth of networking opportunities, such as online forums, webinars, virtual conferences, and alumni networks.

Program Format

Selecting a criminal justice doctoral program involves careful consideration of the format that best suits your learning style and personal circumstances. Online doctorates in criminal justice offer different learning styles, such as synchronous or asynchronous course delivery, and hybrid study options that combine online and in-person learning. Some programs allow students to choose one style or the other, while others offer a combination of both.

Doctoral candidates may also select between full-time or part-time enrollment, depending on their needs and availability. For example, National University offers an online format for its Doctor of Criminal Justice program.

Accreditation

Accreditation is a critical factor that guarantees the quality of your doctoral program in criminal justice. It assures a qualified education and should be taken into account when choosing your program.

Regional accreditation is more rigorous and generally preferred over national accreditation. For instance, National University’s Doctor of Criminal Justice program is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). By choosing an accredited program, you can be confident that your education will be recognized by employers, professional organizations, and other higher education institutions.

Specializations Within Criminal Justice Doctoral Programs

Criminal justice is a vast field with numerous sub-disciplines, and doctoral programs often offer a range of specializations to cater to the diverse interests of their students. Some common specializations in criminal justice include:

Homeland security

Organizational leadership

Public administration

These specializations allow students to focus their studies on specific areas of criminal justice, including federal agencies.

Choosing a specialization that matches your career goals and interests will allow you to develop in-depth expertise and boost your professional opportunities in the criminal justice field.

Homeland Security

A specialization in homeland security offers students a range of educational opportunities. It helps them develop knowledge and skills to excel in fields like:

Law enforcement

Public safety

Emergency medical care

Disaster preparedness

This specialization is particularly suitable for individuals currently employed in law enforcement who wish to broaden their understanding and open up new career opportunities. Graduates with a focus on homeland security will acquire essential leadership competencies required to assume executive leadership positions within a company.

Organizational Leadership

The organizational leadership specialization emphasizes the understanding and practice of organizational leadership within the criminal justice field. It utilizes an interdisciplinary approach that combines principles from business and criminal justice to cultivate effective leadership skills in managing criminal justice organizations.

Graduates with a focus on organizational leadership will be well-equipped to:

Lead and manage both public and private organizations within the criminal justice field

Enhance their career prospects

Make a meaningful impact on their communities.

A specialization in policing provides a unique opportunity for law enforcement professionals to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the field and broaden their career prospects. Students in the policing concentration will investigate topics such as effective police tactics and techniques, public policy matters, and leadership theories.

This specialization is best suited for individuals currently employed in law enforcement who seek to enhance their expertise and open up new career opportunities.

Public Administration

Public administration is a critical component of the criminal justice system, and a specialization in this area prepares graduates for management roles in both the nonprofit and government sectors. The public administration specialization centers on the application of theoretical knowledge to the practice of public administration in the context of criminal justice. It encompasses studying topics such as public management, leadership, and the connection between public policy and criminal justice.

Online vs. Traditional Campus-Based Doctorates in Criminal Justice

The choice between an online and traditional campus-based doctorate in criminal justice is often influenced by personal preferences, learning style, and availability. Online programs offer flexibility and convenience for working professionals, with the ability to complete coursework and assignments according to their own timeline. Additionally, online programs typically provide access to resources and materials 24/7, granting students continuous access to course materials and lectures. However, online programs may lack the face-to-face interaction with faculty and peers that traditional campus-based programs provide, which can impact networking opportunities and access to resources.

On the other hand, traditional campus-based doctorates in criminal justice offer the following benefits:

Face-to-face interaction with faculty and peers

Access to resources

Networking opportunities

Hands-on internships

Networking events

Professional associations

These opportunities further enhance students’ professional development.

Ultimately, the choice between online and traditional campus-based programs will depend on your personal circumstances and preferences, as well as the specific program and institution you are considering.

Flexibility and Convenience

Online programs offer a high degree of flexibility and convenience, especially for working professionals who need to balance their work and academic commitments. With full-time or part-time enrollment options and synchronous or self-paced learning formats, online programs can be tailored to suit individual needs.

Students can benefit from online programs in several ways:

They can complete coursework and assignments on their own schedules.

They can access resources and materials at any time.

Online programs are an attractive option for those with busy lives or those who live far from a campus.

Networking Opportunities

Networking plays a significant role in professional development, and the opportunities for networking can vary between online and traditional campus-based doctorates in criminal justice. While online programs offer networking opportunities through online forums, webinars, virtual conferences, and alumni networks, traditional campus-based programs provide one-on-one faculty mentoring, hands-on internships, networking events, and access to an alumni network.

The choice between online and traditional campus-based programs will depend on your personal preferences and the level of interaction you desire with faculty and peers in order to build your professional network.

Access to Resources

When considering an online or traditional campus-based doctorate in criminal justice, access to resources such as libraries, research facilities, and other resources is a crucial factor. While online programs may provide access to online databases, journals, and other resources, traditional campus-based programs offer the advantage of physical access to libraries, research facilities, and other related facilities.

Weighing the importance of access to these resources in your decision-making process will help you choose the right criminal justice doctoral program for you.

Financial Aspects of Doctoral Programs in Criminal Justice

Pursuing a doctorate in criminal justice represents a notable investment, making it indispensable to understand the financial aspects of your chosen program. Here are some key points to consider:

Tuition costs for doctoral programs in criminal justice can vary depending on the university and program format.

The average cost for 2021 is estimated at $114,300.

However, the return on investment for graduates with a doctorate in criminal justice can be substantial.

Potential salary ranges between $60,000 and $126,000, depending on the position.

To help finance your doctoral education, scholarships, grants, and loans are available to assist with funding. Here are some options:

Scholarships: These may be available from universities, organizations, and private donors.

Grants: These may be available from universities, organizations, and government agencies for specific research projects or to cover tuition costs.

Loans: Banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions may offer loans to cover tuition costs or living expenses for doctoral students in criminal justice.

Tuition Costs

The tuition costs for doctoral programs in criminal justice can vary widely depending on factors such as the school, program format, and whether the student is eligible for military tuition discounts. Generally, per-credit costs for online criminal justice doctorate degrees range from $550 to $1,000.

It is essential to research the tuition costs of the specific programs you’re considering and factor them into your decision-making process.

Financial Aid Options

Financial aid options for doctoral students in criminal justice include scholarships, grants, and loans. Scholarships may be merit-based, need-based, or awarded for specific research projects, and can be offered by universities, organizations, and private donors.

Grants, which can be available from universities, organizations, and government agencies, may be provided for specific research projects or to cover tuition costs. Additionally, banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions may offer loans to cover tuition costs or living expenses for doctoral students in criminal justice.

Exploring these financial aid options can help ease the financial burden of pursuing a doctorate in criminal justice.

Return on Investment

The potential return on investment for individuals with a doctorate in criminal justice can be significant, as it can lead to increased salaries and job growth prospects. Graduates with a doctorate in criminal justice may anticipate a salary range from $50,000 to $100,000 or higher, contingent upon the position and location.

Job growth for individuals who hold a doctorate in criminal justice is expected to remain consistent over the next 10 years. Considering the potential return on investment is an essential factor in deciding whether to pursue a doctorate in criminal justice.

Admission Requirements and Application Process

Understanding the admission requirements and application process is key when applying for a criminal justice doctoral program, as it contributes to a successful application. These requirements typically include:

Educational background, such as a master’s degree and minimum GPA

Standardized test scores

Letters of recommendation

Resume and work experience

By meeting these requirements and submitting a well-rounded application, you increase your chances of being accepted into the program of your choice.

Besides these requirements, researching employment, certification, and/or licensure requirements in your state and verifying that the courses/programs meet the necessary qualifications with the relevant certification/licensing body is also important. This will ensure that your education aligns with your career goals and that you are prepared for success in your chosen field.

Educational Background

The usual educational prerequisites for admission to a criminal justice doctoral program include a master’s degree and a minimum GPA, often ranging between 3.0 and 3.5, contingent upon the program. Additionally, the credit hour requirements for admission to a doctoral program in criminal justice may vary depending on the program, but typically a minimum of 54-60 credit hours is required.

Ensuring that your educational background meets these requirements is crucial for a successful application.

Test Scores

In the admission process for criminal justice doctoral programs, standardized test scores, such as the GRE or GMAT, carry significant weight. These scores are used to evaluate the academic preparedness of applicants and to compare applicants in order to identify those who are most suitable for the program.

Preparing for standardized tests by studying the material, taking practice tests, and becoming familiar with the test format can greatly increase your chances of success in the application process. Our goal is to prepare students for these challenges and help them achieve their academic goals.

Letters of Recommendation

In the application process for doctoral programs in criminal justice, letters of recommendation play a key role. These letters should ideally come from professors who are familiar with your academic qualifications and can attest to your potential for success in a doctoral program.

It’s essential to request these letters well in advance of the application deadline and provide your recommenders with all the necessary information to write a strong and compelling letter on your behalf.

Resume and Work Experience

Within the application process for criminal justice doctoral programs, professional experience is a critical element. Applicants should emphasize their accomplishments, unique skills, and knowledge in their resumes, showcasing any leadership roles and special projects they have completed.

Additionally, applicants should provide comprehensive accounts of their roles and responsibilities in their former positions, as well as list any awards or commendations they have received in relation to their work. Demonstrating your professional experience in your application can significantly enhance your chances of being accepted into a criminal justice doctoral program.

Doctoral Program Coursework and Research

A typical criminal justice doctoral program includes core courses, elective courses, and a dissertation process. These components ensure that students develop a strong foundation in criminal justice theory and practice, as well as the skills necessary to conduct original research and make meaningful contributions to the field.

Gaining a deep understanding of the coursework and research components of a criminal justice doctoral program is crucial for success in both your studies and your future career.

Core Courses

In criminal justice doctoral programs, core courses lay the groundwork for studying criminal justice. These courses encompass topics like:

Criminal law

Criminal justice systems

Criminology

Research methods

For example, the Advanced Criminological Theory course delves into the common causes of crime and criminal behavior, providing instruction on crime theory from a scientific and philosophical viewpoint. These core courses equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in their criminal justice careers and contribute to advancements in the field.

Elective Courses

Elective courses within criminal justice doctoral programs enable students to customize their education according to their specific interests and career aspirations. These courses may vary depending on the chosen specialization, covering topics such as research methods, criminal justice policy, and criminal justice theory.

By selecting elective courses that align with your interests and career objectives, you can enhance your expertise in your chosen area of criminal justice and ensure a well-rounded education.

Dissertation and Research

The dissertation process, a pivotal element of any criminal justice doctoral program, necessitates students to conduct original research and contribute significantly to the field. The process generally consists of:

Selecting a research topic

Performing a literature review

Formulating a research methodology

Gathering and evaluating data

Composing and defending the dissertation.

Successfully completing a dissertation and conducting original research demonstrates your expertise in the criminal justice field and serves as a testament to your dedication and commitment to advancing the discipline.

In conclusion, pursuing a doctorate in criminal justice is a significant investment in your future, offering a wealth of opportunities for professional growth and personal development. By carefully considering key factors such as career goals, program format, and accreditation, selecting the right specialization, and understanding the financial aspects and admission requirements, you can make an informed decision and unlock your full potential in the criminal justice field. Whether you choose an online or traditional campus-based program , a doctorate in criminal justice can set you on the path to a rewarding and fulfilling career .

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a phd in criminal justice worth it.

A PhD in criminal justice can provide a path to high-level jobs in policy, administration, research, academia, and more. It can equip individuals with the knowledge and experience necessary to pursue roles such as sheriff, undersheriff, chief of police, policy analyst, forensic investigator, and more. Therefore, a PhD in criminal justice is worth it.

What does a PhD in criminal justice do?

A PhD in criminal justice can open up a range of career opportunities, such as policy analysis, forensics, investigation, and management. It can also prepare professionals for roles in law enforcement, academia, government agencies, and emergency management.

What is a PhD in criminal justice called?

With a Doctor of Criminal Justice (D.C.J.) degree, you are prepared to take on administrative, research, academic or professional positions in the criminal justice field. Your diploma will say Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice.

What are the benefits of pursuing a doctorate in criminal justice?

Pursuing a doctorate in criminal justice can open the door to advanced positions with higher salaries and job growth prospects, allowing you to make an impact in areas of education, research, and policymaking.

How long does it take to complete a criminal justice doctoral program?

Completing a criminal justice doctoral program typically takes between 4 and 6 years.

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Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice  Unit: College of Arts and Sciences (GA) Department: Criminal Justice Program Webpage   Academic Plan Code(s): JA_ _PHD

Program Information

The Department of Criminal Justice offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice. The PhD in Criminal Justice prepares graduates for academic careers (e.g., teaching and research) as well as public sector (e.g., research, policy analysis and development, planning, program development and evaluation) organizations.

The program consists of a core curriculum and electives that students may use to develop their particular areas of specialization. The core provides a broad orientation and the electives enable students to develop expertise in a particular field. The curriculum requires 54 credit hours: 18 credit hours of core courses, 18 credit hours of specialization courses, six (6) credit hours of qualifying project, and twelve (12) credit hours of dissertation research. Students qualify for official candidacy to the PhD by satisfactorily completing all course work and the qualifying project.    

