Become a leader who can evaluate root causes of crime and its impact on criminal justice practices, apply data to public safety issues, and put solutions into action.
PERSONALIZE YOUR PATH
Choose one of four specializations to align your coursework with your professional goals and personal interests.
FOCUS ON APPLICABLE SKILLS
Gain practical and career-oriented skills to help you address today’s challenges in criminal justice and drive change.
DEMYSTIFY YOUR DISSERTATION
Starting early in your online doctoral program, you’ll have the opportunity to build key research and scholarly writing skills.
Curriculum and Completion Requirements
In Track I of our online PhD in Criminal Justice program, you’ll dive right into contemporary theory and practice as well as national and global criminal justice issues. Coursework spans topics such as leadership theory, homeland security, and public management.
Featured PhD in Criminal Justice Courses
In today's complex environment, leaders engaged in shaping public policy must know how to use the emotional as well as the intellectual power of language to motivate, inspire, and competently manage their organizations. Dynamic leadership requires understanding and use of techniques that affect both conscious and unconscious influences on human behavior. Effective communication connects at many different levels. Students gain both theoretical and practical information demonstrating the necessary components for making such connections and showing why stories, symbols, and metaphors are essential elements in the language of leadership.
Students in this specialization course explore instructional design for the development of online courses. Different types of online courses and the roles of online instructors are addressed. Students analyze learning theories and approaches for promoting community in online classrooms. Students analyze criteria for developing learning objectives and online instructional strategies in relation to diverse student populations. Issues related to technology, copyright compliance, fair use, and academic integrity are explored. Students analyze assessment and evaluation approaches and explore future trends in online higher education in relation to delivery of instruction and positive social change.
In this research course, students are provided with core knowledge and skills for understanding, analyzing, and designing research at the graduate level. Students explore the philosophy of science, the role of theory, and research processes. Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research designs and data collection methods are introduced. The alignment of research components is emphasized. Students also explore ethical and social change implications of designing and conducting research. Students demonstrate their knowledge and skills by developing an annotated bibliography.
Criminal justice professionals must understand the various factors that influence the development of criminal justice policy, and how to evaluate whether existing policy meets its objectives. In this course, students will examine the principles of policy analysis and the role that scientific information plays in the development of criminal justice policy. Topics explored include policing, corrections, and sentencing; juvenile justice; the relationship among drugs, race, and crime; deterrence as a crime control policy; and the use of public registries. Through further analysis of criminal justice policies, students determine how these policies have changed over time, gaining insight into possible future trends of policy development and analysis.
Students in this course are introduced to the problems that currently confront the administration of the criminal justice system, as well as problems predicted for the future. To be prepared to lead efforts to address these challenges, students acquire powerful models for strategic, critical, and reflective thinking. Students immerse themselves in discussion about the major components of effective justice administration: organizational thought and theory, leadership, human capital, policy development and implementation, and collaboration with other public safety and community organizations.
Curriculum and Completion Requirements
In Track II of our online PhD in Criminal Justice program, you’ll build a foundation in criminal justice theory and practice. Course topics include the nature of crime and criminology and historical and current issues in criminal justice.
Featured PhD in Criminal Justice Courses
Students in this course are introduced to the tools used by policymakers and policy analysts to evaluate the impact of social programs. Topics include selecting programs to evaluate, crafting program descriptions, identifying stakeholders and their interests, developing logic models, framing evaluation questions, applying utilization-focused evaluation techniques, using quantitative and qualitative tools to complete formative and summative evaluations, and providing evaluation reports and feedback to decision makers. By the end of the course, each student will develop a program-evaluation design for a social program.
In this research course, students are provided with core knowledge and skills for understanding, analyzing, and designing research at the graduate level. Students explore the philosophy of science, the role of theory, and research processes. Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research designs and data collection methods are introduced. The alignment of research components is emphasized. Students also explore ethical and social change implications of designing and conducting research. Students demonstrate their knowledge and skills by developing an annotated bibliography.
