Online Criminal Justice PhD Program

Earning a PhD requires years of effort and a significant financial commitment. Is it worth the time and cost? The answer depends on your specific career aspirations, personal goals, and financial situation, but a PhD can provide you with the credibility and knowledge to make a positive impact on society—while expanding your professional skills in the process. You’ll have the opportunity to pursue new research, add to the body of knowledge in your discipline, and potentially publish your findings.

One of the best ways to earn a doctorate in criminal justice is through an online degree program. Unlike campus-based programs that require you to commute to class at specific times, online graduate degree programs give you an exceptional level of convenience and flexibility.

In an online doctoral program, you can complete the majority of your degree program from home. In addition, when you earn your PhD in Criminal Justice online, you can take advantage of flexible scheduling that lets you attend classes and handle coursework at the time of day that works best for you, meaning you can earn your doctorate while continuing to work full time.

From senior management positions to teaching to consulting, a PhD in Criminal Justice can open a wide range of professional opportunities in a variety of settings. Career roles could include city administrator, police captain, research consultant, criminal investigator, intelligence analyst, bureau chief, and more. Walden University’s PhD in Criminal Justice offers seven specializations—in addition to a General Program—so that you can tailor your degree to the career in criminal justice you wish to pursue.

Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of a degree program.

The online PhD in Criminal Justice program at Walden University includes a General Program and seven specializations so you can tailor your studies to your career goals. Choose from:

• Emergency Management
• Global Leadership
• Homeland Security Policy and Coordination
• Justice Administration
• Law and Public Policy
• Online Teaching in Higher Education
• Public Management and Leadership

Yes—Walden’s PhD in Criminal Justice program is offered in two tracks. Track I is designed for students who hold a master’s degree in criminal justice or a related field. Track II is for students who hold a master's degree in a discipline other than criminal justice.