Admission Requirements 

• Completed graduate application  
• Official transcripts showing all degrees awarded and all undergraduate and graduate work (all courses) completed from each accredited college/university previously attended
• Three letters of recommendation
• Personal statement
• Writing sample 
• Curriculum vitae (CV) or resume

Additionally, applicants must show evidence, on their transcript, of the completion of both graduate-level statistics and research methods courses.  The Department of Criminal Justice has adopted the Council of Graduate Schools recommendation for a holistic approach to our admission criteria.  Successful applicants will typically have strong scores on the standardized test, a strong undergraduate and master's degree record, and excellent letters of recommendation that speak to the nominee's scholarly ability and potential to succeed in a doctoral program.  However, candidates may have other documented strengths that speak to the potential for success as evidenced by: prior research experience; exceptional community engagement or service; leadership experience; evidence of creativity or resilience; unique experiences or background that will contribute to our program. The holistic review of applications allows our faculty to select the students who best fit the research areas offered within the department. 

Those applicants whose native language is not English and who do not hold a degree from a university where the language of instruction is English must also submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), with a minimum score of 80 on the Internet-based test (iBT); IELTS scores of at least 6.5 overall band score from the academic module exam; or Duolingo overall score of 105.

Both full and part-time study is permitted. Part-time students are required to meet residency requirements consisting of four continuous semesters of enrollment and participation in departmental activities offered to meet the need for scholarly integration and academic immersion in the program.

Degree Requirements

Electives outside the department must be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies

Criminal Justice Electives

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Criminology and Criminal Justice, PhD

• Program description
• At a glance
• Degree requirements
• Admission requirements
• Tuition information
• Application deadlines
• Program learning outcomes
• Career opportunities
• Contact information

Advocacy, Corrections, Criminal Justice, Criminology, Justice, Police, Policing, Social Justice, Violence, law, sociology

Ranked No. 2 in the nation by U.S News & World Report, this doctoral program prepares you for success in numerous and varied professions. You can work with professors on innovative research projects exploring a range of important topics and study with world-renowned faculty.

The School of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Arizona State University offers an on-campus program of coursework and research leading to the PhD in criminology and criminal justice.

This program emphasizes criminal justice theory, research and policy, and is designed to produce highly skilled criminology and criminal justice faculty and agency researchers and administrators.

The doctoral program is organized around a core of required courses in research methods, analytic techniques, criminological theory, and policies and practices in the criminal justice system. The program offers distinctive elective courses in criminology, criminal justice and related fields. To complete the program, students complete both a comprehensive examination and a doctoral dissertation.

• College/school: Watts College of Public Service & Community Solut
• Location: Downtown Phoenix

84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation

Required Core (12 credit hours) CRJ 601 Seminar on Criminological Theory (3) CRJ 602 Seminar on Criminal Justice Policies and Practices (3) CRJ 604 Regression Models (3) CRJ 605 Topics in Quantitative Methods (3)

Theory Coursework (6 credit hours) CRJ 521 Topics in Psychological Criminology (3) CRJ 523 Seminar in Network Criminology (3) CRJ 524 Theories of Punishment (3) CRJ 525 Seminar on Life-course Criminology (3)

Criminal Justice Systems Coursework (9 credit hours) CRJ 512 Seminar in Policing (3) CRJ 513 Seminar in Courts and Sentencing (3) CRJ 514 Seminar in Corrections (3) CRJ 517 Seminar on Juvenile Delinquency and Juvenile Justice (3)

Criminal Procedures Coursework (3 credit hours) CRJ 537 Criminal Procedure of Investigations for Social and Forensic Scientists (3) CRJ 538 Criminal Law and Social Control (3) CRJ 539 Topics in Law, Crime and Justice (3)

Research Methods (6 credit hours) CRJ 510 Criminal Justice Planning and Program Evaluation (3) CRJ 531 Crime Mapping (3) CRJ 540 Qualitative Methods (3) CRJ 560 Topics in Research Methods (3)

Electives (36 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) CRJ 799 Dissertation (12)

Additional Curriculum Information A maximum of 30 credit hours of coursework from a previously awarded master's degree or JD may, with approval of the supervisory committee and the Graduate College, be applied toward the doctoral plan of study.

For the theory, criminal justice systems, criminal procedures and research methods courses, students select the number of required credit hours from the list provided. Other courses may be substituted with approval of the academic unit.

The following professional development workshop courses are recommended but not required: CRJ 614 Professional Development Workshop I: Professionalization CRJ 615 Professional Development Workshop II: Preparing to Teach Effectively CRJ 616 Professional Development Workshop III: Navigating the Academic Job Market in CCJ

All students must demonstrate proficiency in research design as well as quantitative and qualitative methods.

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions.

Applicants will often hold a master's degree from an accredited institution; it may be in criminal justice, criminology or another field (e.g., sociology, political science, history, social work, public administration, psychology or philosophy). Our program also allows for direct admission into our doctoral program for highly qualified students with only a bachelor's degree; these students will earn their master's degree along the way to completing their doctoral degree.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

• graduate admission application and application fee
• official transcripts
• two letters of recommendation
• current curriculum vitae or resume
• personal statement
• sample of the applicant's written work
• proof of English proficiency.

Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency. Requirements can be found on the admission services website .

Official transcripts must be submitted from every university or institution from which a degree was awarded.

The letters of recommendation must be from faculty members or others qualified to evaluate the applicant's academic potential for doctoral study.

The personal statement should not exceed five pages, and it should describe the applicant's prior education, relevant professional experience and career goals. The statement must explain how the doctorate in criminology and criminal justice will help the applicant attain their goals. The statement should explicitly explain how the student's plans are consistent with the role and mission of the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice at ASU.

The applicant's sample of written work should be submitted electronically. The writing sample may be an article (published or unpublished), a research paper or any other extended sample of expository skill, and the sample must be no longer than 35 pages. Longer writing samples should not be submitted without first consulting the graduate director. Documents should not be password protected. Acceptable file types are .rtf, .pdf, and .doc.

Students should see the unit website for application deadlines.

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program has the following program outcomes:

• Apply appropriate theoretical principles and procedures to issues and problems at the frontiers of criminology and the criminal justice system.
• Select appropriate data collection and data analysis techniques for conducting criminology and criminal justice research.
• Able to conduct dissertation research resulting in an original contribution to knowledge in criminology and criminal justice.

Graduates of the criminology and criminal justice doctorate program find a strong job market in the public and private sectors. Employment opportunities include supervisory and management positions in criminal justice agencies (federal, state and local), policymaking, and teaching and research, such as:

• city, county and state government liaison to criminal justice agencies
• court administrator
• detective or investigator
• evidence and crime scene supervisor (CSI activities)
• forensic scientist
• intelligence analyst
• law enforcement or police crime analysis supervisor
• policy analyst
• probation, parole or community supervisor
• professor of criminal justice

Opportunities also include supervisory and management positions in social service agencies, such as:

• child and family services (e.g., Head Start, child support enforcement, foster care, elder care)
• Department of Economic Security
• homeless outreach
• victim advocacy

Graduates also have the opportunity to work in supervisory and management positions in the private sector, including online security, as well as in the cybersecurity sector.

School of Criminology and Criminal Justice | UCENT 600 [email protected] 602-496-2356

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Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Major in Criminal Justice

Program overview.

The School of Criminal Justice and Criminology at Texas State offers a doctoral program for:

• criminal justice professionals who seek advanced education and
• students who will pursue academic appointments at colleges and universities in Texas and around the nation.

Texas State is located in the heart of the central Texas corridor, near 16 state criminal justice offices and 13 Texas counties, including Travis (Austin) and Bexar (San Antonio). The university's geographic proximity to state criminal justice agency headquarters for law enforcement, criminal courts, and corrections, and to managers and executives in these agencies, makes it an ideal location for offering a doctoral-degree program.

The doctoral program is part of a vibrant school, with approximately 1000 bachelor's students and 30 master's students. Twenty-three full-time faculty members are involved in a wide range of research. A list of faculty and their research interests is available at http://www.cj.txstate.edu/people/faculty . The School of Criminal Justice and Criminology also administers a number of institutes and centers, including the Center for Geospatial Intelligence and Investigation and the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training Center (ALERRT).

Courses are offered in the evenings for the convenience of working professionals. Students are classified as either full-time (nine hours per term) or part-time. All students will be given the opportunity to initiate, complete, present, and publish original research. Each student develops an appropriate degree plan to meet their career and academic goals. The degree plan will include a mix of theoretical, analytical, and elective courses that will prepare students to work independently and in multidisciplinary teams.

It is expected that students will pursue their courses and research activities in an efficient and timely manner. If it is determined that a student is not making adequate progress toward completion of the doctoral degree requirements, consultations will be undertaken between the student, the student's dissertation chair (when applicable), the program director, and the School's doctoral executive council to develop a remediation plan, which may include revising a student's program of study or research. Failure to successfully remedy documented deviancies will result in termination of the student's enrollment in the doctoral program at the discretion of the doctoral executive council. Students removed from the doctoral program in this manner may appeal to the dean of The Graduate College for reinstatement in the program.

Educational Goal

The central educational goal of the Ph.D. program in criminal justice at Texas State is to prepare doctoral students to assume leadership roles in academic, public policy, and administrative positions within a rapidly changing criminal justice system. The Ph.D. program produces outstanding researchers who are qualified for academic positions and prepares practitioners to conduct research in criminal justice agencies. The school has developed a programmatic perspective that is sensitive to the importance of research skills, balanced with theoretically informed policy analysis, so that students can more effectively address the challenges in criminal justice in Texas and across the nation. Students gain expertise to apply statistically advanced research methodologies to conduct empirical studies in crime, law, public policy, and administration of the criminal justice system.

Other educational goals and objectives are to:

• Identify the theoretical perspectives and foundations of current research in the study of crime, law, and public policy decision-making undertaken by criminal justice agencies to assist law enforcement, court personnel, and corrections staff to plan, develop, and implement timely, efficient, and sound responses to crime.
• Apply precise, empirically validated, and tested research methods to investigate, analyze, and improve theory and policy to provide policy makers with the most current research and applicable technology to address emergent public safety growth areas.
• Communicate effectively to educate and inform professional managers and administrators of criminal justice agencies, their service personnel (e.g., police) and the community at-large about the ‘best practices’ for addressing the control of crime at the neighborhood, community, state, and national levels.
• Recognize ethical dilemmas and make ethically sound decisions to ensure that recommended criminal justice policy becomes a useful guide, if not benchmark procedure, for executives and heads of criminal justice agencies as they develop their strategic plans to address crime and public safety at the local, state, and national levels.

Apply a broad understanding of the legal and empirical elements of criminal justice administration in leadership positions to encourage current and future working professionals and executives in criminal justice agencies to incorporate more comprehensive training using the ‘best practices’ in leadership and management theory when developing, planning, and implementing policies that effect their own agencies and the surrounding communities they serve.

Financial Assistance

Assistantships and scholarships are available to qualified applicants. The School of Criminal Justice and Criminology offers doctoral instructional assistantships and teaching assistantships on a competitive basis to full-time students enrolled in the criminal justice Ph.D. program. An offer of financial support will normally be made at the time that a student is accepted into the program. The Graduate College can provide further information regarding scholarships.

Application Requirements

The items listed below are required for admission consideration for applicable semesters of entry during the current academic year. Submission instructions, additional details, and changes to admission requirements for semesters other than the current academic year can be found on The Graduate College's website . International students should review the International Admission Documents page for additional requirements.

• completed online application
• $55 nonrefundable application fee

          or

• $90 nonrefundable application fee for applications with international credentials
• baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university (Non-U.S. degrees must be equivalent to a four-year U.S. Bachelor’s degree. In most cases, three-year degrees are not considered. Visit our  International FAQs  for more information.)
• master's degree in criminal justice or a related field from a regionally accredited university
• official transcripts from  each institution  where course credit was granted
• minimum 3.5 GPA in all completed graduate course work
• official GRE (general test only) with competitive scores in the verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning sections
• statement of purpose describing the student’s personal history and life goals that are relevant to obtaining a doctoral degree
• three letters of recommendation indicating the student’s skills and capacity to be successful in the Ph.D. program

Approved English Proficiency Exam Scores

Applicants are required to submit an approved English proficiency exam score that meets the minimum program requirements below unless they have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or the equivalent from a country on our  exempt countries list .

• official TOEFL iBT scores required with a 78 overall
• official PTE scores required with a 52
• official IELTS (academic) scores required with a 6.5 overall and minimum individual module scores of 6.0
• official Duolingo scores required with a 110 overall
• official TOEFL Essentials scores required with an 8.5 overall

This program does  not  offer admission if the scores above are not met.

Degree Requirements

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree with a major in Criminal Justice requires 51 semester credit hours. No grade earned below “B” on any course work may apply toward a Ph.D. degree in criminal justice at Texas State.

All doctoral students are required to enroll in  CJ 7309  Proseminar during their second or third year to learn about the criminal justice discipline, teaching, publishing, grants and fellowships, writing dissertations, and post-doctoral employment. Doctoral students selected for teaching assistantships will be required to enroll in  CJ 7301  Instructional Assistant Supervision during the first semester they teach.  

Course Requirements

Qualifying Examination 

All students take a qualifying examination one to two weeks after completion of their first year in the program. The qualifying examination integrates criminological theory, quantitative methods, and regression. The examination is graded by those professors who taught the first-year required courses or those in a pool who have previously taught the courses. One re-examination is offered at midsummer for those who fail. Students who fail the re-examination will be dismissed from the program.

Comprehensive Examination Requirements

All candidates for graduate degrees must pass one or more comprehensive examinations.

Advancement to Candidacy

Application for advancement to candidacy.