In this research course, students are provided with the opportunity to develop core knowledge and skills for designing and carrying out quantitative research at the doctoral level, including the application of statistical concepts and techniques. Students explore classical common statistical tests, the importance of the logic of inference, and social change implications of conducting quantitative research and producing knowledge. Students approach statistics from a problem-solving perspective with emphasis on selecting appropriate statistical tests for a research design. Students use statistical software to derive statistics from quantitative data and interpret and present results.
In this course, students review recent events that have significantly changed how the legal system interprets the U.S. Constitution, the U.S. Code, and the U.S. Patriot Act. Students analyze case studies to further explore relevant events, such as how the terrorist acts of September 11, 2001, have broadened the interpretation of certain areas of the law. Students heighten their understanding of how social and historical changes have shifted perspectives and sparked debates on expanding the rights of government versus safeguarding personal civil rights and civil liberties.
Criminal justice professionals must understand the various factors that influence the development of criminal justice policy, and how to evaluate whether existing policy meets its objectives. In this course, students will examine the principles of policy analysis and the role that scientific information plays in the development of criminal justice policy. Topics explored include policing, corrections, and sentencing; juvenile justice; the relationship among drugs, race, and crime; deterrence as a crime control policy; and the use of public registries. Through further analysis of criminal justice policies, students determine how these policies have changed over time, gaining insight into possible future trends of policy development and analysis.
Admissions
You’ll work one-on-one with an Enrollment Specialist who will guide you through every step—from finding the right program to funding your education.
Streamlined Admissions Process
Walden has simplified the admissions process for our online PhD in Criminal Justice program. When you make the decision to apply, you can expect:
Easy credit transfer
No application fee
No essay
General Admission Requirements
Completed online application and transcripts. Please note that the materials you are required to submit may vary depending on the academic program to which you apply. More information for international applicants.
Doctoral Experience
How will I learn?
YOUR DOCTORAL JOURNEY
Earning a doctorate is no easy feat—it takes drive, dedication, and perseverance. Knowing what to expect can help you make an informed decision.
DOCTORAL DEGREE COACH®
The Walden Doctoral Degree Coach®helps you find support when you need it and stay on track throughout your online PhD in Criminal Justice program.
FAST TRACK OPTION
If you're highly motivated, with discipline and a flexible schedule, Walden offers an expedited path to your online PhD in Criminal Justice.
ACADEMIC RESIDENCY
Four residencies support your progress at key points in your doctoral journey. Residencies also strengthen your scholarly and professional connections.
GET A MASTER OF PHILOSOPHY
You will be eligible to be awarded a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree after completing program requirements, prior to finishing your dissertation.
Tuition Breakdown
Cost is important when you’re considering online criminal justice PhD degree programs—and we want to help make your goals more attainable. Walden gives you several ways to lower your tuition, including:
Experience-based credits
Special tuition savings
Grants
Program Savings
Program Savings
Receive up to a $5,000 grant when you start an eligible doctoral program.
Standard Option
General I
| Curriculum | Requirements | Cost | Total * | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition-Coursework | 63 quarter credits | $690 per quarter hour for coursework credits | $43,470 | |
| Tuition-Dissertation | 20-130† quarter credits | $690 per quarter hour for dissertation credits | $13,8500–$89,700* | |
| Program Fee | $180 per quarter | $1,980–$5,760* | ||
| Residency Fee | Four Residencies | $1,420 each (virtual) $1,520 (in-person: travel, lodging and other expenses are additional) | $5,680–$6,080 | |
| Estimated Range: | 2.5-Year | 8-Year | ||
| $64,930 | $145,010*+ | |||
| (assuming completion in a 2.5-year timeframe) | (assuming completion in an 8-year timeframe) | |||
These are ranges of what a student can expect in terms of time and tuition cost to complete a degree. It does not include other fees, nor is it adjusted for tuition increases over time. Walden faculty has concluded that generally students who do not complete their program in eight years are unlikely to complete and only allow students to exceed that time frame when a student petitions for an extension and provides good reason for the delay and assurances that obstacles to completion can be overcome. Time is calculated using the time allowed for each semester or unit that the student completes. Students are encouraged to work continuously during the program so as not to extend the time needed to complete the degree as work can become stale and students lose focus. Students who earn two grades of “Unsatisfactory,” who repeatedly drop a course before a semester or unit has been completed, or are unable to complete in the eight year time frame, should expect that they may be dismissed from the program. Walden believes that it is in the best interest of a student who is unable to complete the degree in the stated ranges to strongly consider withdrawal or obtaining a lesser degree.
