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Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice

Contribute to the Field of Criminal Justice Academically and Practically

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Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice and Criminology

Ask any law enforcement agency—for example, our educational partners at the Broward County Sheriff’s Office (BCO)—to combat crime effectively, decision-makers need to be armed with all the facts. It takes more than a clear understanding of the law and insight into the mind of a criminal. The ability to research and critically analyze root causes to offer practical long-term solutions is also essential.

Bottom line: The right education can help you assess, present and implement those solutions as well as effectively lead criminal justice efforts. The right education can be found at Keiser University. Our Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice and Criminology offers the expertise—and the credential—you need to make your mark in the field of criminal justice.

At a Glance

Credit Hours

54 Credit Hours

Courses

20 Courses

Months

24 - 40 Months*

Week Terms

8 Week Terms

Credit Info

Up to 18 credits of transfer credits

Quick Info

Career opportunities in law enforcement, the courts, and more.

Types

Online

Financial Aid

Financial aid for those who qualify**

** Speak with a dedicated financial aid counselor to explore all your financial aid and funding options.

* Time to degree completion is an estimate, not intended as a guarantee, and can vary based on many case-by-case factors.

Program Overview

Keiser University’s Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice and Criminology offers a thorough overview of criminal justice and criminological theory. Coursework for the PhD in Criminal Justice and Criminology covers how to evaluate an agency’s ability to meet community safety needs, analyze deficiencies in criminology services and assess contemporary criminal justice systems and their policies and practices. Students will also investigate what it takes to ethically and effectively lead criminal justice efforts within local communities and human and social service agencies as well as in the private sector.

Student First Philosophy

Featuring a “Student First” mentality, Keiser University is committed to providing the education students need to excel in their careers and their lives—whether that is in this criminal justice PhD program or one of dozens of graduate programs. Our commitment to putting students first leads us to offer a number of learning options, including both on-campus and online delivery formats.

Through our PhD in Criminal Justice and Criminology, we help criminal justice and criminology students gain the skills and expertise needed to pursue relevant leadership and research positions for any number of agencies, from the federal government to city and state agencies.

Know Your “WHY”
Commit to Graduation

This PhD in criminal justice and criminology program offers the highest level of educational value to help students be successful in today’s criminal justice community. We give students the tools needed to:

  • Assess agency capabilities for meeting community safety needs—from homeland security and law enforcement to corrections and the administration of justice
  • Critically analyze gaps or deficiencies in criminal justice and criminology services
  • Lead and manage criminal justice, criminology and community services, and human/social services professionals in both public and private sectors
  • Evaluate contemporary criminal justice systems and their policies and practices
  • Understand the psychological basis, nature and root causes of crime: typologies and offenders

What Can You Expect to Learn

Keiser University’s Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice and Criminology enables students to better contribute to the field of criminal justice with:

  • A thorough understanding of criminal justice and criminology issues
  • The intellectual and methodological skills necessary for the continuing process of discovery and understanding of crime- and justice-related issues
  • The capacity for integrative and analytical thinking
  • Competency at transmitting knowledge
  • Problem-solving skills
  • The ability to disseminate research findings in published scholarship

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

Program Prerequisites

Keiser University offers two matriculating doctoral program paths toward earning a PhD in Criminal Justice and Criminology. Take your career in the field of criminal justice to the next level by pursuing coursework for your PhD in Criminal Justice and Criminology through the:

  • Traditional Path: Graduate students enter the PhD in Criminal Justice and Criminology with a master’s degree from an accredited institution
  • Baccalaureate Entry: Graduate students may pursue the doctorate in criminal justice with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or related social science from an accredited institution and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0

Note: Dissertation courses are eight-weeks in length and students are scheduled for two dissertation courses per semester.

Program Outline

To receive a Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice and Criminology degree, students with a master’s degree must earn 54 graduate semester credit hours as described below. To be eligible, students must have completed all degree requirements of the MA in Criminal Justice. The length of the master’s entry program is approximately 36-40 months.

  • Foundation Courses
    Proseminar in Criminal Justice and Criminology 3.0 credit hours
    Criminological Theory 3.0 credit hours
    Advanced Criminological Theory 3.0 credit hours
    Criminal Justice Policies and Practices 3.0 credit hours
    Police and Society 3.0 credit hours
    Criminal Justice Program Evaluation 3.0 credit hours
    Advanced Criminal Justice Leadership 3.0 credit hours
    Crime and Punishment 3.0 credit hours
    Special Topics 3.0 credit hours
    Research Courses
    Advanced Research Design 3.0 credit hours
    Quantitative Research I 3.0 credit hours
    Quantitative Research II 3.0 credit hours
    Qualitative Research 3.0 credit hours
    Advanced Research: Pre‐Proposal and Literature Review 3.0 credit hours
    Dissertation Courses
    Dissertation 12.0 credit hours (6 courses at 2 credits each)


    Note: Doctoral students must complete two residencies: one in the first year of the program and the second prior to Dissertation.

