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Top Online PhD in Criminal Justice Programs

Interested in reaching the pinnacle of the criminal justice profession? Looking for a quality criminal justice doctorate program that offers the convenience of distance learning? This guide will help you find a top-ranked online PhD in criminal justice that’s right for you.

Search hundreds of top schools for the doctorate YOU want.

Written by

PhDs.me Staff

Last updated

Jan 25, 2024

As our criminal justice system becomes increasingly complex, the need for highly educated professionals in this field, including those with a PhD in criminal justice, remains strong. If you are currently working in the criminal justice field and seeking to move your career into the top echelons of your profession, there are several questions you should answer when considering a PhD in criminal justice, including:

Do I need to earn a doctorate in criminal justice to move up the ladder? Can I fit a degree program into my already busy work and life schedules? Just exactly which online PhD in criminal justice program is right for me?

You’ll find the answers to these questions and a whole lot more in this guide. Discover the best online PhD in criminal justice programs currently available and how earning a doctorate in criminal justice can help you reach your highest career goals.

Best Online PhD in Criminal Justice Programs for 2023

Selecting the right PhD in criminal justice program is crucial in achieving your academic aspirations and professional objectives. To assist with your program search, we have surveyed all of the fully accredited online PhD in criminal justice programs currently available and have highlighted the three best options. Our selection process is based on several key factors, including affordability, online study options, student services, and more.

or
1
Liberty University Lynchburg, Virginia
Type: Private not-for-profit
Cost: $$

Seasoned law enforcement professionals looking to shift into leadership positions will appreciate the Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice degree from Liberty University. The program is fully online and has eight-week courses, meaning students can fit their education around their professional and personal responsibilities. Students choose from three academic pathways for students to choose from. First, there's the homeland security specialization for those interested in protecting the United States from threats. Second, there's the leadership concentration, ideal for individuals thinking about a future in law enforcement administration. Third, there's the general pathway, which allows students to create their own specialization by creating a unique combination of elective courses.

Program Highlights:

PhD in Criminal Justice

  • Credits: 60
  • Length: About 3 years
  • Cost: $595/credit (full-time) and $650/credit (part-time)
  • Mode: 100% online
  • Accreditation: SACSCOC
Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
17
AccreditationSACSCOC
2
Nova Southeastern University Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Type: Private not-for-profit
Cost: $$$$$

Nova Southeastern University's PhD in Criminal Justice provides multiple avenues for growth in the criminal justice profession. The program offers three areas of specialization: Organizational Leadership, Behavior Science, and Juvenile Justice. What's unique about this program is that students aren't tied to just one specialization and can take two or more, as long as they complete the required five courses for the given specialization. The program is fully online and most of the coursework is offered asynchronously, meaning students can complete their coursework from anywhere and at any time. Despite the independent and self-paced learning options, students can expect their professor's full attention because each incoming class is usually limited to just 20 students. Students interested in applying should note that a master's degree is required for admission.

Program Highlights:

PhD in Criminal Justice

  • Credits: 60
  • Length: About two-and-a-half years
  • Cost: $1,277/credit
  • Mode: 100% online
  • Accreditation: SACSCOC
Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
17
AccreditationSACSCOC
3
Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Type: Private not-for-profit
Cost: $$$$$

Unlike many other similar programs, the PhD in Criminal Justice and Criminology offered by Keiser University admits students whether they have a bachelor's degree or a master's. However, students with just a bachelor's will need at least a 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA and must have their degree in criminal justice or a related field. Another way this program stands out is that it can be completed in as little as two years. This is made possible by the 54-credit curriculum and the fact that Keiser University accepts up to 18 transfer credits. The program is well-suited for students interested in continuing to work while in school, as the classwork can be completed 100% online and students can take a reduced course load if they desire. Despite the fully online classwork, students will need to complete one in-person residency during their first year and a second in-person residency just before they begin the dissertation process.

Program Highlights:

PhD in Criminal Justice and Criminology

  • Credits: 54
  • Length: 24-40 months
  • Cost: $29,360/year
  • Mode: Partially online
  • Accreditation: SACSCOC
Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
16
AccreditationSACSCOC

Highlighting Another Top Online Criminal Justice PhD Program

Walden University

Study flexibility is the key to Walden University’s partially online PhD in criminal justice degree. The program offers students a choice of seven specialization options along with a general studies curriculum, with several specializations available in both regular and fast-track formats. Additionally, students can complete their degrees in a little as 2 ½ years (depending on specialization), but may take up to eight years to finish. All didactic coursework is completed online. However, students are required to participate in four short-term residencies throughout their courses of study, two of which must be attended in-person.

