
Resource Articles
Message from the President: COVID-19
Enhance your credentials and develop the expertise to lead, educate, and inspire the next generation of criminal justice professionals.
Make a greater impact within your organization and your field with Walden’s online PhD in Criminal Justice, one of the first online criminal justice doctoral programs available to meet the needs of working professionals. You can attain a new level of credibility and influence with an online PhD in Criminal Justice.
Whether you want to pursue leadership roles within the field or begin a career in criminal justice education, our criminal justice PhD program can give you the skills and knowledge you need to embrace exciting new career opportunities.
In this online program, you’ll explore contemporary theory and practice as well as national and international issues in the administration of criminal justice. Taught by seasoned doctoral-level faculty with practical experience in the field, coursework spans topics such as risk factors for criminal behavior, leadership theory, human services, technology and law enforcement, homeland security, and public management. Walden’s online PhD in Criminal Justice gives you the opportunity to integrate scholarly research with your experience to create effective solutions to real-world problems.
Four academic residencies that support your progress at key points in your doctoral journey. Residencies are designed to enhance both your development as a scholar-practitioner and your ability to effect positive social change.
Speak with an Enrollment Specialist to learn about our current tuition savings.
Get Started NowStudents pursuing this specialization have the opportunity to study the risk factors associated with criminal behavior as well as how history has shaped the modern criminal justice system.
Four academic residencies support your progress at key points in your doctoral journey. Residencies also strengthen your scholarly and professional connections.
Walden understands the rigors involved with preparing for your doctorate. To signify how far you’ve come on your journey, you will be eligible to be awarded a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree upon completion of program requirements, prior to completion of your dissertation.
Walden is one of a few universities that offer this advanced research master’s degree. Highlight your academic achievement and show employers and others that you possess comprehensive knowledge in your field of study.
Walden offers a Fast-Track Option. Students can complete their doctorate in less time by taking advantage of this path. With the Fast-Track Option, students take additional courses and begin their dissertation early to expedite their path through the program.
As a graduate of Walden’s online PhD in Criminal Justice program, you will be prepared to:
Earning your PhD is the ultimate intellectual feat, signifying that you’ve reached the highest level of proficiency in your field. In academia, PhDs are highly valued. Criminal justice organizations of all kinds seek knowledgeable leaders with advanced critical thinking, problem-solving, and research skills.
With a criminal justice doctorate, you’ll gain the respect, influence, and credibility that come with an elite career credential. Open the door to advancement and new opportunities in leadership, consulting, and higher education. Career options span the public and private sectors and academia, and include:
Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.
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 this degree program.
Professionals in the criminal justice field confront tough challenges every day as they work to reduce crime, improve public safety, and protect and serve society. Issues confronting criminal justice professionals may include:
The study of criminology is complex and the varieties of criminal justice jobs are numerous. If you’re looking to begin or advance your criminal justice career, there are a number of disciplines you can study, including:
There are a number of things that can differentiate a criminal justice program, including flexibility, specializations offered, and student support. Coursework in Walden’s PhD in Criminal Justice degree program is 100% online, making earning a degree more accessible than ever. Walden offers two tracks for the PhD program: One for students who have earned their master’s in criminal justice or a related field, and one for students who have a master’s degree in another discipline. Walden’s class sizes are small and students have comprehensive support services throughout their program.
Fill out the form and we will contact you to provide information about furthering your education.