Students can download the “Application for Advancement to Candidacy form” from The Graduate College website. The student should complete and sign the upper portion of the form and return it to the program director. When all requirements for admission to candidacy have been met (completion of course-work, a passing grade on the comprehensive examination, approval of dissertation chair and committee, and submission of an approved dissertation proposal), the program director will forward the Application for Advancement to Candidacy form to the dean of The Graduate College for review and approval.

The dean of The Graduate College approves advancement to candidacy once all requirements are met and at the recommendation of the program director.

In addition, before advancement to candidacy, students are required to complete the following:

• Completion of all courses toward the doctoral degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
• Passing grade on the comprehensive examination. "Pass" is the only satisfactory grade.

The student must select a dissertation chair, and that chair must be approved by the doctoral executive council. The student also must select a dissertation committee comprised of three additional members of the doctoral faculty, one of whom must be an external member from outside the School of Criminal Justice of Texas State University.

• The student must choose a topic with the approval of the student’s dissertation advisor and committee.
• The student will submit a title and a written proposal for the dissertation to the student’s dissertation committee and successfully defend the proposal in an oral presentation with the dissertation committee. The proposal will include a statement of the problem to be studied, a discussion of the relevant literature, and the research method of the proposed dissertation topic.
• The program director will make a recommendation to the graduate dean who makes the final decision on the student’s advancement to candidacy. The Graduate College will notify the student once the decision has been made.

Advancement to Candidacy Time Limit

Full-time, traditional students should be advanced to candidacy within five years of initiating Ph.D. course-work applied toward the degree. Non-traditional, part-time students may request extensions from the Doctoral Executive Council as long as they maintain a GPA of 3.0 and are making consistent progress toward fulfilling their degree requirements. The Doctoral Executive Council will review part-time students’ requests for extensions on an individual, case-by-case basis.

No credit will be applied toward a student’s doctoral degree for course-work completed more than five years before the date on which the student is admitted to candidacy. This time limit applies to course credit earned at Texas State, as well as course credit transferred to Texas State from other accredited institutions.

Grade-Point Requirements for Advancement to Candidacy

A minimum GPA of 3.0 on all course work undertaken as a doctoral student in the criminal justice program is required for admission to candidacy. No grade earned below “B” on any course work may apply toward a Ph.D. degree in criminal justice at Texas State.

Incomplete grades must be cleared through The Graduate College at least ten days before approval for advancement to candidacy will be granted.

Dissertation Proposal

A dissertation proposal prepared by the student and approved by the student’s dissertation chair and a majority of the other members of the dissertation committee is a requirement for Advancement to Candidacy status. The proposal must outline the substance and scope of the dissertation research, present the methodology to be used, and survey the relevant literature. The student’s dissertation chair and other dissertation committee members must indicate approval of the dissertation proposal on the “Dissertation Proposal and Proposal Defense” form. This form can be downloaded from The Graduate College website. A final copy of the dissertation proposal, accompanied by the signed approval form, must be turned in to the program director, who will forward it to the dean of The Graduate College for review and final approval.

Advancement to Candidacy Comprehensive Examination

The comprehensive exam involves completion of an empirical research project (with data analysis) and a single-authored article about it (not to exceed 6,000 words, excluding references) that, in the examination committee's view, is suitable for publication in a refereed journal. The purpose of the comprehensive exam is to assess a student's ability to critically assess previous research on a topic, develop a research question on it, and complete independent research to address the question. Students need to disclose to the examining committee if the article originated in a class or if there are other potential conflicts with it.

The examining committee is comprised of a chair and two other members. All must be members of the doctoral faculty, and the chair must be a member of the Core Doctoral Faculty. The chair is chosen by the student, and the other two committee members are chosen at random by the Doctoral Program Director from a list of doctoral faculty members. A form with the committee's composition must be filed with Doctoral Program Director when the committee is constituted. The committee must be constituted no later than when a student has completed 27 hours of doctoral coursework. The committee must approve the topic for a student's article, and a written description of the topic will be distributed to all members of the doctoral faculty. The examining committee's assessment of the student's article will be based on: (1) the quality of the research question, (2) the appropriateness of the methods and data analysis, (3) the adequacy of the articles connection to previous research, (4) the appropriateness of the interpretations of the data analysis, and (5) the quality of writing. A simple majority vote (2 of 3) is sufficient for deciding a grade. After completing 27 hours of coursework, a student can submit an article to their committee for grading. A student has until the semester after, they have completed 39 hours of doctoral coursework to receive a passing grade on an article. If a passing grade is not achieved by this point, the student will be dismissed from the program. Articles can be submitted for grading to the examining committees during the first three weeks of the fall semester or the first three weeks of spring semester.

The examining committee will have graded a submitted article within three weeks of receiving it. The grade options are "pass", "fail", and "revise and resubmit." If a student's article is assigned a "revise and resubmit," the student will have one semester to submit a revised version in order to receive a passing grade. The chair of the student's committee will summarize in writing what changes need to be considered in the revision for a "pass." If a student's article is assigned a "fail," the student will have one semester to submit an article on a new topic and receive a passing grade for it. The chair of the student's committee will explain in writing reasons for the failure. The same three graders will be used for an article that is assigned a "revise and resubmit." A student can select a new committee chair for a "failed" article, and two new committee members will be assigned by the Doctoral Program Director. In the event that a student's second resubmission of an article is assigned a "fail," the student will be dismissed from the program.

Full-time, traditional students are expected to pass their comprehensive examination by the end of their third year. For non-traditional, part-time students, the three years can be extended on an individual, case-by-case basis. However, extensions will require the approval of the doctoral council.

Recommendation for Advancement to Candidacy

The program director recommends the applicant for Advancement to Candidacy. Students must submit an official "Application for Advancement to Candidacy" form when all requirements are met (completion of coursework, a passing grade on the comprehensive examination, approval of dissertation chair/committee, and submission of an approved dissertation proposal). This form can be downloaded from the Graduate College website. The results of the comprehensive examination and the completed Application for Advancement to Candidacy form must be filed in the Graduate College before the dean of The Graduate College gives final approval to candidacy. The Program director is responsible for submitting these forms to The Graduate College.

Dissertation Research and Writing

All doctoral students are required to complete a dissertation. The dissertation must present a systematic inquiry into a relevant research question, be informed by prior research, and add to the body of knowledge in the field. In most cases, the research will be quantitative in nature, although qualitative or legal research may be utilized in some cases. It is expected that the dissertation will provide the content for one or more publishable articles in academic journals.

Students are required to complete the following dissertation requirements:

• The student will complete the dissertation, which must be an original contribution to scholarship and the result of independent research in a significant area of criminal justice. The student is expected to write the dissertation and orally defend it in an announced public presentation within three years of the official date of being advanced to candidacy. Questions posed to the student are initially limited to the dissertation committee membership. However, at the discretion of the presiding chair and when time permits, questions will also be solicited from the attending public audience. The approval of the dissertation requires the approval of the dissertation chair and the approval of a majority of the other members of the committee. A written notice of the dissertation committee’s approval will be forwarded to the program director and then to the graduate dean.
• If the dissertation committee decides not to approve the candidate’s dissertation, the dissertation chair will prepare a written response to the doctoral executive council, accounting for the decision and outlining the steps required for approval. These steps will also be communicated to the candidate.
• The student will submit the final, approved dissertation to The Graduate College in the prescribed format.
• The program director will conduct a final review of the coursework and recommendation from the student’s dissertation committee before making a recommendation to the graduate dean that the student be awarded the Ph.D. degree with a major in criminal justice. The graduate dean will certify that the student has met all of the requirements and can be awarded the degree.

Dissertation Enrollment Requirements

After being admitted to candidacy, students must be continuously enrolled for dissertation hours each term until the defense of their dissertation. If a student is receiving supervision on the dissertation during the summer or the student is graduating during the summer, the student must be enrolled in dissertation hours for the summer. All candidates for graduation must be enrolled in dissertation hours during the semester in which the degree is to be conferred. Students must complete a minimum of 12 semester hours of dissertation credit.

Dissertation Time Limit

It is expected that the dissertation will, in most cases, be completed in two terms of concentrated effort and in no more than six terms. Students must appeal to the doctoral executive council for an extension beyond six terms. The student must pass an oral defense of their dissertation before final completion of the doctoral program.

Dissertation Committee

The dissertation committee will oversee the research progress of a doctoral student and the writing of the student's dissertation. The committee will consist of at least four members, including the student's dissertation chair and three additional members of the doctoral faculty, one of whom must be an external member from outside the School of Criminal Justice of Texas State University. The student's dissertation chair will be a member of the core doctoral faculty in the School of Criminal Justice. The student, program director, school director, and the dean of The Graduate College will approve the composition of dissertation committee. The student is responsible for obtaining committee members' signatures on the "Dissertation/Research Advisor Assignment form: and the "Dissertation Committee Request form" which can be downloaded from the Graduate College website.

Dissertation Defense

The dissertation defense may not be scheduled until all other academic and program requirements have been fulfilled. A complete draft of the dissertation must be given to the members of the dissertation committee at least 65 days before the date of commencement during the term in which the student intends to graduate. After committee members have reviewed the draft with the student and provided comments, the student, in consultation with the dissertation chair, will incorporate the recommended changes into a second draft of the dissertation. When each committee member is satisfied that the draft dissertation is defendable, the dissertation defense may be scheduled.

The student is expected to orally defend the dissertation in an announced public presentation within three years of the official date of being advanced to candidacy. Questions posed to the student are initially limited to the dissertation committee. However, at the discretion of the dissertation chair and when time permits, questions will also be solicited from the attending public audience. The approval of the dissertation requires the approval of the dissertation chair and the approval of a majority of the other members of the committee. A written notice of the dissertation committee’s approval will be forwarded to the program director, and then to the dean of The Graduate College. Specific information on the examination procedure can be found in the School of Criminal Justice Ph.D. Handbook or obtained from the doctoral director.

Approval and Submission of the Dissertation

Following approval of the dissertation by the members of the dissertation committee, the student must submit one copy of the dissertation and a signed "Thesis/Dissertation Committee Approval form" to the office of The Graduate College for final approval. Specific guidelines for approval and submission of the dissertation can be obtained from The Graduate College. 

Doctoral level courses in Criminal Justice: CJ

Courses Offered

Criminal justice (cj).

CJ 7199. Dissertation.

Original research and writing in criminal justice to be accomplished under direct supervision of the dissertation advisor. While conducting dissertation research and writing, students must be continuously enrolled each long semester for at least three dissertation hours.

CJ 7299. Dissertation.

CJ 7301. Instructional Assistant Supervision.

This course prepares doctoral students employed as research or teaching assistants to perform effectively in diverse instructional settings. The course provides for regular and planned opportunities for continuing evaluation of students. This course does not earn graduate degree credit.

CJ 7309. Proseminar.

This course introduces students to information that is useful to their success as Ph.D. students and after graduation. Topics include the criminal justice discipline, teaching, publishing, grants and fellowships, writing dissertations, and post-doctoral employment. Emphasis is placed on identifying and coordinating opportunities for research and scholarship among faculty and students. Must have completed 12 hours of doctoral credit in Criminal Justice to enroll in this course.

CJ 7310. Philosophy of Law, Justice, and Social Control.

A current, thorough, and comprehensive review of the criminal justice system focused on how the system functions, and its current needs and future trends. Students submit extensive critiques and participate in panel discussions.

CJ 7311. Advanced Criminological Theory.

An overview of the major criminological paradigms is presented focusing on the causes of crime and deviant behavior. The course includes a discussion of criminological theories from a philosophy of science perspective focusing on such issues as theory construction, theoretical integration, and the formal evaluation of theory and policy.

CJ 7313. Race and Ethnicity in Crime and Criminal Justice.

An exploration of how issues related to racial and ethnic minorities and criminal behaviors impact criminal justice reactions. Topics include racial disparities related to law enforcement and sentencing, and policy implications related to policing, probation, pre-sentencing and post-release issues. (MULT).

CJ 7314. Policing.

This course examines current problems in American policing and the role of research in their examination and solution. Official crime and victimization statistics and measure of police performance are explained, with a focus on their collection, development, limitations, and utility. Methods and issues in policing research are explored.

CJ 7315. Corrections.

This course examines the history, forms, and functions of correctional institutions, their programs and policies, as well as theories of punishment. Topics include the structure and functions of prisons and jails, community corrections, intermediate sanctions, reentry, supermax prisons, and the death penalty.

CJ 7320. Quantitative Research Methods.

A course that demonstrates the practical aspects of conducting criminal justice research that uses quantitative methodologies and design. Topics include the philosophy of science; research ethics; methodological designs in establishing causation; nonexperimental/descriptive research; sampling techniques; secondary data sources and data gathering techniques.

CJ 7321. Linear Regression for Criminal Justice Research.

Instruction on the use of advanced linear modeling techniques in criminal justice research is addressed. After completing this course, students should be able to evaluate quantitative research articles in the major criminal justice journals and be prepared to complete a major quantitative research project of their own.

CJ 7322. Advanced Research for Planning and Evaluation.

An introduction to evaluation and research design methodologies, assessment techniques including modeling and case studies, agency management issues, and on-going policy implications. Course gives students an understanding of the principles and techniques commonly used to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of criminal justice interventions.

CJ 7323. Applied Statistics and Quantitative Data Analysis.

This is a course in statistics and data analysis for the purposes of original quantitative research. Topics include descriptive statistics, statistical inference for single and multivariable analysis, and principles underlying the techniques. This course makes extensive use of statistics software and data preparation techniques.

