PhD in Criminal Justice Degrees

Criminal justice can be described as the study of how criminal behavior is impacted by the law and vice versa, while the criminal justice system is made of three key components: legislative, which enacts laws; adjudication, which includes the court system; and corrections; which includes jails and rehabilitation efforts.

What is this degree/program of study about?

In addition to a standard PhD in criminal justice, similar available programs include a PhD in human services, PhD In public policy and administration, or PhD in public safety – all which include concentrations in criminal justice. Such programs may address complex issues related to criminal behavior, prevention and intervention, the penal system, and the development of various governmental public policy strategies.

What does it take to earn this degree, and what will it result in for graduates?

Students seeking admission into a criminal justice PhD program will be expected to hold a master’s degree in a related field, such as criminal justice, criminology, political science, or sociology. Such programs will traditionally run approximately four years, while including such coursework as diversity issues in public safety, theories of leadership, correlates of crime, law and legal foundations, and sociological theories of crime, among other topics. Expected career outcomes include opportunities as higher education professors, public policy group management, or with a research or consulting firm. Tenure track professors, for one, may see entry-level median annual salaries between $47,000 and $53,000 (BLS.gov).