Time to completion and cost are not estimates of individual experience and will vary based on individual factors applicable to the student. Factors may be programmatic or academic such as tuition and fee increases and/or the student’s transfer credits accepted by Walden; program or specialization changes; unsuccessful course completion; credit load per term; writing, research and editing skills; use of external data for their doctoral study/dissertation; and/or individual progress in the program. Other factors may include personal issues such as the student’s employment obligations; care giving responsibilities or health issues; part-time vs. full-time enrollment; leaves of absence; and/or other personal circumstances.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included. Students may incur additional costs for remedial writing assistance, if necessary.
^This assumes students successfully complete their coursework on the first attempt.
† Based on a 2.5-year or 3-year minimum completion requirement and an 8-year maximum timeframe as outlined in Walden academic policy.
*Tuition and fees will be higher if students petition to extend the 8-year maximum timeframe or choose to take more expensive elective courses.
+Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition discounts. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-642-0198.
| Curriculum | Requirements | Cost | Total * | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition-Coursework | 78 quarter credits | $690 per quarter hour for coursework credits | $53,820^ | |
| Tuition-Dissertation | 20-120† quarter credits | $690 per quarter hour for dissertation credits | $13,800–$82,800* | |
| Program Fee | $180 per quarter | $2,160–$5,760* | ||
| Residency Fee | Four Residencies | $1,420 each (virtual) $1,520 (in-person: travel, lodging and other expenses are additional) | $5,680–$6,080 | |
| Estimated Range: | 3-Year | 8-Year | ||
| $75,460 | $148,460*+ | |||
| (assuming completion in a 3-year timeframe) | (assuming completion in an 8-year timeframe) | |||
These are ranges of what a student can expect in terms of time and tuition cost to complete a degree. It does not include other fees, nor is it adjusted for tuition increases over time. Walden faculty has concluded that generally students who do not complete their program in eight years are unlikely to complete and only allow students to exceed that time frame when a student petitions for an extension and provides good reason for the delay and assurances that obstacles to completion can be overcome. Time is calculated using the time allowed for each semester or unit that the student completes. Students are encouraged to work continuously during the program so as not to extend the time needed to complete the degree as work can become stale and students lose focus. Students who earn two grades of “Unsatisfactory,” who repeatedly drop a course before a semester or unit has been completed, or are unable to complete in the eight year time frame, should expect that they may be dismissed from the program. Walden believes that it is in the best interest of a student who is unable to complete the degree in the stated ranges to strongly consider withdrawal or obtaining a lesser degree.
Time to completion and cost are not estimates of individual experience and will vary based on individual factors applicable to the student. Factors may be programmatic or academic such as tuition and fee increases and/or the student’s transfer credits accepted by Walden; program or specialization changes; unsuccessful course completion; credit load per term; writing, research and editing skills; use of external data for their doctoral study/dissertation; and/or individual progress in the program. Other factors may include personal issues such as the student’s employment obligations; care giving responsibilities or health issues; part-time vs. full-time enrollment; leaves of absence; and/or other personal circumstances.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included. Students may incur additional costs for remedial writing assistance, if necessary.
^This assumes students successfully complete their coursework on the first attempt.
† Based on a 2.75-year or 3-year minimum completion requirement and an 8-year maximum timeframe as outlined in Walden academic policy.
*Tuition and fees will be higher if students petition to extend the 8-year maximum timeframe or choose to take more expensive elective courses.
+Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition discounts. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-642-0198.
