View our EdD Early Childhood specialization completion requirements
Minimum degree requirements:
60 quarter credits
- Core courses (50 cr.)
- Capstone (10 cr.)
LEARN TO EMPOWER OTHERS
In the Criminal Justice Leadership specialization, you’ll discover your personal leadership style and use it to inspire individuals and teams toward a shared vision. Grow as a mentor and effective communicator.
TURN LEARNING INTO PRACTICE
Build management competencies you can apply immediately, including soft skills criminal justice leaders need to drive change.
BOLSTER YOUR PLANNING SKILLS
Gain practical planning and other organizational skills needed in today’s public and nonprofit organizations.
HAVE CONFIDENCE IN A LEADER
Walden has been an innovator in distance learning for 50+ years—so you can feel good about the quality and rigor of our PhD programs.
Curriculum and Completion Requirements
Track 1 is designed for those entering with a master’s degree in criminal justice or a related field. This curriculum includes a foundation course; core, research, specialization, and dissertation courses; and four 4-day PhD residencies.
Featured PhD in Criminal Justice – Criminal Justice Leadership Courses
Leadership: Putting Theory into Practice in Criminal Justice Administration
There are many challenges plaguing the criminal justice system, from economic hardship to growing threats of terrorism. Leaders in the system must be adept in problem solving, and they must possess the ability to think critically and proactively. Through this course, students are introduced to the problems that currently confront the criminal justice system administration as well as problems predicted for the future. Students prepare to lead efforts to address these challenges by engaging in practical assignments focusing on powerful models for strategic, critical, and reflective thinking. Students also engage in discussions about the major components of effective justice administration, including organizational thought and theory, leadership, human capital, policy development and implementation, and collaboration with other public safety and community organizations.
The Language of Leadership
In today’s complex environment, leaders engaged in shaping public policy, and government and nonprofit programs, must know how to use the emotional and intellectual power of language to motivate, inspire, and competently manage their organizations. In this course, students examine dynamic leadership techniques, such as effective communication, that affect conscious and unconscious influences on human behavior. Through discussions and individual projects, students apply theoretical and practical course content to demonstrate the necessary components for making effective human connections. Students also learn why stories, symbols, and metaphors are essential elements in the language of leadership.
Strategic Planning, Management, and Leadership in a Global Context
Public policy implementation can take place in various types of organizations. This course engages learners in a collaborative study of strategic planning, management, and leadership in the context of public and nonprofit organizations. Students in this course identify, analyze, and evaluate the intricate relationships between strategic planning, management, and leadership from an international perspective. This course connects three key institutional elements: “thinking, acting, and learning” strategically. Students apply a management systems approach as they develop, adopt, manage, and lead a strategic plan for an international public or nonprofit organization with an international focus. Students will understand the strategic context for practical decision making for international public and nonprofit organizations, emphasizing the central role of the environment in the strategic planning process. The course offers a hands-on approach that tests students’ ability to make effective and timely management and leadership decisions in complex and uncertain conditions.
Social Responsibility and Ethics
Historic advancements, globalization, and other 21st-century dynamics have altered the way in which professionals within the field of criminal justice perform their duties to create positive social change. In this course, students can develop awareness and skills to sustain and advance the communities in which they live by using an interdisciplinary lens to consider civic engagement and ethical responsibility. Students engage in assignments that emphasize problem solving in contemporary society. They explore the history of social responsibility and ethical issues related to criminal justice, public safety, social change, and civic engagement.
Program Evaluation
There are a variety of tools available to policymakers and policy analysts to evaluate the impact of public programs. In this course, students examine these tools and work toward gaining the skills needed to develop plans for evaluation and to assess programs and planned program interventions effectively. Students engage in discussions and assignments designed to provide practical application of content on a variety of topics. These topics include selecting programs to evaluate, crafting program descriptions, identifying stakeholders and their interests, developing logic models, framing evaluation questions, using quantitative and qualitative tools to complete formative, process and summative evaluations, and providing evaluation reports and feedback to decision makers. Using concepts presented in the course, students gain hands-on experience developing an evaluation design for a public program.
Curriculum and Completion Requirements
Track 2 of our Criminal Justice Leadership specialization is designed for those entering with a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in another field and a GPA of at least 3.0. Compared to Track 1, a heavier emphasis is placed on core and research courses.
Featured PhD in Criminal Justice – Criminal Justice Leadership Courses
Leadership: Putting Theory into Practice in Criminal Justice Administration
There are many challenges plaguing the criminal justice system, from economic hardship to growing threats of terrorism. Leaders in the system must be adept in problem solving, and they must possess the ability to think critically and proactively. Through this course, students are introduced to the problems that currently confront the criminal justice system administration as well as problems predicted for the future. Students prepare to lead efforts to address these challenges by engaging in practical assignments focusing on powerful models for strategic, critical, and reflective thinking. Students also engage in discussions about the major components of effective justice administration, including organizational thought and theory, leadership, human capital, policy development and implementation, and collaboration with other public safety and community organizations.
The Language of Leadership
In today’s complex environment, leaders engaged in shaping public policy, and government and nonprofit programs, must know how to use the emotional and intellectual power of language to motivate, inspire, and competently manage their organizations. In this course, students examine dynamic leadership techniques, such as effective communication, that affect conscious and unconscious influences on human behavior. Through discussions and individual projects, students apply theoretical and practical course content to demonstrate the necessary components for making effective human connections. Students also learn why stories, symbols, and metaphors are essential elements in the language of leadership.