  • Total program costs vary significantly (from the mid-$40,000’s to approximately $140,000) based on specialization choice, total program length, and number of previously-earned credits transferred in.

Benefits of the Online PhD in Criminal Justice

There are numerous benefits to earning a degree online, including the convenience and cost savings associated with not having to commute regularly to and from campus for classes. Here are two other distinct and substantial benefits to pursuing your PhD in criminal justice online:

1

Full-time and part-time study options.
Most students taking on the challenge of pursuing a PhD in criminal justice do so while maintaining their regular jobs. Colleges and universities are keenly aware of this and tailor their degree curriculums to help make the learning process easier. That’s why you’ll find most online criminal justice doctorate programs offer flexible program lengths that allow students a great deal of leeway when it comes to the time needed to complete their degrees. In many cases, students may be able to take anywhere from three to seven years to complete all curriculum requirements.

2

The flexibility of asynchronous coursework.
Whether the program you’re in is fully online or partially online, you’ll have the benefit of asynchronous coursework. Asynchronous courses are those with content (lectures, readings, assignments, etc.) you can access at anytime and anywhere that best fits your busy schedule. You’ll still have deadlines for completing assignments and taking tests, but you won’t have to login online and attend classes on specific days or at specific times.

Types of Online PhDs in Criminal Justice

It is important to note that each online PhD in criminal justice program is unique, with its own academic approach and specific requirements. Before enrolling in a program, it is crucial to have a clear understanding of its details. One of the most important factors to consider is the online learning format of the program. Can it be completed entirely online or does it includes any in-person components? Some programs that advertise themselves as “100% online” may still require on-campus attendance for short-term residencies, orientation meetings, or in-person dissertation defenses.

100% online

Many excellent PhD in criminal justice degree programs today are offered in 100% online formats. That means, depending on specific program and specialization options, you may be able to complete your doctorate in criminal justice entirely online without any residency, orientation, or other in-person requirements. These programs also typically provide online access to important support services like academic, personal, and career counseling, research materials, and more.

Partially online

Partially online doctorate in criminal justice programs usually include non-coursework components like residencies, orientations, and dissertation defenses. Most online PhD programs in criminal justice feature coursework that is entirely accessed and completed online. If you come across courses described as “blended” or “hybrid,” it is important to note that they will include some form of on-campus or other in-person participation.

Timeline: Online Criminal Justice PhD

The time to complete an online PhD in criminal justice degree can vary greatly, depending on factors such as program type, specialization choice, and study pace. Some programs offer fast-track options that take as little as 2 ½ years to complete, while others may take six years or more for part-time students. Your previous education level and the research required for your dissertation can also affect the time needed to earn your degree. Ultimately, it’s important to carefully consider all of these factors to determine the timeline that best suits your goals and lifestyle. With that in mind, the following degree timeline is similar to what most students can expect to encounter in their doctorate studies:

Year
1

The degree process begins with a first year devoted primarily to didactic coursework in core criminal justice subjects such as criminology and policing, criminal justice policy, juvenile justice, and corrections, and research-related subjects such as research design and methodology and statistics. Each student will also prepare and submit an individualized plan of study that details their academic intentions and courses of study. Students may be required to participate in faculty projects as research assistants. Virtual and in-person participation in residencies, seminars, and professional development conferences is also common. The year culminates with taking qualifying exams that must be passed to proceed on to year two.

Year
2

Second-year study centers on the continuation of coursework, now with an emphasis on courses in advanced research and the student’s chosen specialization. Most programs also require second-year students to write a research paper for submission for peer review and possible publication. Students may additionally begin the preparatory stages of the dissertation process. Other activities may include residencies, teaching assignments, and the continuation of work as a research assistant. The year commonly culminates in preparing for exams to qualify for degree candidacy. Fast-track students will end the year by taking their qualifying exams.