CJ 7330. Qualitative Research Methods.

A discussion of the methods and techniques used for achieving interpretable qualitative results in social research. Topics covered include ethnography, focus groups, in-depth interviewing and case studies. Students will be trained in inductive reasoning and coordinating qualitative with quantitative methods.

CJ 7331. Law and Behavioral Science.

A review of the issues addressed in the application of the behavioral sciences to the criminal law system. Topics include criminal sanctions and diminished responsibility, civil commitment, victimology, psychology in the courtroom, the role of media, drugs, and alcohol to violence, and how the justice system reacts to violent offenders.

CJ 7336. Survey Research Methods for Criminal Justice.

This course addresses the procedures and techniques used to create social surveys including question formulation, metrics, and question scaling. Students learn how to prepare face-to-face, telephone, and mail surveys, and are trained in sampling procedures related to survey administration.

CJ 7350A. Forecasting, Trend Analysis, and Data Interpretation.

A review of quantitative approaches to public policy analysis, the diverse conceptions of the goals and objectives that should be served by policy, and the appropriate role of the policy analyst. Policy consequences are traced to indirect and subtle incentives and disincentives.

CJ 7350B. Academic Scholarship and Communication.

A course on conducting academic research, interpreting results and how to prepare manuscripts for publication in refereed journals. Included is a survey of the audiences, topical focus, and submission requirements of the major criminal justice, criminology, and law publications, along with specialized knowledge on achieving success in the scholarship environment.

CJ 7350C. Qualitative Data Collection, Coding and Analysis.

This course takes a structured approach to understanding and implementing the various information collection methods used in qualitative research, including formatting the information for coding, coding schemes, and information interpretation.

CJ 7350E. Discrete Multivariate Models.

This course focuses on regression models for discrete outcome variables, sometimes called limited or categorical dependent variables. Topics include maximum likelihood estimation, binary and multinomial logistic models and negative binomial models. Prerequisite: CJ 7321 with a grade of "B" or better or instructor approval.

CJ 7350F. Environmental Criminology.

Crime distributes unevenly in space/time. As such, the course examines such questions as (1) What places are dangerous? (2) Why do we study specific crime types? (3) Where do crime types concentrate? (4) Where do offenders go in their normal activities? (5) What are the temporal patterns for crime? Prerequisite: CJ 7311 with a grade of "B" or better or instructor approval.

CJ 7350G. Seminar in Macro Criminology.

This course has a macro focus, examining criminological theory and research that takes cities, geographical regions, states, and nations as the units of comparison. The importance and relevance of macro criminology for understanding the causes of crime and key criminal justice issues, such as police resources, are explored in depth. Prerequisite: CJ 7311 with a grade of "B" or better or instructor approval.

CJ 7350I. Introduction to Structural Equation Modeling.

The course provides an introduction to structural equation modeling, which is sometimes called mean and covariance structure analysis or latent variable analysis. Topics include recursive and non-recursive models, path analysis, measurement models, and factor analysis. Prerequisite: CJ 7321 with a grade of "B" or better or instructor approval.

CJ 7350K. Criminal Justice Forecasting and Policy Analysis.

This course examines the inputs and outputs of criminal justice programs. It covers forecasting methods using statistical bootstrapping techniques including line fitting methods, moving averages, cohort propagation matrixes, and systems simulations.

CJ 7350L. Sex Offenders: Theory, Research & Policy.

This course will focus on application of theory to explain sexual offenses, research design issues related to researching this salient population of offenders (e.g., ethical issues, gaining IRB approval, research design limitations, social desirability problems in self-report data, and examining available data sources), and examining policy related issues.

CJ 7360. Independent Study.

Students will work closely with a particular doctoral faculty member and develop in-depth knowledge in a specific topic area of criminal justice. Topics vary according to a student's program needs. Repeatable once for credit with different emphasis. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

CJ 7399. Dissertation.

CJ 7599. Dissertation.

CJ 7699. Dissertation.

CJ 7999. Dissertation.

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Be a Leader in the Criminal Justice Field with Liberty University’s PhD in Criminal Justice

Are you an experienced law enforcement professional? If so, Liberty’s online PhD in Criminal Justice can help prepare you for senior leadership roles in criminal justice organizations at all levels of government.

Through advanced research and analysis of criminal justice practices, you can learn how to assess and improve government and law enforcement organizations. This doctorate can also help you master techniques in teaching and leadership. Liberty’s PhD in Criminal Justice provides you with training from experienced criminal justice scholars. Our curriculum is also centered on Christian principles so you can become an effective leader of integrity.

With our program, you can gain the right skills and expertise for your career goals. Liberty offers a general PhD in Criminal Justice as well as specialized areas of study in leadership and homeland security. With the Helms School of Government’s faculty of criminal justice professionals, you can learn from industry experts who are excited to share their experience with you.

What is a PhD in Criminal Justice ?

A PhD in Criminal Justice is a doctoral program that focuses on various high-level aspects of the field. Here are some of the topics that are included in Liberty University’s criminal justice doctorate:

• Corrections policy
• Juvenile justice policy
• Terrorism and intelligence
• Theories of crime
• Transnational organized crime

Additionally, you will focus on management and leadership skills specific to criminal justice, including stress management, organizational conflict, and program evaluation. Your coursework will also include a dissertation where you will write on a unique topic within criminal justice to help you hone your expertise.

What Will You Study in Our PhD in Criminal Justice Online Degree ?

Our PhD in Criminal Justice courses can offer you advanced knowledge in a wide range of critical issues. These topics include crime causation, comparative criminal justice systems, juvenile justice policies, and advanced corrections policies. You will also study international crime and terrorism to gain expertise in the global impact of organized crime.

Featured Courses

• CJUS 810 – Transnational Organized Crime
• CJUS 820 – Advanced Topics in Terrorism and Intelligence
• CJUS 830 – Criminal Justice Organizational Conflict
• CJUS 840 – Stress Management in Criminal Justice

Degree Information

• This program falls under the  Helms School of Government .
• View the  Graduate Government Course Guides   (login required) .

Why Choose Liberty’s Online Degree?

Liberty University provides training for leaders in the criminal justice field – all from a uniquely Christian perspective. Our criminal justice law instructors have real-world experience in the field and understand the critical issues found within it. You can excel in your field without compromising your principles with the advanced training you will gain in our online PhD in Criminal Justice degree program.

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Potential Careers for PhD in Criminal Justice Graduates

• Crime scene investigation unit manager
• Criminal justice writer
• Detective/investigator
• Forensic investigator
• Lead detective/investigator
• Lead/senior researcher
• Manager (federal, state, or local government)
• Police chief or sheriff
• Polygraph examiner/operator
• Prison warden
• Professor/instructor
• Public policy advisor
• Security analyst
• Threat analyst
• University administrator (department chair, dean, chancellor)

Degree Options for the Online Criminal Justice PhD

There are several specializations to choose from in the PhD in Criminal Justice.

Generalized Track (No Specialization)

Liberty’s 100% online  PhD in Criminal Justice – generalized track*  is the most flexible of the 3 PhD in Criminal Justice specializations offered at Liberty University. With this program, you can choose specific courses and shape your criminal justice PhD to your specific needs.

View the  Degree Completion Plan .

*Please note that this is not a specialization. Any reference using the term “General” is the main degree and is only used to differentiate from other specializations.

Homeland Security

Liberty’s 100% online  PhD in Criminal Justice – Homeland Security  focuses on the threats our nation faces from terrorism, cybercrime, and weapons of mass destruction attacks. You can also learn how to lead risk assessment and response teams and strategize overcoming weaknesses in specific targets, cities, or regions.

Liberty’s 100% online  Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Criminal Justice – Leadership  degree focuses on the principles and practices of administrating large and diverse criminal justice organizations. You can also master critical skills in strategic planning and human resources development for the criminal justice field.

Not sure what to choose?

Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.

Tuition & Aid

Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.

Eligible current and former military service members and their spouses may qualify for a special rate of $300/credit hour ( learn more ) .

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Admission Information for the PhD in Criminal Justice

Admission requirements.

• A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required) .
• Send official college transcripts (mailed as sealed, unopened copies or sent via a direct electronic transcript system). A regionally or nationally accredited master’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA is required for admission in good standing.
• Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy .

Preliminary Acceptance

If you are sending in a preliminary transcript for acceptance, you must:

• Be in your final term and planning to start your doctoral degree after the last day of class for your master’s degree.
• Complete a Master’s Self-Certification Form confirming your completion date. You may download the form from the Forms and Downloads page or contact an admissions counselor to submit the form on your behalf.
• Submit an official transcript to confirm that you are in your final term. The preliminary transcript must show that you are within 6 credit hours of completion for a 30-48 credit hour master’s degree or within 9 credit hours of completion for a 49+ credit hour master’s degree.
• Send in an additional, final official transcript with a conferral date on it by the end of your first semester of enrollment in the new doctoral degree.

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An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to [email protected] .

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We want to help you find the doctoral degree you want – at a price you’ve earned. As a thank-you for your military service, Liberty University offers eligible current and former service members like you or your spouse multiple pathways to earn a doctoral degree for only $300/credit hour . Find out how you can take advantage of this unique opportunity as you work toward your goal of reaching the pinnacle of your profession – for less.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can i get a phd in criminal justice.

While there may be other institutions that offer criminal justice PhD programs, we believe that Liberty University’s program can best fit your needs. You can earn your degree through Liberty while completing all of your coursework and dissertation online from the comfort of your home or office.

Are there resources available to online students?

By pursuing one of Liberty University’s online PhD programs in criminal justice, you will have access to a wide variety of online resources through the library portal.

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Phd in criminal justice: requirements, salary, jobs, & career growth, what is phd in criminal justice.

A PhD in Criminal Justice is a terminal degree program that focuses on advanced research in the fields of crime, criminal behavior, and the criminal justice system.

The curriculum is intended to educate students for jobs in research, academia, policy analysis, and positions of leadership in criminal justice agencies.

Students in this program study advanced criminal justice theory, research methods, statistics, and policy analysis. They also undertake original research and write a dissertation that adds to the field’s understanding.

How much money do people make with a PhD in Criminal Justice?

Individuals with a PhD in Criminal Justice can earn a variety of salaries depending on the exact job route they pick, their level of experience, and their geographic area. Here are some examples of prospective earnings for various criminal justice careers:

1. Criminologists: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for criminologists was $85,020 in May 2020.

2. College and university professors: According to the BLS, the median annual income for postsecondary teachers was $80,790 in May 2020.

3. Research scientists: According to the BLS, the median annual wage for research scientists was $82,220 as of May 2020.

4. Criminal justice administrators: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for police and detectives was $67,290 in May 2020.

What is expected job growth with PhD in Criminal Justice?

Individuals with a PhD in Criminal Justice may experience varying levels of job growth based on the precise career route they pursue.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of criminologists is expected to expand at a rate of 8% between 2020 and 2030, which is faster than the national average for all occupations.

According to the BLS, employment of postsecondary teachers will expand at a rate similar to the national average from 2020 to 2030.

What can you do with a PhD in Criminal Justice?

Individuals with a PhD in Criminal Justice can pursue a variety of careers, including but not limited to:

1. Academia:   Graduates can work as professors and researchers at colleges and universities, where they can teach criminal justice courses, conduct research, and write articles and books.

2. Research and policy analysis: Graduates can work in research and policy analysis, conducting studies and establishing policies in the fields of crime, criminal justice, and public safety. They may work for the government, think tanks, research institutions, or consultancy firms.

3. Criminal justice administration: Graduates can work in leadership positions within criminal justice agencies such as police departments, correctional institutions, and courts, establishing policies and overseeing operations.

4. Private sector: Graduates can work in the private sector, providing advisory services to firms and organizations dealing with criminal justice and public safety concerns.

5. Non-profit organizations: Graduates may be able to work for non-profit organizations that specialize on criminal justice issues, such as advocacy groups, victim services organizations, and community-based organizations.

What are the requirements for a PhD in Criminal Justice?

The specific requirements for obtaining a PhD in Criminal Justice can vary depending on the institution and program, but generally, the following are common requirements:

1. Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree: Applicants to most PhD programs in Criminal Justice must have a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. Although it is not usually required, certain schools may accept applicants with a Master’s degree in a related discipline.

2. Academic Transcripts: Applicants are usually expected to present certified transcripts of their undergraduate and graduate education, which demonstrate their academic performance and achievement.

3. Statement of Purpose: Applicants are typically expected to provide a personal statement or statement of purpose detailing their research interests, academic ambitions, and reason for pursuing a PhD in Criminal Justice.

4. Standardized Test Scores: Applicants to many PhD programs may be required to submit scores from standardized tests such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or other related assessments.

5. Letters of Recommendation: Applicants to PhD programs in Criminal Justice are frequently required to provide letters of recommendation from academic or professional sources who may speak to the applicant’s academic talents, research potential, and eligibility for a PhD program.

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How long does it take to get a phd in criminal justice.

The length of time it takes to earn a PhD in Criminal Justice varies based on the program and the student’s rate of study. A PhD in Criminal Justice, on the other hand, often takes 4-6 years to finish.

Students often take advanced coursework in Criminal Justice theory, research methodologies, statistics, and policy analysis during the first several years of the degree. They may also work as teaching or research assistants to get field experience.

Students often spend a year or more after completing their coursework undertaking original research and writing their dissertation. The dissertation is a significant research undertaking that adds to the field of criminal justice.

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Do you need a masters in criminal justice to get a phd in criminal justice.

