Curriculum – General Program Specialization
Minimum Degree Requirements
- Doctoral Writing Assessment
- Foundation courses (3 cr.)
- Core courses (20 cr.)
- Elective courses (15 cr.)
- Research courses (20 cr.)
- Completion of Doctoral Dissertation
- Dissertation support course (5 cr.)
- Dissertation writing courses (5 cr. per term for a minimum of four terms; taken continuously until completion)
- Four PhD residencies
View the COMPLETE CURRICULUM PLAN.
Walden students have up to 8 years to complete their doctoral program unless they petition for an extension.
In general, students are continuously registered in the dissertation/doctoral study course until they complete their capstone project and it is approved. This usually takes longer than the minimum required terms in the dissertation/doctoral study course shell.
Please refer to Walden’s catalog for more information about degree requirements.
For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-684-5853.
Fast Track to Your PhD
For the highly motivated student with discipline and a flexible schedule, Walden offers an expedited path to your doctoral degree. With the Fast Track option, you can complete your PhD in Criminal Justice in a shorter amount of time by taking additional courses per term. Learn more about this exciting option or contact your Enrollment Specialist at 844-684-5853 to see if it’s the right choice for you.
Minimum Degree Requirements
- Doctoral Writing Assessment
- Foundation courses (3 cr.)
- Core courses (35 cr.)
- Research courses (20 cr.)
- Completion of Doctoral Dissertation
- Dissertation support course (5 cr.)
- Dissertation writing courses (5 cr. per term for a minimum of four terms; taken continuously until completion)
- Four PhD residencies
View the COMPLETE CURRICULUM PLAN.
Walden students have up to 8 years to complete their doctoral program unless they petition for an extension.
In general, students are continuously registered in the dissertation/doctoral study course until they complete their capstone project and it is approved. This usually takes longer than the minimum required terms in the dissertation/doctoral study course shell.
Please refer to Walden’s catalog for more information about degree requirements.
For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-684-5853.
Fast Track to Your PhD
For the highly motivated student with discipline and a flexible schedule, Walden offers an expedited path to your doctoral degree. With the Fast Track option, you can complete your PhD in Criminal Justice in a shorter amount of time by taking additional courses per term. Learn more about this exciting option or contact your Enrollment Specialist at 844-684-5853 to see if it’s the right choice for you.
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.
Residencies
Four academic residencies support your progress at key points in your doctoral journey. Residencies also strengthen your scholarly and professional connections.
A Personalized Guide to Completing Your Doctorate
Earning your doctorate requires commitment, perseverance, and hard work. You can do it, and Walden is here to help—with our Doctoral Degree Coach™.
- Map and track milestones: Break your research down into manageable, sequential steps. See where you are, what’s ahead, and what you’ve already accomplished, all in one place.
- Meet weekly targets: No more guesswork. Set prompts based on your to-do list and receive reminders and updates directly to your inbox.
- Connect with faculty: Stay on the same page and keep your progress on track. With shared access to your dashboard, your chair can easily guide you through your checklists, goals, and timelines.
- Access helpful resources: Quickly find support from the right person at the right time. Our comprehensive resource guide points you in the right direction—no more frustrating searches.
Earn Your Master of Philosophy Degree Along the Way
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.
Fast-Track Option
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.
Tuition and Fees
General Program Specialization
| Curriculum | Requirements | Cost | Total * | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition-Coursework | 63 quarter credits | $660 per quarter hour for coursework credits | $41,580^ | |
| Tuition-Dissertation | 20-130† quarter credits | $660 per quarter hour for dissertation credits | $13,200–$85,800* | |
| Program Fee | $170 per quarter | $1,870–$5,440* | ||
| 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 | ||
| $62,330 | $138,900*+ | |||
| (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 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.
Paying for Your Education
Our Enrollment Specialists can help you outline a plan and find resources for funding your education.
PROGRAM SAVINGS
Looking to reach your potential with a doctoral degree? We want to support you by making your goals more achievable. Receive up to a $5,000 grant if you start this program on October 9, 2023. Contact one of our Enrollment Specialists to learn more.
Program Outcomes
What’s the Career Impact of Earning a PhD in Criminal Justice?
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.
What Can I Do With a Criminal Justice PhD?
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:
- Professor/instructor
- Government contractor
- Intelligence analyst
- Research consultant
- Consulting to law enforcement agency
- Bureau chief
- Warden
- Police chief
Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.
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 philosophies on managing human resources in criminal justice organizations.
- 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.
- Evaluate the role of the criminal justice system in advancing social justice and positive social change.
Related Articles
FAQ About Walden’s Online PhD in Criminal Justice
What can you do with a PhD in Criminal Justice?
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.
What issues do criminal justice professionals face in the field?
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:
- Human Trafficking – This issue is a point of focus for many criminal justice professionals and 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 professionals with careers in criminal justice are working together to address.
- Drug Crime – Drug-related arrests are putting a big strain on the U.S. criminal justice system. Many professionals in criminal justice have dedicated their careers to combating drug crime through better law enforcement, more effective policy, and new laws.
- Cybercrime – Data breaches. Extortion. Cyberstalking and other forms of online harassment. Identity theft. With internet-related crimes on the rise in the U.S., cybercrime has become one of the fastest-growing areas of focus in the criminal justice field.
- Homeland Security – Professionals with criminal justice careers that focus on homeland security work every day to combat terrorism, cybercrimes, human trafficking, and other threats to the safety of our country.
What other disciplines are related to a criminal justice career?
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:
- 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.
- Emergency Management – Communitywide emergencies not only threaten lives and property, they create opportunities for criminals. This is why emergency management professionals also plan for the aftermath of emergencies and develop procedures to prevent and address crime.
What makes one PhD in Criminal Justice program different from another?
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.
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Note on Licensure: Walden’s PhD in Criminal Justice program is not considered a Professional Peace Officer Education Program for the state of Minnesota, and is not designed or intended to prepare graduates for licensure as a peace officer, police officer or other law enforcement officer in any state.
Note: 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; transfer credits accepted by Walden; program or specialization changes; unsuccessful course completion; credit load per term; part-time vs. full-time enrollment; writing, research, and editing skills; use of external data for the doctoral study/dissertation; and individual progress in the program. Other factors may include personal issues such as the student’s employment obligations, caregiving responsibilities, or health issues; leaves of absence; or other personal circumstances.