Year
3

If they haven’t already, students will complete their didactic coursework, usually in the first half of year three, followed by taking the exams that qualify them for degree candidacy. Those who have not already done so will complete and submit their research papers for peer review and possible publication. Third-year students also commonly work as teaching assistants preparing and teaching undergraduate-level courses. Third-year fast-track students will spend the bulk of the academic year working on their dissertations and possibly presenting and defending them by year’s end. Regular-track students will either start or continue in the early stages of dissertation preparation.

Year 4 and beyond

Students who did not enter the candidacy stage of their studies in year three will likely be in it now, with the full focus of their work on conducting research and the writing, presenting, and defense of their dissertations. The process begins with the submission and defense of their dissertation prospectus to a faculty committee. Once approved, the student will begin conducting dissertation-related research. Working closely with a faculty advisor and dissertation committee, students will analyze their research and write their dissertation drafts. Finally, students will submit their dissertation papers and present and defend their dissertations orally (either virtually or in-person) before a faculty committee.

PhD in Criminal Justice Learning Outcomes

Learning outcome statements are a crucial element of any high-quality degree program, and this is certainly the case for online PhD in criminal justice programs. These statements describe the fundamental knowledge, skills, and larger concepts that you’ll obtain by completing the program’s curriculum, and they serve as the academic foundation for your degree. It’s essential that you carefully review the learning outcome statements of any program you’re considering to ensure that the education you receive aligns with your goals and objectives. Here are five typical learning outcomes similar to ones you’ll find in online PhD in criminal justice programs:

1

Criminal justice system and issues
A thorough understanding of the historical and modern criminal justice system and the current pressing issues (legal, social, political, and public) concerning criminal justice. Ability to evaluate the root causes of crime and how they relate to criminal justice practice, policies, and procedures.

2

Leadership and management
Develop knowledge of, and ability to integrate, established and cutting-edge theories of leadership and management into the practice of criminal justice. Ability to develop and enact policies, programs, and budgets in support of effective administration of criminal justice agencies and organizations.

3

Critical thinking and decision making
Develop foundational and advanced skills in critical thinking. Ability to apply those skills to the evaluation and synthesis of research studies concerning criminal justice and criminology, as well as both long-term and short-term criminal justice issues and practices.

4

Legal, professional, and ethical issues
Develop understanding of the role of the criminal justice system, and the professionals working in it, in the advancement of positive social change and social justice. Ability to identify and evaluate the policies, practices, risks, and opportunities to criminal justice agencies and organizations as they relate to legal, professional, and ethical issues.

5

Scholarly research
Deep understanding of foundational scholarly research in the criminal justice field and its historical and current influence on criminal justice practice. Ability to design, develop, and implement scholarly research projects and to analyze and apply the resulting data to real-life criminal justice issues and problems.

Specialization in Criminal Justice: Customize Your Degree to Meet Your Unique Needs

Specializations, also known as concentrations, within degree programs are highly valuable at the graduate level because they enable students to customize their studies based on their unique interests within the broader field of criminal justice. Specializations are particularly useful as they provide students with an advantage over other job seekers who may lack the particular skills and knowledge associated with that specialization.

Along with a “general” program track, PhD in criminal justice degree programs often provide a variety of specialization track options for their students. Here are five of the most popular currently available:

Emergency Management

This specialization is for students seeking careers leading teams in preparing for and responding to natural and manmade disasters. The specialization additionally prepares graduates to apply for valuable professional certificates from FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute.

Homeland Security

The homeland security specialization focuses on issues of terrorism, cybercrime, and WMDs and the skills necessary to respond to them. Topics include risk assessment, public safety, protection of individual rights, and public policy as it relates to domestic and global terror threats.

Law Enforcement and Policing

Along with leadership skills, students in this specialization focus on topics such as police techniques and tactics and policing as it relates to the current and developing issues of multiculturalism and virtual crime.

Organizational Leadership

The organizational leadership specialization is designed to provide students with an interdisciplinary approach to leadership by combining coursework in education and business research and theory. Topics covered include strategic planning, building organizational capacity, and sustainability.

Public Administration

Students choosing this specialization develop knowledge and skills in analyzing and applying information and data to business decisions related to the administration of criminal justice organizations in areas like public policy, accounting, and human resources management.