A master’s degree in Criminal Justice is not usually required to pursue a PhD in Criminal Justice, as some PhD programs allow students with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice or a similar discipline.

Some programs, however, may encourage or require that applicants hold a master’s degree in Criminal Justice or a similar subject.

A master’s degree in Criminal Justice or a related topic can offer students with a foundation of knowledge as well as research experience that will be useful while pursuing a PhD.

Furthermore, students who have already earned a master’s degree may be eligible to transfer some of their courses to their PhD program, reducing the time and cost of finishing the degree.

What are the Best PhD in Criminal Justice Degree programs?

1. university at albany – state university of new york 2. university of cincinnati 3. michigan state university 4. rutgers university-newark 5. john jay college of criminal justice – city university of new york 6. pennsylvania state university 7. university of missouri-st. louis 8. florida state university 9. indiana university-bloomington 10. university of maryland, leave a comment cancel reply.

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Criminal Justice- Ph.D.

Our Doctoral Degree in Criminal Justice is designed to develop your ability as a social scientist to consume, transmit, and independently produce research knowledge on crime and criminal justice to prepare you for a career in academia and/or in agency-based research. You will receive intensive training in consuming, producing, and transmitting scientific knowledge on crime and criminal justice. This training occurs both in the classroom and through teaching and research opportunities that offer you the chance to apply the skills that you have developed. You will also have the opportunity to attend professional conferences and obtain funding to pursue your specific interests.

Program Objectives

The Criminal Justice faculty at the University of Cincinnati is very serious about the education of our graduate students. We are demanding but also supportive; our goal is to motivate students to achieve new intellectual levels and to maximize their opportunities for success within and

beyond the graduate program. We want our students to play an integral role in shaping the future of criminal justice research and education.

The School of Criminal Justice was ranked as the #3 Doctoral Program in the United States by US News and World Report in 2018. Its faculty has won numerous awards for research in their respective fields and has been recognized for scholarly productivity in several publications.

Doctoral Program

Please click on the link below for program and application requirements.

• Criminal Justice PhD

Florida State University

FSU | College of Criminology & Criminal Justice

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Considered the best doctoral program in the country as evidenced by multiple articles in The Journal of Criminal Justice Education, the FSU College of Criminology offers you the opportunity to be part of an intellectual community and learn from the most productive scholars in the country. The Ph.D. in Criminology and Criminal Justice trains students to conduct original research that generates new insights on issues of scientific and public policy importance. This degree emphasizes comprehensive training in theory, research methods, and statistics delivered by faculty members recently ranked as having the most productive criminology program in the country.

Click on the links below to learn more about our program.

• Ph.D. Admission Requirements
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Ph.D. in Criminal Justice

The degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice is designed to produce students of crime and justice who possess: (1) a thorough understanding of criminal justice and criminological issues, (2) the intellectual and methodological skills necessary for the continuing process of discovery and understanding of crime- and justice-related issues, (3) the capacity for integrative and analytical thinking, (4) competency at transmitting knowledge, (5) problem-solving skills, and (6) the ability to disseminate research findings through published scholarship.

The Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology has a faculty of diverse scholars committed to the study of a broad-range of crime and justice issues. The curriculum includes courses that provide theoretical and applied knowledge of the phenomena of crime and criminal justice. In addition to the demonstration of excellence in the classroom, students are expected to engage in research in accordance with personal specialized interests beyond specified courses.

Through the combined efforts of faculty and students, the Doctor of Philosophy program in Criminal Justice produces students capable of making contributions to criminal justice and criminology through the academic and applied components of the discipline. The curriculum is designed to ensure that graduates are well equipped to participate in criminological positions emphasizing research and statistics, theory, and administration.

Additional information : Reference the Program Landing Page for additional information, such as cost, delivery format, contact information, or to schedule a visit.

Applicants seeking admission to the doctoral program in criminal justice must submit the following directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions :

• Graduate application
• Application fee
• A master’s degree in Criminal Justice or an allied field.
• Official test scores from the Graduate Record Examination.
• Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts for all academic work (Note: Grades must show evidence of the ability to do doctoral level work).
• Three letters of recommendation, preferably from faculty who are sufficiently acquainted with the student to comment on potential for success in the doctoral program.
• Doctoral follow-up application
• A personal essay as described in the doctoral follow-up application.
• A current resume or vita.

International students ONLY : Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) unless they have completed a degree in the United States Note: A minimum score of 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based), 79 (internet-based) is required.

A review of each student’s application will be completed on a competitive basis.  The deadline for submitting applications to the Doctor of Philosophy program in Criminal Justice is January 15 for the fall semester.

Students should consult with the criminal justice Graduate Program Director to design a course of study that will provide in-depth knowledge in the areas of research and statistics, criminological theory, and criminal justice administration.

Students must follow the doctoral program student schedule and maintain a 3.0 grade point average in all courses.

Students must pass the doctoral qualifying examination in the form of a Research Assessment Portfolio. Students must also complete and defend a doctoral dissertation, which is the product of original scholarly research and is of such quality as to represent a meaningful contribution to knowledge in the field of criminal justice/criminology.

The Doctoral degree requires 58 hours of 7000-level coursework.

Total degree program semester credit hour decrease, pending review/approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. 

Once enrolled in  CRIJ 8099 , students must enroll in this course in every semester until graduation. (See note below).  

Note:  Effective Summer 2012, graduate students will take dissertation classes for three credit hours until they have completed the degree requirements (12 hours total). Students may then sign up for one credit hour for continuous enrollment. Students do not have to sign up for dissertation classes during the summer if they are not working on their dissertation or if they are not graduating or working on their portfolio. If students do not stay continuously enrolled, they will be retroactively enrolled in one semester hour and will be charged for the course.

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) marketable skills initiative is part of the state’s 60x30TX plan and was designed to help students articulate their skills to employers.  Marketable skills are those skills valued by employers and/or graduate programs that can be applied in a variety of work or education settings and may include interpersonal, cognitive, and applied skill areas.

The Ph.D. in Criminal Justice is designed to provide graduates with the following marketable skills:

• Advanced oral and written communication skills.
• Advanced quantitative and qualitative research skills.
• Advanced statistical skills with the ability to supply and interpret results.
• Comprehensive knowledge of current criminal justice issues.
• Conduct original empirical research and present findings via publications, reports, and/or presentations.
• Prepare and/or deliver undergraduate and graduate courses for independent instruction (on-line and/or in-residence).
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A PDF of the 2023-2024 catalog.

College of Psychology and Community Services: PhD in Criminal Justice

• College of Psychology and Community Services
• BS in Criminal Justice
• BS in Human Services
• BS in Psychology
• Graduate Certificate in Conflict Management and Negotiation
• Graduate Certificate in Criminal Justice
• MS in Criminal Justice
• MS in Criminal Justice Leadership and Executive Management
• MS in Forensic Psychology
• MS in Human Services
• Post-Master’s Online Teaching in Psychology Certificate
• Doctor of Human Services
• PhD in Criminal Justice

Note on Licensure

Learning outcomes, program types, specializations, general program (track 1) - for students master’s degree in criminal justice or a related field., general program (track 2) for students who have a master’s degree in a discipline unrelated to the criminal justice field, master of philosophy (embedded degree).

• Doctoral Writing Assessment

8-Year Maximum Time Frame

• PhD in Forensic Psychology
• PhD in Human Services
• PhD in Psychology
• Post-Doctoral Respecialization Certificate

Program Website  

The PhD in Criminal Justice program helps prepare students with the skills needed to pursue a range of criminal justice-related roles including leadership and education. Spanning topics such as homeland security, human services, and the role of technology in law enforcement, the curriculum examines contemporary criminal justice theory and practice while outlining some of the national and global issues facing the field today. Students can choose from six optional specializations to create a program of study that is tailored to their professional objectives.

Walden’s PhD in Criminal Justice program is not considered a Professional Peace Officer Education Program for the state of Minnesota and is not designed or intended to prepare graduates for licensure as a peace officer, police officer, or other law enforcement officer in any state.  

Upon graduation, students will be able to:

• Evaluate the root causes of crime and its impact on criminal justice policies, practices, and procedures.
• Evaluate management philosophies in managing human resources in criminal justice organizations.
• Synthesize theory and research on the historical trends and current perspectives in criminal justice.
• Apply data analysis techniques and research design methods to scholarly research in criminal justice.
• Evaluate the role of criminal justice in advancing social justice and positive social change.

General (Track 1)— Track 1 is a program of study for students who have a master’s degree in criminal justice or a related field.

General (Track 2)— Track 2 is a program of study for students who have a master’s degree in a discipline unrelated to the criminal justice field.

Specialization in Emergency Management

Specialization in global leadership, specialization in homeland security policy and coordination, specialization in justice administration (not available for students in track 2), specialization in law and public policy, specialization in online teaching in higher education, specialization in public management and leadership, track 1: fast track option, track 1 is a program of study for students who have a master’s degree in criminal justice or a related field..

* Students take this course for a minimum of four quarters and are continuously enrolled until completion of their dissertation with final chief academic officer (CAO) approval. In general, students are continuously registered in the dissertation course until they complete their capstone project and it is approved. This usually takes longer than the minimum required terms in the dissertation course shell.

To complete a doctoral dissertation, students must obtain the academic approval of several independent evaluators including their committee, the University Research Reviewer, and the Institutional Review Board; pass the Form and Style Review; gain approval at the oral defense stage; and gain final approval by the chief academic officer. Students must also publish their dissertation on ProQuest before their degree is conferred. Learn more about the dissertation process in the Dissertation Guidebook .

Walden offers a Fast-Track Option. With the Fast-Track Option, students take up to three courses and a dissertation preparatory course to expedite their path through the program.

Minimum Degree Requirements

• Professional Development Plan and Program of Study
• Foundation course (3 credits)
• Core courses (20 credits)
• Specialization/elective courses (15 credits)
• Research courses (20 credits)
• Dissertation support course (5 credits)
• Dissertation writing courses (5 credits per term for a minimum of three terms taken continuously until completion)
• Quarter Plans
• Four PhD residencies

In addition, students must

• Pass a writing assessment.
• Submit an application essay.
• Maintain a 3.0 GPA.

Walden students have up to 8 years to complete their doctoral program unless they petition for an extension.

In general, students are continuously registered in the dissertation course until they complete their capstone project and it is approved. This usually takes longer than the minimum required terms in the dissertation course shell.

To complete a doctoral dissertation, students must obtain the academic approval of several independent evaluators including their committee, the University Research Reviewer, and the Institutional Review Board; pass the Form and Style Review; gain approval at the oral defense stage; and gain final approval by the chief academic officer. Students must also publish their dissertation on ProQuest before their degree is conferred. Learn more about the dissertation process in the  Dissertation Guidebook .

Course Sequence (Fast Track for Track 1)

Note: PhD in Criminal Justice Fast-Track Option courses are identified with an ACRJ course prefix for enrollment purposes. ACRJ course descriptions align with corresponding CRJS courses, as listed below. 

* In quarters 2 and 3, CRJS 9000 is equivalent to ACRJ 9001A. ACRJ 9001A is a one-credit course. ** In quarter 4, CRJS 9000 is equivalent to ACRJ 9001B.ACRJ 9001B is a one-credit course.

Track 2: Fast Track Option

General program track 2, track 2 course sequence.

* Students take this course for a minimum of four terms and are continuously enrolled until completion of their dissertation with final chief academic officer (CAO) approval. In general, students are continuously registered in the dissertation course until they complete their capstone project and it is approved. This usually takes longer than the minimum required terms in the dissertation course shell.

General Program Track 2: Fast Track

Walden offers a Fast-Track Option. With the Fast-Track Option, students take up to three courses

• Core courses (35 credits)
• Note: The General program does not require electives or specialization courses.

Note: PhD in Criminal Justice Fast-Track Option courses are identified with an ACRJ course prefix for enrollment purposes. ACRJ course descriptions align with corresponding CRJS courses, as listed below.

* In quarters 2 thru 4, CRJS 9000 is equivalent to ACRJ 9001A. ACRJ 9001A is a one-credit course. ** In quarter 5, CRJS 9000 is equivalent to ACRJ 9001B. ACRJ 9001B is a two-credit course.

Walden awards the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree to recognize PhD students for academic achievement leading up to their dissertation. With an MPhil, students will be able to demonstrate to employers and others that they have an advanced knowledge base in their field of study as well as proficiency in research design and evaluation.

• All required PhD core courses (or KAMs)
• All required PhD specialization courses (or KAMs)
• All required doctoral research and advanced research courses
• Program prospectus development course
• Residencies 1, 2, and 3
• A minimum 3.0 GPA is mandatory.
• The MPhil requires a minimum of 45 quarter credits. Maximum transfer of credit varies by program but is not to exceed 50% of the overall, or embedded, program requirements. Students who previously completed a master's degree with Walden in the same discipline area are not eligible for an MPhil.

Students who start or readmit to doctoral programs at Walden University in the university catalog for academic year 2017 or later will complete the university’s required  doctoral writing assessment . Designed to evaluate incoming doctoral students’ writing skills, this assessment aims to help prepare incoming doctoral students to meet the university’s expectations for writing at the doctoral level.

Students have up to 8 years to complete their doctoral degree requirements (see  Enrollment Requirements  in the student handbook). Students may petition to extend the 8-year maximum time frame, but an extension is not guaranteed.