Strategic Planning, Management, and Leadership in a Global Context
Public policy implementation can take place in various types of organizations. This course engages learners in a collaborative study of strategic planning, management, and leadership in the context of public and nonprofit organizations. Students in this course identify, analyze, and evaluate the intricate relationships between strategic planning, management, and leadership from an international perspective. This course connects three key institutional elements: “thinking, acting, and learning” strategically. Students apply a management systems approach as they develop, adopt, manage, and lead a strategic plan for an international public or nonprofit organization with an international focus. Students will understand the strategic context for practical decision making for international public and nonprofit organizations, emphasizing the central role of the environment in the strategic planning process. The course offers a hands-on approach that tests students’ ability to make effective and timely management and leadership decisions in complex and uncertain conditions.
Social Responsibility and Ethics
Historic advancements, globalization, and other 21st-century dynamics have altered the way in which professionals within the field of criminal justice perform their duties to create positive social change. In this course, students can develop awareness and skills to sustain and advance the communities in which they live by using an interdisciplinary lens to consider civic engagement and ethical responsibility. Students engage in assignments that emphasize problem solving in contemporary society. They explore the history of social responsibility and ethical issues related to criminal justice, public safety, social change, and civic engagement.
Program Evaluation
There are a variety of tools available to policymakers and policy analysts to evaluate the impact of public programs. In this course, students examine these tools and work toward gaining the skills needed to develop plans for evaluation and to assess programs and planned program interventions effectively. Students engage in discussions and assignments designed to provide practical application of content on a variety of topics. These topics include selecting programs to evaluate, crafting program descriptions, identifying stakeholders and their interests, developing logic models, framing evaluation questions, using quantitative and qualitative tools to complete formative, process and summative evaluations, and providing evaluation reports and feedback to decision makers. Using concepts presented in the course, students gain hands-on experience developing an evaluation design for a public program.
Curriculum and Completion Requirements
If you have completed your PhD coursework but not your dissertation, Walden’s PhD completion program is designed to help you finish your degree. A structured pathway, expert faculty, and award-winning Doctoral Degree Coach® help keep you on track.
Featured PhD in Criminal Justice Completion Program Courses
Preparing for Capstone
Welcome to your final ascent on the doctoral journey! This course celebrates your expertise and supports you in clarifying goals, building a scholarly network, and crafting a meaningful research plan. You’ll learn to articulate research problems, review literature, identify gaps, and design impactful studies, all while receiving encouragement and practical feedback from faculty and peers. You will focus throughout the course on building your personalized “My Academic Plan.” You’ll gain the confidence, network, and resources to complete your PhD and to advance the greater public good.
Dissertation
Through this course, doctoral students have the opportunity to integrate their program of study into an in-depth exploration of an interest area that includes the completion of a research study. Students complete the dissertation independently, with the guidance of a dissertation supervisory committee chair and committee members. Students complete a prospectus, proposal, Institutional Review Board application, and dissertation. Once students register for CRJS 9000, they will be registered each term until the successful completion of the dissertation.
Doctoral Experience
How will I learn?
YOUR DOCTORAL JOURNEY
The path to your doctorate won’t be easy, but Walden is here to provide support, resources, and encouragement at every stage of your journey.
DOCTORAL DEGREE COACH®
Map and track your doctoral program milestones, meet weekly targets, connect with faculty, and find support with this personalized digital resource.
ACADEMIC RESIDENCIES
Broaden your knowledge, engage with peers and faculty, and shape your professional identity during this valuable doctoral learning experience.
Admissions
You’ll work one-on-one with an Enrollment Specialist who’ll guide you through every step—from finding the right program to funding your education.
Streamlined Admissions Process
Earning your PhD in Criminal Justice with a criminal justice leadership focus is a big decision. We simplify your journey toward a doctorate with an efficient admissions process.
Take the next step with:
No application fee
Easy credit transfer
No essay or SAT/ACT requirement
View Admission Criteria
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.
Tuition Breakdown
We want to help put your doctorate in reach. That’s why we offer many ways to make your PhD in Criminal Justice – Criminal Justice Leadership program more achievable—from partner and military savings to grants.
Explore these opportunities:
Special tuition savings
Transfer Credits
Walden Grants
Program Savings
Program Savings
Receive up to a $5,000 grant when you start an eligible PhD program.
| Curriculum | Requirements | Cost | Total * | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition-Coursework | 63 quarter credits | $705 per quarter hour for coursework credits | $44,415 | |
| Tuition-Dissertation | 20-130† quarter credits | $705 per quarter hour for dissertation credits | $14,100–$91,650* | |
| Program Fee | $185 per quarter | $2,035–$5,920* | ||
| 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 | ||
| $66,230 | $148,065*+ | |||
| (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 | $705 per quarter hour for coursework credits | $54,990^ | |
| Tuition-Dissertation | 20-120† quarter credits | $705 per quarter hour for dissertation credits | $14,400–$84,600* | |
| Program Fee | $185 per quarter | $2,220–$5,920* | ||
| 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 | ||
| $76,990 | $151,590*+ | |||
| (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.
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | Amount | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition-Coursework | 5 quarter credits | $705 per quarter credit | $3,525 | |
| Tuition-Dissertation | 20-55 quarter credits | $705 per quarter credit | $14,400–$38,775 | |
| Program Fee | $185 per quarter | $925–$2,220 | ||
| Estimated Range: | 15 months minimum | 36 months maximum | ||
| $18,550* | $44,520* | |||
*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.
Career Opportunities
Open the door to new opportunities where you can apply your leadership skills to make a real-world impact.
Be a Changemaker
First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives
Directly supervise and coordinate activities of members of police force.
Expected growth: 3%–5%1
Estimated annual wage: $60,090–$128,460 1
Inspire and Educate
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–$102,110 2
1Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage (as of May 2023)
2Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage (as of May 2023)
No guarantee is made that a person who enrolls in the PhD in Criminal Justice program will obtain a job or will earn the stated salaries. Wage estimates are based on the 10th–75th percentile.
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