Choose the Path That Is Right for You
Earning your PhD is the ultimate intellectual feat, signifying you’ve reached the highest level of proficiency in your field. Criminal justice organizations of all kinds seek knowledgeable leaders with the skills and insights to implement real change.
Career Opportunities
With a PhD in Criminal Justice, you’ll be well-positioned to pursue new professional paths in leadership, consulting, and higher education.
First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives
Directly supervise and coordinate activities of members of police force.
Expected growth: 2%–4%1
Estimated annual wage: $60,090–$128,4601
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary
Teach courses in criminal justice at colleges and universities; conduct academic research in the field.
Expected Growth: 3%2
Estimated annual wage: $46,320–$102,1102
No guarantee is made that a person who enrolls in the (include applicable program) program will obtain a job or will earn the stated salaries. Wage estimates are based on the 10th - 75th percentile.
1Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage (as of May 2023)
2Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage (as of May 2023)
Learning Outcomes
As a graduate of Walden’s online PhD in Criminal Justice program, you will be prepared to:
Evaluate the root causes of crime and its impact on criminal justice policies, practices, and procedures.
Evaluate the root causes of crime and its impact on criminal justice policies, practices, and procedures.
Synthesize theory and research on the historical trends and current perspectives in criminal justice.
Apply data analysis techniques and research design methods to scholarly research in criminal justice.
Apply data analysis techniques and research design methods to scholarly research in criminal justice.
Meet Your Academic Team
Walden’s faculty includes experienced and passionate subject matter experts who are committed to helping you grow as a criminal justice practitioner.
You Might Also Be Interested In
Browse these other Walden programs related to our PhD in Criminal Justice.
PhD in Criminal Justice FAQ
From senior management roles to teaching to consulting, a PhD in Criminal Justice can open a wide range of professional opportunities in a variety of settings. Walden University’s online PhD in Criminal Justice program offers four specializations—including a Self-Designed option—so that you can tailor your degree to your interests and goals.
Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.
Criminal justice professionals confront tough challenges every day as they work to reduce crime, improve public safety, and protect and serve society. Issues they face may include:
- Human Trafficking – This issue is a point of focus for many criminal justice professionals as well as state and federal lawmakers who are working to shape policy, laws, and programs to reduce occurrences and protect and support victims.
- Mental Illness – Tackling the mental health issue in the U.S. criminal justice system is a big job, and one law enforcement officers, criminologists, mental health providers, policymakers, and other criminal justice professionals are working together to address.
- Drug Crime – Drug-related arrests are putting a big strain on our criminal justice system. Many professionals dedicated their careers to combating drug crime through better law enforcement, more effective policy, and new laws.
- Cybercrime – Data breaches. Identity theft. Cyberstalking. With internet-related crimes on the rise, cybercrime has become one of the fastest-growing areas of focus in the criminal justice field.
- Homeland Security – Many people in criminal justice focus on homeland security, working every day to combat terrorism, cybercrimes, human trafficking, and other threats to the safety of our country.
The study of criminology is complex, which means there is a wide variety of roles in the criminal justice field. If you’re looking to begin or further your criminal justice journey, there are several disciplines you can study, including:
- Human Services – Professionals working in human services devote themselves to helping people find stability in their lives, from children’s protective service workers to social workers to addiction counselors.
- Psychology – Like human services professionals, psychology professionals can be instrumental in helping crime victims, as well as those with a history of drug abuse or crime, improve their future through better mental health.
There are a few things that can differentiate a criminal justice program, including flexibility, specializations offered, and student support. With the exception of academic residencies, coursework in Walden’s PhD in Criminal Justice degree program is 100% online, making earning a degree more accessible than ever. Our program also meets you where you are by offering two doctoral completion tracks: 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 gives you the opportunity to get to know your faculty and peers. As a student, you’ll benefit from comprehensive support services all throughout your program, including our Doctoral Degree Coach®.
Lastly, after you complete your online PhD in Criminal Justice program requirements, and prior to finishing your dissertation, you’ll be eligible to be awarded a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) as a measure of how far you’ve come on your doctoral journey.