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PhD in Criminal Justice

A doctorate degree in criminal justice is an opportunity for you to reach at the highest level of profession and leave a meaningful impression on your students. The degree is aimed for individuals who want to expand their understanding of criminal behavior and find promising solutions. Important areas covered in the doctorate program include prevention of crime, intervention, effective results, and public policy development. Graduates of this degree can acquire high level positions in academia, research, consulting firms, and public policy groups.

Program Objectives

After completing the degree, you will have acquired the following knowledge and skills from the program:

• Understanding of current practices in the criminal justice field
• Skills to carry out reliable, valid, and ethical research
• Ability to think critically and effectively in your professional practice
• Effective techniques to advocate social change and community development
• Broader perspective and improved decision making skills
• Knowledge of social and professional ethics
• Ability to communicate in a professional manner

The curriculum of the degree is normally divided into three categories, which include core courses, electives, and research. Core courses cover topics on criminology theory, justice policy, and quantitative and qualitative empirical methods. Students can select elective courses and concentrations related to criminology or criminal justice. They also go through research, faculty supervised readings, and dissertation preparation.

Following are some of the core courses offered in the program:

• Contemporary Criminal Justice Theory: based on theories and issues in criminal justice and criminology.
• Criminal Justice Organizations and Processes: covers theoretical perspectives on organizations and processes in criminal justice, along with evaluation of organizational performance in justice agencies.

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• Quantitative Methods in Criminal Justice Research: trains students in the application of quantitative techniques on criminal justice data. Multiple regression and SPSS are also a part of the course.
• Advanced Criminal Justice Data Analysis: covers advanced quantitative analysis techniques that can be used to analyze criminal justice data.
• Advanced Research Methods: includes methodological approaches for carrying out sound and ethical research on criminology and criminal justice. Emphasis is given to research ethics, study design, and data collection methods.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements for a PhD in Criminal Justice can vary from one institute to another. However, there are some key requirements that are a part of most PhD programs in the field. Students generally need to meet the following requirements:

• A master’s degree from an accredited institute.  Degree may be in criminal justice, criminology, or other fields such as sociology , political science, social work, public administration, psychology, or philosophy.
• Outstanding students with an accredited bachelor’s degree may acquire admission directly into the PhD program.
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score.
• Letters of recommendation from faculty members and others who are qualified to assess the student’s potential for graduate study.
• Personal statement to describe the applicant’s education, experience, and career goals.
• A writing sample: an article, research paper, or a sample of expository writing skill.

Accreditation

Accredited universities are known for providing the highest level of quality education. They regularly undergo inspections and reviews to ensure that education standards are maintained. If you want to find a detailed list of accrediting organizations recognized in the US, you will need to visit the official websites of Department of Education and Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Major benefits of accreditation are:

• You can trust the university, faculty, and curriculum
• You receive valuable and quality education
• Your degree is worth your investment
• You will stand out from the competition when applying for jobs
• Employers will be confident about your skills and education
• You will have more opportunities to advance in your career

Online Education

It is possible for you to acquire a high standard criminal justice education online. Accredited online programs offer dynamic e-learning features that enable students to enjoy rich real time interaction.

Some of the major highlights of an online criminal justice doctorate program include:

• Online University Discussion Boards: to interact with instructors and classmates on important topics and course assignments
• Live Chat Rooms: to collaborate in real time with faculty and classmates in certain defined hours
• Students and Faculty Emails: to directly contact university professors and classmates.
• Video Lectures: portable video lectures that can be downloaded on smart phones and other video enabled devices.
• Online Exams and Practice Exercises: to avoid the hassle of travelling to a campus for taking exams.

All the above features of online programs allow you to acquire cost efficient education in a flexible and convenient manner. You can learn at your own pace, follow your preferred study schedule, and also save costs on travelling, textbooks, and accommodation.

A PhD degree in criminal justice allows graduates to select a career from a wide variety of fields. The different criminal justice fields vary in terms of skills, tasks, responsibilities, and compensation.

Common jobs with an online PhD in Criminal justice include:

• Correctional officer
• Adjunct or part-time faculty
• Cyber Intelligence analyst
• Drug enforcement officer
• Law enforcement officer
• Polygraph examiner
• Probation, parole, or correctional administrator
• Youth Services director

Potential workplaces for PhD graduates include:

• Corporate security firm
• Correctional facilities or prisons
• Federal government agency
• College or university
• Law enforcement organization
• State government agency
• Municipal court system

How long does it take to get a PhD in Criminal Justice?

A PhD in Criminal Justice is a research-intensive program that prepares students to take up leadership or teaching roles in this field. This degree may also lead to top-level jobs in the criminal justice system like working as a judge or a senior crime analyst. To get a PhD in Criminal Justice, you will need to invest around three to four years of your time, after completing a master’s degree. The amount of time it takes would largely depend on whether you are enrolled in a part-time or a full-time program.

What are the requirements to complete a PhD in Criminal Justice?

To complete a PhD in Criminal Justice, you will need to fulfill the relevant coursework requirements, assessments, exams and a research-intensive thesis project. You may be required to complete coursework in criminal law, criminology, international law, law and theory, company law and so on. You will be taking a mix of courses including foundation level coursework and advanced criminal justice courses. Credit hours and GPA requirements vary from university to university.

How much can I make with a PhD in Criminal Justice?

The amount of money you can make with a PhD in Criminal Justice depends on what career path you choose. For instance, you may be able to find work as a judge or a hearing officer. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the typical entry level education for Judges and Hearing Officers is a Doctoral or a Professional Degree. Judges and Hearing Officers made an annual median pay of $117,190 per year in 2018. Lawyers, who also require a Doctoral or a Professional Degree, made an income of $120,910 in 2018.

• What is the highest degree in criminal justice?

Q: How long are the Criminal Justice Doctorate Programs?

A: The Criminal Justice Doctorate Program is usually of over 3 to 4 years.

Q: Where can students work with the Criminal Justice Doctoral degree?

A: The Criminal Justice Doctoral degrees enable aspiring professionals to work at administrative, supervisory and managerial positions in a variety of areas depending on their specialization. After graduation, students can consider working in investigation firms, police departments, government agenices, and corrections.

Q: What kind of a career do criminal justice doctoral programs entail me to?

A: As criminal justice doctoral programs are the highest level of education you can get in the field of criminal justice, they can lead to highly lucrative careers in the field. You can work with government agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Central Intelligence Agency. Depending on your specialization, you can also find work in other sectors of criminal justice like the legal system and the Department of Defense.

Q: What is the path to a Doctor of Criminal Justice degree?

A: The very first step in a criminal justice education is to complete a basic, entry-level degree like a certification or diploma. These courses will take you around six months to complete and can be followed by a two year associate's degree. After the completion of an associate's degree, you can go for a 3-4 bachelor's degree followed by a 1-2 year master's degree before you are eligible for a doctor of criminal justice degree.

Q: Can you guide me in Doctorate in Criminal Justice curriculum?

A: Doctorate in Criminal Justice curriculum is very extensive and detailed since it is the highest degree in Criminal Justice. The course work you will get to study includes topics such as quantitative research methods, professional development seminar, critical issues in law enforcement, critical issues in juvenile justice and dissertation research.

Q: I’m already employed and traditional campus based education is out of the question with my schedule. Can I pursue an online doctorate for criminal justice?

A: Yes. If you are already working, then online doctorate for criminal justice is the best option for you. These programs are accredited and are as comprehensive as the normal ones. Students get an opportunity to study at their own convenience without having to worry about deadlines. In comparison these programs are inexpensive as students save money on travel and accommodation. Students interested in this program are requested to search our website for more information.

Q: What is a Doctorate in Criminal Justice?

A: In answer to your question what is a Doctorate in Criminal Justice, it is the highest level degree in Criminal Justice. In this program the individuals come across in depth knowledge of all aspects of the field. You get to study advances courses of philosophy of law, justice, and social control, race and ethnicity in crime and criminal justice and advanced criminological theory.

Q: Can you please tell me what are the contents of the course on Criminal Investigation in the Doctor of Criminal Justice programs?

A: The Doctor of Criminal Justice programs in United States offer a dedicated course on Criminal Investigation. This course is worth 4 credits in total and highlights primarily on the examination of the most basic principles as well as procedures that are applied in a crime investigation scene. Students also get to learn the methods to handle evidence in apt manner.

Q: What is taught in the Business Law course of the Doctoral in Criminal Justice programs?

A: The Business Law course of the Doctoral in Criminal Justice programs is one of the integral courses of the p[program. This course is worth 4 credits in total and stresses on the examination of the environment and system of legal setup in the United States. You also get to understand the agreements and the contracts.

Q: What are criminal justice PhD prospects?

A: Criminal Justice Phd job market is quite good. The degree itself is the highest level of education an individual can gain in criminal justice administration. Students completing the mentioned degree qualify to become developers and researchers in the field, which are one of the highest paid positions within the United States. Students can also get hired in various law making agencies or work at senior posts in criminal justice organizations.

Q: What are the contents of the course on Law Office Management in the Doctorate Criminal Justice online?

A: The Doctorate Criminal Justice online degrees have dedicated course on Law Office Management. This course is of around 3 credits in total. It is structured to offer students contemporary understanding of the legal industry as well as a legal team. Students are also highlighted on the billing and administration structure and how to manage legal technology.

Q: What are my job prospects with a PhD in criminal law?

A: Job prospects for professionals with a PhD in criminal law are favorable. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, this sector is going to see an increase of more than 12% till the year 2018. Professionals in this industry can find themselves employed in both government and private sectors. A specialization in a subfield is very lucrative as there is a huge demand for professionals in health care and administration sectors.

Q: How will the phd in criminal justice help my career?

A: The Phd In Criminal Justice is one of the highest level of education in the field. Most commonly, working professionals get enrolled in the program to gain further knowledge and expertise in the area of specialization. The PhD degree helps them become experts in their field such that they can work as researchers and academicians.

Q: As I was reading about the Criminal Justice Doctoral Programs, there was mention of the course on Principles of Management. What are the contents of this course?

A: It is common to get to get to read about the course on Principles of Management while going through the Criminal Justice Doctoral Programs. This course usually is worth 2 credits in total. It is designed to provide students with ample understanding of the practices as well as principles of management. Students are also given hands on experience.

Q: Is forensic psychology also part of the criminal justice doctoral degree programs?

A: Since a criminal justice doctoral degree program is an extensive one, forensic psychology can also be an important part of the course work. It studies how to assess and evaluate the offender by standard expert procedures. It covers the relation of psychology with criminal behavior and helps understand criminal behavior from a different dimension.

Q: What is the academic structure and duration of a Doctorate in criminal justice degree?

A: A doctoral of criminal justice degree, officially takes about 4 years to complete but duration time is very much up to the student's personal efforts as well. Mostly students spend the first 2 years in completing relevant coursework of criminal law. Students are also encouraged to practice teaching and contribute generously in related journals and conferences. The doctoral of criminal justice ends with a thesis and an original research report.

Q: What is the duration of criminal justice Phd. programs?

A: For a student pursuing his doctoral of criminal justice on-campus it will take about four years to complete, but now a days earning any degree online has become increasingly popular due to the flexibility it offers to the student. Therefore, online Phd depends of the pace of the student; he may be able to complete it earlier than 4 years or later.

Q: Tell me about doctorate degree in criminal justice?

A: A doctoral degree in criminal justice takes four years to complete on average. The rate of completion is left up to the efforts of the individual. Students generally devote their first two years in the doctoral of criminal justice to completing coursework relevant to the field of criminal law. Students also develop teaching experience and work on publications for journals and conferences. The doctoral of criminal justice generally culminates in a thesis involving the development of an original research piece.

Q: What are the benefits of online doctoral programs in criminal justice?

A: Online education is one of the most convenient options in education right now. If you are interested in pursuing your Doctoral in criminal justice, this means you are probably a busy professional who is neck deep in building their career. In this situation, online education is your best option, since you can pursue your education at any level by simply staying on the job and studying at your own space and time. All courses are available online through video uploading and conference classroom settings.

Q: I need to know about PhD in criminal justice online programs and its admission criteria?

A: Doctorate of criminal justice will get you further up on the ladder of original research in the exciting field of criminal law. This degree will allow students to get involved in research precedents in the awarding of criminal cases. To get into this program you need to have a strong academic background and a graduate degree in the same field. A strong grasp on writing and reasoning can prove to be an asset in the doctoral of criminal justice program.

Q: What is the highest degree in criminal justice?

A: The highest degree in criminal justice would be the doctoral of criminal justice. This degree is an in depth study of a specific area of criminal justice. It involves a lot of research work and at the end of the program one has to submit a thesis. Generally, it is a four year degree course, but the time can vary.

Q: Is a doctorate degree the highest degree in criminal justice? or is a master's degree the highest qualification?

A: A doctorate degree is the highest degree one can earn in the field of criminal justice. This program takes around 5 to 7 years to complete and is research oriented. To be eligible for this level of program, one must first earn a graduate degree in a relevant field. A doctorate degree can lead to executive level job positions in law enforcement agencies.

Q: What are the subjects studied for PHD in criminal justice programs?

A: PHD in criminal justice programs is an advanced degree with a specialized focus in an area of criminology or law. It includes a lot of research work. The subjects depend on the area of specialization. Typically, it deals with criminal behavior, criminal law, correctional methods, theories of criminology and criminal psychology.

Q: Can you tell me about PHD programs in criminal justice?

A: PHD programs in criminal justice are quite comprehensive, since they require deep study and research work of a specific area. The specialization area can be forensic science, criminology, chemistry or psychology. The course depends on the area of specialization that you choose. To get admission for a PHD program you need to have a background in a related subject and a graduate qualification.