Accreditation & Online PhD Degrees in Criminal Justice

Accreditation is crucial when selecting any postsecondary degree program, online or otherwise. If a program you’re considering lacks accreditation, it is best to remove it from your list of potential programs. Accreditation is the process through which PhD in criminal justice students can ensure that both the institution and the degree program it offers have met the necessary minimum curriculum requirements.

There are two basic types of accreditation in the United States: institutional and programmatic. Programmatic accreditation concerns specific degree programs offered by a college or university. There are currently no professional organizations that specifically accredit U.S. criminal doctorate degree programs. Institutional accreditation, on the other hand, refers to accreditation of the school itself. Institutional accreditation of both traditional and online U.S. colleges and universities is administered by a number of Department of Education recognized regional and national accrediting agencies. You should only consider online PhD in criminal justice programs offered by schools with proper institutional accreditation.

Applying to a Criminal Justice PhD Degree Online

Every degree program has admissions requirements and processes that are overseen by admissions committees with specific selection criteria and methods. Requirements typically include a previously earned master’s (or bachelor’s degree, in some cases) in criminal justice or a closely-related field, a minimum GPA for previous undergraduate and graduate coursework, and letters of recommendation from professors, employers, and others who have personal knowledge of the applicant’s professional experience. International students may be required to provide proof of English language proficiency.

Admission into many PhD in criminal justice degree programs is competitive, and admissions committees often place particular emphasis on the following:

Current resume or CV

Most PhD in criminal justice degree seekers are professionals with formidable experience in the field as police offers, detectives, corrections officers or juvenile officers, or in the private security sector. Programs with competitive admissions value such experience heavily in their applicant selections. Your resume is where you’ll make your strongest statement about that experience.

Written copy of the applicant’s master’s thesis or capstone project

Criminal justice doctorate programs often require submittal of an applicant’s master’s thesis or capstone project. Some programs may accept one or more of the following in lieu of a thesis or project: an article written by the applicant and published by a respected publication in the criminal justice or related field, GRE scores meeting minimum requirements, or successful completion of a J.D. degree or doctorate in a field related to criminal justice.

Personal statement

Personal statements are required by most doctorate in criminal justice programs. Statements should include a description of the student’s background along with career goals and reasons for pursuing their degrees. As with the resume or CV, personal statements are highly weighed by admissions committees in making their candidate choices, so be sure your statement as powerful and convincing as possible.

Tuition & Fees

Pursuing a college degree is an expensive proposition in any situation, and costs are bound to play a major role in your criminal justice PhD program decision. Program costs vary significantly from program to program, but to give you an idea what you might expect to pay, we’ve compiled current tuition prices for online (and one on-campus) PhD in criminal justice programs. These figures are for tuition costs only and do not include additional charges and fees or the cost of books or supplies, so your total program cost will be higher.

SchoolCost per CreditTotal CreditsSubtotal
Liberty University$595–$65060$35,700– $39,000
Nova Southeastern University$1,17060$70,200
Walden University$620Varies$45,000– $140,000
Old Dominion University (on-campus)$557 (resident), $1,383 (out-of-state)48 (minimum)$26,736 (resident); $66,384 (out-of-state)

Note: Some colleges and universities offering doctorates in criminal justice provide substantial financial assistance to help make their degree programs more affordable. This assistance most often takes the form of tuition discounts for special interest groups (active military and veterans, full-time students, etc.), in-house scholarships and grants, and enrollment incentive discounts. Consider the above-listed tuition figures as a starting point when figuring out what your total program costs will be. Contact a program’s financial aid advisor for help, and take a look at our scholarship and grants guide to learn more about additional financial aid sources and how to apply to them.

Salaries for Criminal Justice PhDs

According to current data from payscale.com, the estimated average salary for PhD in Criminal Justice graduates is $68,536. Actual salaries vary substantially depending on several factors, including professional experience (both before and after earning the degree), geographic location, and specific job title. We’ve listed current average salary figures for three job titles common to criminal justice doctorate holders. These figures do not include common additional income sources like bonuses and profit-sharing plans.

Job TitleMedian Earnings90th Percentile Salary
Training Supervisor$59,000$91,000
Assistant Professor, Postsecondary/Higher Education$69,000$106,000
Chief Security Officer (CSO)$146,000$231,000

To offer another comparison, Payscale’s current estimated average salary for MS in criminal justice degree holders is $56,370.