    • Doctor of Philosophy Residency One
    • Doctor of Philosophy Residency Two

Career Pathways in Criminal Justice and Criminology

Upon graduation of our doctoral program, you will have earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice and Criminology as well as gained the abilities you need to:

  • Effectively and ethically lead relevant criminology efforts
  • Evaluate justice systems, policies and practices
  • Research deficiencies in criminal justice services
  • And more!

Through this advanced criminal justice and criminology program, you will possess a deeper understanding of every aspect of criminal justice as well as the skills needed to pursue and excel in relevant leadership or research positions, such as:

  • Researcher for relevant government agencies
  • DHS
  • FBI
  • University Faculty
  • Emergency Management Director
  • Law Enforcement Administrator/Analyst
  • Police Analyst
  • Threat Assessor
  • Criminal Justice Consultant
  • Policy Institute/Think Tank
  • Criminal Justice Policy Analyst
  • Intelligence Analyst

Start Your PhD Program Now!

Whether you can come to campus or you need to earn an online PhD criminal justice and criminology degree, Keiser University has the education you need to elevate your criminal justice career! Learn more about our Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice and Criminology today by Requesting More Info now!

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Admissions Advisor

1.888.753.4737 [email protected]
Ben Soria

"My search for a doctoral program led me to the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP), which listed Keiser in the top five for an online degree. After reaching out to the school for more information, I decided to go with Keiser for my doctoral journey. The class sizes and faculty stood out as deciding factors for me."

Ben Soria
Aaron Reynolds

"Education is the most important thing in every individuals life and taking one class at a time allowed me to focus. What I’d say to future students looking to come to Keiser University and being part of the Criminology program is that you’re making a good decision and it’s highly encouraged."

Aaron Reynolds
Dara Kalvort

"Keiser University taught me how to realize my full potential. You learn things that just really opens up your mind. I wound up taking a lot of these principals back to my sales team. I became the idea person. Dara, after Keiser, goes after things that she wants. And she’s not afraid."

Dara Kalvort
Anthony Oboh

"My experience at Keiser University was so incredible. I met wonderful staff and faculty who stretched me and made sure that I became the real version of who I was meant to be. The philosophies that I learned at Keiser University will help shape how I approach my new career assisting businesses become more efficient."

Anthony Oboh
Andrea Vanorio

"A relocation to Florida led me to Keiser after a poor experience at another University. I happened upon colleagues that graduated from the KU program and it came highly recommended by them. The program quality, small student to teacher ratio and a faculty support network that truly cares is the reason I chose KU!"

Andrea Vanorio
Victor Guerrero

"It was easy to transition from the military to Keiser University because the structure was similar – with one-on-one learning and everything was hands on. I graduated from Keiser with my asssociates degree in Business Administration, followed by a bachelors degree in Business Administration Management. I’m currently pursing my MBA at Keiser and plan to be a three time graduate of Keiser University!"

Victor Guerrero
Joseph Larrea

"Keiser’s commitment to their Students First philosophy made it easy for me to decide. The palpable impetus of every team member at Keiser University to serve, educate, and guide is unlike anything I have ever experienced. A truly remarkable journey!"

Joseph Larrea
Marie Boone

"I chose Keiser because it was a localuUniversity that was flexible and suited my needs as a parent and full-time RN. The weekly live interactions with the professors were a definite plus. The tuition was reasonable and less than other Universities."

Marie Boone
Patrick M. Mendez

"The biggest factor in my decision to come to Keiser was the student-centered experience. Students always come first."

Patrick M. Mendez
Jennifer Kotzur

"Keiser’s C & I program is one of the best PhD programs, offering student-center learning and the student-first learning, and providing rigor and growth needed to be prepared for my future endeavors. "

Jennifer Kotzur

Keiser Benefits

We understand that today’s students have many responsibilities and obligations in their lives. At Keiser, we deliver the same quality education through different scheduling options to accommodate busy schedules. Whether you choose day, evening, or online classes, chances are, you will find a schedule that fits yours and allows you to fulfill one of the most important commitments you can make – a commitment to your education.

Flexibility and Convenience

When you enroll in Keiser University’s programs, you can pursue your educational goals anytime and anywhere you have internet access.

One Class at a Time

You have the option of taking just one or two classes at a time, allowing you to concentrate on learning while balancing your education with work, family and other responsibilities. With our “students first” focus and small classes, you’ll receive personal attention from your instructors.

Experienced Faculty

Keiser University’s dedicated, accomplished faculty members are committed to your success. All faculty are prepared and are actively engaged in the fields they teach. You’ll benefit from their wealth of knowledge and real-world experience.

Dedicated Financial Aid Support

We are here to help guide YOU through the financial aid process to determine what type of aid you may qualify to receive to support your educational endeavors.

Accreditation

Keiser University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, educational specialist, and doctorate degrees. Keiser University also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Keiser University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

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