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Criminal Justice with a Concentration in Intelligence (Ph.D.)

The Criminal Justice with a Concentration in Intelligence (Ph.D.) at UNG is designed to meet the intelligence and research needs of military, federal, state, and local governmental agencies, private corporations engaged in intelligence fields, and others who are interested in developing greater knowledge about the field of intelligence and research studies.

The objective of this degree is to prepare students for analytic, operational, research, and investigative intelligence positions within the federal government, the military, local law enforcement, and the private sector and to produce well-trained criminologists, researchers, teachers, and criminal justice practitioners The Ph.D. in Criminal Justice program at UNG will require the completion of a minimum of 54 credit hours, contingent upon an earned master’s degree. The program will consist of 30 hours of core course, 9 hours of electives, and 15 hours will be dissertation credits. All students will be required to complete and defend a dissertation. In addition, students will be required to complete two teaching practicums.

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Criminal Justice (Ph.D.) Program Quick Facts

• Online program, no campus visit required
• Asynchronous online classes
• Program length 54 credit hours (minimum)
• Full-time or part-time enrollment
• Cohort begins in fall semester

Application Deadlines

All application materials are to be received prior to the deadline. Completing your application earlier is better.

If program capacity is met prior to established admission deadlines, we will stop accepting applications for admission and cancel remaining incomplete applicants.

Fall Deadline

How to apply to the criminal justice (ph.d.) program.

Requirements

• Graduate degree in area of social science (e.g. criminal justice, sociology, psychology, etc.) from  an accredited institution (as defined under Accredited Institutions in the Academic Information section of the  Graduate Catalog ) with at least a cumulative grade point average of 3.2 (4.0 scale) calculated in accordance with Graduate Admissions procedures .
• Have completed with a grade of B or higher one graduate basic statistics course.
• Have completed with a grade of B or higher one graduate research methods course.
• Official Graduate Record Exam (GRE) Score: Applicants must submit official GRE scores as a requirement for admission into the Ph.D. program. The Ph.D. program at UNG does not have a minimum GRE score, nor does the admissions committee use a formula to determine admission eligibility. All aspects of the applicant’s file are taken into consideration for admission decisions. Please note, only test scores less than five years old will be considered.
• Three UNG recommendation forms .
• Statement of Professional and Academic Goals: Two to three pages that include the applicant’s fields of interest and how the Ph.D. program will contribute to the goals.
• Current professional resume.
• One Academic Paper/Writing Sample: Single-authored writing sample that demonstrates the applicant’s writing ability. Examples include a chapter from the applicant’s thesis or a paper written for course credit. The paper submitted should not be longer than 25 double-spaced pages.

Applying to UNG

• Step 1 Application and Application Fee
• Step 2 Official Transcripts
• Step 3 Official Entrance Test Score
• Step 4 Verification of Lawful Presence in the U.S.
• Step 5 Graduate Assistants
• Step 6 Persons Aged 62 or Over

Application and Application Fee

Submit the online application for Graduate Admissions.

Please allow three business days after submitting your application for processing. You will receive an email from [email protected]  after your application has been reviewed for accuracy and updated with submitted documents. Please do not check your application status prior to receiving an email from this office as your online application checklist will not accurately reflect the required items for your program of interest.

• Non-refundable application fee of $40.
• Pay with a credit/debit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express) or electronic check (U.S. banks only) when completing the online application.
• Include a check or money order payable to UNG when submitting a paper application.
• Required supplemental documents may be uploaded with your application or emailed to [email protected] .

Official Transcripts

Submit one set of official transcripts from each institution attended for all course work at the graduate level.

• Transfer credit posted on records of other institutions is not accepted in lieu of transcripts from original institutions. Please request a transcript from each institution attended.
• Transcripts that have been opened, scanned or forwarded by email are not official and will not be accepted.
• Official paper transcripts are accepted if submitted from the issuing institution and mailed to University of North Georgia Admissions Imaging Center, P.O. Box 1358, Gainesville, GA 30503-1358. Student paper transcripts are accepted only when issued to the student in a sealed envelope and submitted to Graduate Admissions unopened.
• Official electronic transcripts are accepted if submitted from the issuing institution to [email protected] . Depending on the transcript service you are using, [email protected] may not be an available option. You may then select any admissions or undergraduate admissions @ung.edu address. Electronic transcripts forwarded via email from the student are not accepted.
• International transcripts must have a course-by-course credential evaluation by an independent evaluation service that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services, Inc. ( NACES ) or Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. ( AICE ). Evaluations must be sent directly from the agency to the Admissions office. Refer to the evaluator website for a full list of  NACES  or  AICE  members. Official evaluations must include certification that the applicant's course work and degrees earned are equivalent to course work and degrees earned from an accredited institution (as defined under Accredited Institutions in the Academic Information section of the  Graduate Catalog ) and include a cumulative grade point average. Evaluations should be submitted from the evaluation service to Graduate Admissions. Evaluations must include certification that the applicant has received a baccalaureate from an accredited institution (as defined under Accredited Institutions in the Academic Information section of the  Graduate Catalog ) with a minimum grade point average of 2.75. 
• Graduate Admissions will retrieve transcripts of coursework completed in-residence at UNG. You do not need to order official transcripts from UNG.

Official Entrance Test Score

University of North Georgia’s institutional code is 5497 for submitting official  GRE General Test  scores. Only test scores less than five years old will be considered.

Verification of Lawful Presence in the U.S.

Board of Regents’ policy requires all applicants accepted for admission or readmission to UNG seeking in-state for tuition classification provide validation of residency and lawful presence in both the state of Georgia and the United States.

Graduate Assistants

Interested in applying for a graduate assistant position at UNG? 

• Visit  UNG's Job Site  and select Grad Assistant to view available positions. 
• When prompted on the Graduate Admissions application , select "Yes" to be added to our email communications about upcoming positions. 
• Graduate assistants  are required to have health insurance. For additional information, visit  USG Student Health Insurance Program (SHIP)

Persons Aged 62 or Over

• Must be a resident of Georgia and 62 years of age or older at the time of registration.
• May enroll as a regular or auditing student in courses on a “space available” basis without payment of fees, except for supplies, laboratory or shop fees.

Applicants who have a related graduate degree outside of the social sciences or who do not have the necessary course prerequisites may qualify for provisional admission.

• Graduate degree from an accredited institution (as defined under Accredited Institutions in the Academic Information section of the  Graduate Catalog ) with at least a cumulative grade point average of 3.2 (4.0 scale) calculated in accordance with Graduate Admissions procedures.
• Three UNG recommendation forms.

Provisional degree-seeking students

• may register for a maximum of nine semester hours of graduate credit.
• will be reviewed to determine eligibility for regular admission following completion of the first semester.
• are not eligible for federal financial aid while enrolled in courses as a provisional student.
• will not be allowed to continue in the program if a grade of C or lower is earned in any graduate course.
• may apply for readmission after three semesters from the date removed from the program because of a deficient grade by submitting a new application to Graduate Admissions with a letter addressed to the program coordinator requesting readmission.
• Non-Degree The Ph.D. in Criminal Justice program does not permit non-degree students.

The Ph.D. in Criminal Justice program does not permit transient students.

International applicants who must be issued an F-1 visa by UNG to enter the United States to attend school may not apply for completely part-time (less than nine hours) or online programs. This program is only offered as an online program and therefore does not permit F-1 visa student admission.

A candidate whose application is denied has the right to appeal the decision. A written letter of appeal must include strong evidence to support the basis for your appeal. The appeal should consist of information beyond what was previously submitted in your admissions file and detail your ability to be successful in graduate studies.

• Students whose appeals are granted will be admitted as provisional students.
• Students are not eligible for financial aid while taking courses under a provisional admission status.
• Students may not appeal for regular admission.

Email your letter of appeal as a pdf attachment to [email protected] .

Start Your Application Graduate Admissions Tuition Estimator

Criminal Justice (Ph.D.) Curriculum

Required courses (30 credit hours).

• CRJU 8100 - Contemporary Criminological Theory This course will examine some of the major theories developed to explain crime and criminal behavior, followed by a discussion of theories on punishment and social control, developmental and life course theories, social reaction theories, and critical theory. The course will also include a discussion on the present state and future prospects of criminological theory. Hours: 3 View Course in Catalog
• CRJU 8200 - Quantitative Research Methods This course offers a hands-on opportunity for doctoral students to experience the practice of quantitative research. This course is designed to train graduate students in quantitative research methodology, from conceptualization, through design and data collection processes for use in their graduate studies and their careers. The course is a program requirement for doctoral students. Hours: 3 View Course in Catalog
• CRJU 8300 - Qualitative Research Methods This course offers a hands-on opportunity for doctoral students to experience the practice of qualitative research. This course is designed to train graduate students in qualitative research methodology, from conceptualization, through design and data collection processes for use in their graduate studies and their careers. The course is a program requirement for doctoral students. Hours: 3 View Course in Catalog
• CRJU 8400 - Advanced Statistical Analysis This course is an advanced overview of descriptive and inferential statistics with emphasis on the latter. Students will gain practical experience in analyzing current data from the social sciences through the use of statistical computer programs. Topics include: sampling, measures of central tendency and dispersion, probability theory, hypothesis testing, point and interval estimation, chi-square distributions, correlation, multiple regression analysis, logistic regression analysis, and factor analysis. Prerequisite/Corequisite: Prerequisite: CRJU 8200 Hours: 3 View Course in Catalog
• CRJU 8500 - Directed Teaching in Criminal Justice I This course focuses on pedagogical issues in teaching criminal justice content at the undergraduate level. Techniques for teaching in class as well as online will be introduced and discussed. Course design and development will also be introduced. Hours: 3 View Course in Catalog
• CRJU 8600 - Directed Teaching in Criminal Justice II This course focuses on course development, design, and delivery for teaching criminal justice content at the undergraduate level. Supervised co-teaching in an existing undergraduate course is included. Prerequisite/Corequisite: Prerequisite: CRJU 8500 and 18 hours of coursework in the program Hours: 3 View Course in Catalog
• CRJU 8610 - Intelligence Analysis This course provides an overview and introduction of the intelligence analysis function within the law enforcement organization, including an overview of the techniques and applications used to plan investigations, collect reliable intelligence, process and analyze the intelligence, and disseminate it to other agencies. The course prepares the student for using these techniques within a law enforcement organization. Hours: 3 View Course in Catalog
• CRJU 8612 - Crime Analysis and Intelligence-Led Policing This course is an advanced overview of techniques and processes related to Intelligence-Led Policing (ILP) and other advanced methods in crime analysis. Topics include: the origins of ILP, decision making based on ILP and crime analysis, the role of technology, as well as the evaluation and assessment of these methods. Technology related to ILP, such as crime mapping, mobile data terminals, COMPSTAT and related technologies will be discussed. Hours: 3 View Course in Catalog
• CRJU 8613 - Terrorism, Intelligence, and Homeland Security This course covers the historical and contemporary issues interrelating terrorism, intelligence and homeland security. The course represents not only a strong scholarly approach to the study of terrorism, but also incorporates the real-world experience of federal agents, police officers, and soldiers tasked with preventing the next terrorist attack on our country. It is designed to help students develop a working knowledge of people, ideas, organizations and current issues in the field. The approach of this course provides students with a unified and cutting-edge understanding of terrorism, intelligence, and homeland security and their interrelationship. Hours: 3 View Course in Catalog
• CRJU 8614 - Cybercrime, Policy, and Intelligence This course will explore the policy and law of computer crime and consider how "cybercrimes" are different from and similar to transgressive behavior in physical space. Topics will include the Fourth Amendment, forensics, electronic surveillance, cyberbullying, identity theft, computer hacking and cracking, espionage, cyberterrorism, privacy, the era of "forced disclosure," and the challenge of cross-jurisdiction enforcement. Hours: 3 View Course in Catalog

Electives (9 credit hours)

