Storm Alert | View Important Campus Information

Campuses: 888.534.7379 Online: 888.453.4737 En línea en Español: 888.960.8790 Grad School: 888.753.4737 Live Chat Chat en Vivo
Call Us Live Chat Chat en Vivo

Entering Zip will list the campuses closest to your location top to bottom.

By clicking the "Submit" button, I authorize Keiser University to make or allow the placement of recurring marketing calls, emails, and texts to me at the phone number that I have provided, including through the use of automated technology or a prerecorded or artificial voice. I understand that I am not required to provide my phone number as a condition of purchasing any property, goods, or services. Privacy Policy

Doctorate of Criminal Justice

Blending Criminological Theory with Practical Skills for Your Academic Career

More Show More

Doctor of Criminal Justice, DCJ

Cybercrime, scams, break-ins, vandalism, murder and more—the list of criminal activities is long. And, like a river, crime is constantly on the move, rushing to take advantage of one perceived weakness or another. Bringing the guilty to justice while protecting the innocent requires dedicated, talented and educated professionals at all levels of law enforcement and security. At the highest level are those professionals who understand the theoretical and root causes of crime and can bring to bear practical applications and solutions for combatting it.

That’s what the Doctor of Criminal Justice from Keiser University is designed to offer—an education that can prepare you for both academic and practical applications to advance the cause of justice while simultaneously advancing your career opportunities.

At a Glance

Credit Hours

44 Credit Hours

Courses

16 Courses

Months

20 - 32 Months*

Week Terms

8 Week Terms

Credit Info

Up to 18 credits of transfer credit

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

The Doctor of Criminal Justice (DCJ) program was developed to prepare practitioners capable of making contributions to the criminal justice field in the academic and applied components of the discipline. The curriculum is designed to ensure that graduates are well equipped to participate in criminal justice positions emphasizing research, theory, evidence-based practice, and the administration of justice.

Candidates best suited for this program are current criminal justice practitioners or military personnel with at least two years of experience in the areas of law enforcement, probation, corrections, parole, security, juvenile justice, government or investigations who want to demonstrate academic and leadership preparedness in the pursuit of career advancement opportunities.

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 doctorate in criminal justice 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 criminal justice doctoral program, we help criminal justice professionals gain the skills and expertise needed to advance to pracademic (practitioner academic) positions in relevant areas, from military promotions to homeland security agencies to local law enforcement.

Know Your “WHY”
Commit to Graduation

The Doctor of Criminal Justice program enables students to better contribute, practically and academically, to the field of criminal justice. Through an emphasis on research, theory and evidence-based practices, students will advance their understanding of every facet of criminal justice and criminology to help them advance in their careers.

What Can You Expect to Learn

The DCJ program offers the highest level of educational value in order to help students be successful in today’s law enforcement communities. Coursework is designed to equip students with tools for:

  • Rooting out causes of crime and applying effective intervention and prevention strategies
  • Evaluating the ability of an agency to meet the safety needs of a community, including corrections, law enforcement, homeland security and administration of justice
  • Analyzing a criminal justice discipline for deficiencies or gaps
  • Effectively and ethically leading criminal justice organizations
  • Investigating criminal justice systems and their policies and practices
  • Developing an Applied Doctoral Project that makes a theoretical and practical impact in the criminal justice field

Program Prerequisites

  • Students may enter the Doctor of Criminal Justice with a master’s degree from an accredited institution.

Note: Applied Doctoral Project courses are eight-weeks in length and students are scheduled for two applied doctoral project courses per semester.

Program Outline

To receive a Doctor of Criminal Justice degree, students with a master’s degree must earn 44 graduate semester credit hours as described below. Depending on the transfer of credit and scheduling variables, the DCJ program can be completed in as little as 24-30 months or less. Completion of an applied doctoral project is required.

  • 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
    Special Topics 3.0 credit hours
    Crime and Punishment 3.0 credit hours
    Research Courses
    Advanced Research Design 3.0 credit hours
    Quantitative Research I 3.0 credit hours
    Qualitative Research 3.0 credit hours
    Applied Doctoral Project Course
    Applied Doctoral Project 8 credits hours (4 courses at 2 credits each)


    Residency Note: Doctoral students must complete one Doctoral Residency prior to Applied Doctoral Project Courses.

Career Pathways in Criminal Justice

Upon graduation of our advanced criminal justice program, you will have earned a Doctor of Criminal Justice as well as gained the abilities you need to:

  • Research and apply evidence-based practices involved in criminal justice
  • Manage and lead CJ efforts in public and private sectors
  • Identify and assess the safety needs of a community
  • And more!

Through this doctorate in criminal justice program, you will gain practical hands-on skills for positions in criminology as well as a deeper academic understanding of criminological theory. You will be prepared to pursue pracademic (practical and academic) leadership roles or promotions within:

  • Law Enforcement
  • Military Forces
  • Corrections
  • Security Organizations
  • Investigations
  • Probation & the Courts Systems
  • Juvenile Justice
  • University Faculty
  • Emergency Management
  • Threat Assessment
  • Government Consulting

Start Your DCJ Program Now!

Have you been searching for the perfect educational partner for your doctorate degree in criminal justice? You found it. Keiser University has the doctoral program you need to elevate your career! Finish faster and advance in the workforce sooner with our DCJ program! Learn more about our Doctor of Criminal Justice today by Requesting More Info now!

Contact Us

object-img

Chat With Us

object-img

MatrĂ­culate AquĂ­

object-img

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).

Connect with a Counselor