• CRJU 7005 - Global Crime and Justice In the last two decades, transnational crime has experienced an unprecedented expansion, now accounting for roughly 15 percent of the world's GDP. Profits from transnational crime groups have been termed the 'global shadow economy' or the 'dark side of the economy.' The purpose of this course is to study crime and criminal justice from a global perspective. The course will examine how globalization and improvements in communication technologies have led to a recent growth in transnational crime. The course will explore issues surrounding the definitions, incidence, and trends in transnational crime. The course also analyzes efforts made by contemporary nation states and multilateral agencies to combat illicit transnational activity. Specific crime topics discussed include, drug trafficking, arms trafficking, the trafficking of persons, the sex industry, fraud, cybercrime, and transnational criminal organizations. Hours: 3 View Course in Catalog
• CRJU 7010 - Criminal Justice Policy This course is a survey of program evaluation and policy analysis techniques relating to the philosophical and practical administration of criminal justice. The focus is on how policy in criminal justice is created, analyzed and changed. The student will be introduced to critical issues in criminal justice and policymaking at the local, state, and federal levels as well as effective and ineffective policies and strategies used in the criminal justice system. Hours: 3 View Course in Catalog
• CRJU 7112 - Police and Society The purpose of this course is to examine the development and role of police in modern society. This not a course on police administration or criminal investigation, rather the course examines the function of police in the context of the large society. As such, it will explore such topics as, the history of policing, police recruitment, police misconduct, police discretion, police culture, patterns of police-community relations, crime prevention strategies, the relationship between police and the media. Like other course in the graduate curriculum, this class will integrate theory, research, and policy by relying on academic journal articles as the source for class discussions. Hours: 3 View Course in Catalog
• CRJU 7115 - Corrections and Penology This course will examine the current research in corrections and penology. It will address specific issues such as public perception and reaction to the criminal justice system's methods of punishment and treatment of criminal offenders, the effectiveness of sentencing options and policies and the various theoretical and methodological approaches to the study of community-based corrections, intermediate sanctions, and prisons. Hours: 3 View Course in Catalog
• CRJU 7117 - Legal Liabilities of Criminal Justice This course is an examination of the liability issues that challenge criminal justice professionals in the performance of their duties. The course will result in an examination of how management and administration in criminal justice relates to ethical, civil, and criminal behaviors of personnel. Hours: 3 View Course in Catalog
• CRJU 7120 - Forensic Behavioral Analysis The purpose of this course is to examine criminal behavior through a psychological perspective. Upon completion of this course, students should have acquired knowledge regarding the major psychological theories of criminal behavior as well as specific psychological disorders that potentially contribute to criminal behavior, such as personality disorders, impulse control disorders, and sexual disorders. Students will study the behaviors and traits of the perpetrators and victims of such crimes as, serial murder, rape, child molestation, domestic homicide, mass murder, and serial arson. The course will also familiarize students with various techniques for analyzing and understanding criminal behavior though crime scene analysis. These techniques include an introduction to the fundamentals of criminal investigative analysis, criminal profiling, risk assessment, and interview strategies. Critical thinking skills are emphasized by the utilization of case studies that will involved an analysis of offender psychopathology, modus operandi, and signature. Hours: 3 View Course in Catalog
• CRJU 7900 - Special Topics in Criminal Justice A seminar on topics which will vary according to instructor and student interest. With a change in topic, this course may be repeated for credit. Hours: 0-9 View Course in Catalog
• CRJU 8900 - Special Topics in Criminal Justice A seminar on topics in criminal justice that will vary according to instructor and student interest. This course is designed to introduce relevant contemporary topics not covered by existing curriculum. The course may be repeated for credit with a change in topic for a maximum of 6 hours credit. Hours: 3 View Course in Catalog
• CRJU 8920 - Independent Study in Criminal Justice An advanced independent study of a relevant topic in the field of criminal justice. Study topics are subject to approval by the supervising faculty member and the graduate coordinator. Prerequisite/Corequisite: Prerequisite: approval of the graduate coordinator Hours: 3 View Course in Catalog

Dissertation Research (15 credit hours)

• CRJU 8801 - Directed Reading in Criminal Justice This course is designed as an independent study of major written works in the field of criminal justice, especially those highlighted in the PhD curriculum. This course is also considered a qualifying examination of  theory, methodology, and research interests. Completion is required prior to the beginning of the dissertation.  Prerequisite/Corequisite: Prerequisite: Permission of the Graduate Coordinator Hours: 3 View Course in Catalog
• CRJU 8901 - Dissertation Research I Students enrolled in this course will work on their dissertation supervised by a committee of the faculty. This course may be repeated for up to 6 hours of total course credit. Prerequisite/Corequisite: Prerequisite: Permission of the Graduate Coordinator Hours: 3 View Course in Catalog
• Department of Criminal Justice

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You've been serving in the criminal justice field for quite some time—whether it be in a direct service role or a teaching role—and now you're...

What’s the difference between a dcj and a phd in criminal justice.

Posted on December 18, 2023 on Graduate School , Seahawk Nation

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You’ve been serving in the criminal justice field for quite some time—whether it be in a direct service role or a teaching role—and now you’re wondering if you should pursue a doctorate degree to take your career to the next level.

When it comes to doctorate degrees in the field of criminal justice, you have two options. The first and most traditional option is a PhD in criminal justice, which is ideal for those interested in teaching and training. The second option (and one that has gained a lot of traction in the past several years) is a Doctor of Criminal Justice (DCJ), which is less education-focused and more geared towards individuals who want to make a direct impact on policymaking and fieldwork.

Not sure which option is right for you? With a better understanding of what each degree program entails and what you can do with each, you can make a better-informed decision regarding your education and career advancement.

What Is a Doctorate in Criminal Justice?

Until several years ago, DCJ degrees were a new concept—with the first regionally accredited DCJ degree in the United States approved in 2017 . Today, more colleges and universities are beginning to offer DCJ programs due to their growing demand among professionals in the field.

Specifically, a doctorate in criminal justice degree is designed for professionals working in criminal justice who may already have master’s degrees and are looking to pursue more advanced degrees that allow them to focus on a highly specialized area of the field.

These degrees can be considered either research-based or professional in nature and are great options for anyone wanting to conduct their own field research and make a direct impact on public policy or other aspects of the criminal justice industry.

Those who earn DCJs may go on to work in senior positions within police departments, corrections facilities and similar roles, as well as being an expert witness or consultant.

Curriculum and Courses

While the specific curriculum and courses associated with a DCJ can vary from one program to the next, most focus on preparing students for identifying causes of crime, analyzing the criminal justice field critically, leading criminal justice organizations and investigating the policies and practices of a criminal justice system.

Ultimately, those who complete a DCJ program should be prepared to research and apply evidence-based practices in their fields, assess the safety needs of a community, and lead criminal justice efforts in both public and private sectors.

Examples of courses you may take in a DCJ program include:

• Criminal Justice Leadership
• Advanced Criminological Theory
• Criminal Justice Policies and Practices
• Advanced Research Design

Degree Requirements

The requirements to earn a DCJ degree also vary slightly depending on the program but are usually quite similar. Most DCJ programs require about 44 credit hours to complete, broken up into 16 courses with eight-week terms. With these requirements, most students can complete the traditional course work and earn their degrees within 20 to 32 months.

As part of a DCJ, it is also common for students to be required to complete an applied doctoral project or dissertation and/or one doctoral residency. This dissertation typically does not need to be published, but it should make a theoretical and practical impact in the field.

What are the prerequisites and admission requirements for a DCJ program? The first is a master’s degree in criminal justice or a related field from an accredited institution. Applicants should expect to provide official transcripts from their previous master’s degree programs with proof of GPA, as many DCJ programs also require a minimum of a 3.0 GPA in a previous degree program.

In some cases, applicants may also be required to submit a personal statement detailing their life experiences, career outcomes or other educational achievements that may lead to success in a doctorate program. Certain programs may also require applicants to submit a resume or CV in addition to a nominal application fee.

Job and Career Outlook

A doctorate in criminal justice can provide you with the practical, hands-on skills needed for various senior-level and leadership positions within the criminal justice field. Many graduates of DCJ programs go on to work in leadership roles and practical or academic roles in areas such as:

• Law enforcement
• Corrections
• Investigations
• Threat assessment
• Government consulting
• Probation and courts systems

What Is a PhD in Criminal Justice?

Another advanced degree option to consider in criminal justice is a PhD, or a Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice. Compared to a DCJ, this type of program tends to be more focused on academic applications with the end goal of preparing students to conduct proper field research. Those who obtain PhDs in criminal justice most often go on to teach at the college or university level, though this is not always the case. Graduates may also proceed to work as researchers for government agencies, such as the DHS or FBI.

The curriculum and courses involved with a PhD program tend to be more specific to research. This is not to say that PhD programs in criminal justice don’t offer foundational courses more related to the field. Normally, this degree is broken up so that about one-third of credit hours are dedicated to research topics, whereas the remainder are focused on a dissertation or foundational courses in criminal justice.

The requirements to graduate with a PhD in criminal justice vary based on the particular school. In general, however, students need a minimum of 54 credit hours to graduate. This works out to about 20 courses in eight-week terms, spanning a total program completion of anywhere from 24 to 40 months.

As part of a PhD in criminal justice, it is also common for students to be required to complete a dissertation that is peer-reviewed and published. Doctoral students may also be expected to complete residencies.

Typically, in order to qualify for admission into a PhD in criminal justice program, applicants must have a graduate degree in the field (or a closely related field) with a minimum of a 3.0 GPA in that program. Likewise, many PhD programs require applicants to have at least a couple of years of full-time experience working in the criminal justice realm.

In certain cases, applicants may be admitted into a PhD program with only a bachelor’s degree if they have proper experience working hands-on in the field, though this varies from one program to the next. Generally, DCJ programs require experience in the field for admission.

In addition to transcripts from a previous degree program, applicants to a PhD program often must submit a resume and personal statement as well as pay an application fee to be considered.

A PhD in criminal justice can prepare individuals for successful careers teaching criminal justice and conducting important field research that leads to impactful policy and systematic changes. As more people call for criminal justice reform, the demand for experienced and knowledgeable researchers will only continue to grow.

Meanwhile, those with PhDs in criminal justice may also enjoy increased earning potential. In fact, research has shown that professionals with PhDs make an average of 56.4% more per year than those with a bachelor’s degree alone.

DCJ vs. PhD in Criminal Justice

Still unsure whether a DCJ or PhD in criminal justice is the right choice for you? Let’s break down the similarities and differences so you can more easily compare the two.

Similarities

Both a DCJ and PhD in criminal justice are advanced degrees that typically require a master’s degree or other graduate-level degree. They both offer the potential for career advancement, no matter if you are interested in achieving a leadership position or a more senior teaching role. Each program also often requires a dissertation or similar project that allows you to conduct your own field research and build a reputation as a thought leader in the field.

Differences

There are some key differences to note between a PhD in criminal justice and a DCJ:

• Program length – A PhD in criminal justice generally demands more credit hours than a DCJ, so it may take longer to complete a PhD.
• Focus – A PhD in criminal justice is more focused on field research and academia than real-world practice. If you’re less interested in researching or teaching in the field of criminal justice and more set on preparing for a leadership or other senior-level role, a DCJ may be the better option. Specifically, a DCJ curriculum is more focused on practical applications and may also offer options for specialization.
• Publication/peer review requirements – While both degrees may require students to write a dissertation, a PhD program may also require that your dissertation be peer-reviewed and published. For DCJ programs, students complete an applied doctoral project. Both the publication and applied project can help you earn clout and establish your reputation as a trusted thought leader.
• Admission requirements – Both programs typically require applicants to have a master’s degree in a related field, though some PhD programs may grant admission to those with bachelor’s degrees if they have enough proven experience.

Begin Your Journey to an Advanced Degree in Criminal Justice

Both a doctorate in criminal justice and a PhD in criminal justice could serve as excellent steppingstones for striving toward your career goals. The decision of which criminal justice program is right for you will boil down to what you want to do with your degree and what kind of curriculum you’re looking for.

The good news? No matter where you are in your criminal justice career or what your future goals are, Keiser University has a program to suit your needs. Our criminal justice degree programs begin with undergraduate and graduate options, including our Bachelor of Arts to Master of Arts in Criminal Justice (Accelerated) program, Master of Arts in Criminal Justice with Interdisciplinary Studies program and Master of Arts in Criminal Justice and Master of Arts in Homeland Security program.

From there, we also offer a Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice and Criminology as well as a Doctor of Criminal Justice . Both programs are offered online for your convenience, so you can pursue your advanced degree on your own schedule. Learn more about these and other program options by getting in touch with a Keiser University admissions counselor today.

Nidia Barrios

Natalie dou, ryan bushey.

How long will I have to go to school for a criminal justice degree?

Do you ever ask yourself how long will I have to go to school for a criminal justice degree? This article will help you get started.

You may have been dreaming about a career in criminal justice, but how long will it take you to get there? Depending on what type of education you want – whether you want a basic Associate’s or you’re striving for your PhD – you could be in school for a year or two or more than a decade. The position you’re after also plays a part in the type of education you need. Some roles require a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, while others will require you to have a Doctorate.

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Criminal justice degrees.

There are criminal justice degrees available at every level, from certifications to doctoral degrees.

Certificate:

Certificate programs are the shortest of the bunch. However, you can earn a certificate in conjunction with a degree if you want to add to your education. Undergraduate certificates introduce you to the field, but you won’t be able to work in the field with just an undergrad certification. These certificates usually take between six and twelve months to earn, while graduate certificates take approximately one year to earn.

Associate’s:

There are three types of Associate degrees you can earn if you want to work in criminal justice – Associate of Arts, Associate of Science or Associate of Applied Science. These degrees require 65 credit hours, which can take up to two years to earn.

Bachelor’s:

To work in the criminal justice field, you can earn either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science. You’ll need a total of 120 to 128 credits to get a Bachelor’s degree, which can usually be earned in about four years. Some people start with their Associate’s degree and then decide to earn a Bachelor’s degree later on. In this case, you’ll just be adding to your Associate degree credits, not starting from scratch.

Master’s:

If you want a Master of Arts or a Master of Criminal Justice, you’ll need to earn 30 credit hours after receiving your Bachelor’s degree. Many people work on their Master’s degree while they’re working in the field, which means it can take between two and three years to finish a Master’s program.

If you want a PhD in criminal justice, it can take up to seven years to earn the required 90 credit hours.

Legal Careers in Criminal Justice

If you’re interested in becoming a paralegal or becoming a lawyer, you’ll need a law degree. Once you earn your Bachelor’s degree, which could take up to four years, you’ll need to complete an additional three years of law school. Paralegals, however, can begin working after only two years of study, since they don’t have the same responsibilities as a lawyer. Paralegals work as legal assistants to lawyers.

If you’re interested in becoming a judge, you’ll need to have worked as a lawyer for at least five years, and often more. Since judges are elected or appointed either by the public or the government, it’s imperative that they have solid reputations as lawyers first.

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