Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice

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Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Criminal Justice

Overview
What You Will Learn
Careers
Benefits
Military

Be a Leader in the Criminal Justice Field with a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice from Liberty University

If you are an experienced law enforcement professional, Liberty’s online Ph.D. in Criminal Justice can prepare you for senior leadership roles in criminal justice organizations at all levels of government. Through advanced research and analysis of criminal justice practices, you will learn how to assess and improve government and law enforcement organizations while mastering techniques in teaching and leadership. With training from experienced criminal justice scholars founded in a Christian worldview, Liberty’s Ph.D. in Criminal Justice can provide you with biblically-based training to lead effectively in your field with integrity.

With our general track and specializations in homeland security and leadership, you can diversify your opportunities for career advancement. You will be taught by professors who integrate biblical values into each course, providing a well-rounded education based on the principle of integrity, which is highly regarded in the field of criminal justice. 

What Will You Learn in the Ph.D. in Criminal Justice Online Degree?

  • Transnational organized crime
  • Advanced topics in terrorism and intelligence
  • Criminal justice organizational conflict
  • Stress management in criminal justice

Our flexible and affordable Ph.D. in Criminal Justice offers a general track as well as two specializations: homeland security and leadership. The core courses within the program provide training in crime causation, international crime rings, advanced juvenile justice and corrections policy, and terrorism.    

  • Our homeland security specialization provides advanced training in cybersecurity, counterterrorism, and counterintelligence strategies. 
  • Our leadership specialization provides an advanced study of criminal justice leadership techniques, strategic planning, and advanced HR development.  

Potential Career Options

  • Administration/management (federal, state, or local)
  • Administrator (department chair, dean, chancellor)
  • Crime scene investigation unit manager
  • Criminal investigator
  • Forensics investigator
  • Police chief
  • Polygraph examiner/operator
  • Prison warden
  • Professor/instructor
  • Researcher
  • Sheriff
  • Writer (textbooks, criminal justice theory)

Benefits of Earning Our Ph.D. in Criminal Justice Online

As a leader in distance education since 1985, we understand what it takes to create a flexible and affordable education for busy people. Since we have been investing in distance and online learning for decades, our experience has taught us how to streamline our degree options so you can focus on what really matters to you. While many schools offer online degrees, we believe Liberty stands out.

Here’s what sets us apart:

  • We are recognized by multiple institutions for our academic quality, affordability, and accessibility. Our commitment to excellence also helped us rank in the top 10% of Niche.com’s best online schools in America. Earning your online Ph.D. in Criminal Justice degree from a nonprofit university with this kind of recognition can help set you apart from others in your field.
  • The majority of tuition for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs has not increased in 9 years. While many other online colleges have raised tuition, Liberty has been able to keep costs low as a nonprofit university.
  • You can complete your Ph.D. in Criminal Justice degree online in under 3 years!

    Military Tuition Discount

    We want to help you find the doctoral degree you want — at a price you’ve earned. As a thank-you for your military service, Liberty University offers eligible current and former service members like you or your spouse multiple pathways to earn a doctoral degree for only $300/credit hour. Here’s how:

    • If you’re earning or have earned a master’s degree through Liberty, you automatically qualify for the low price (when you begin within 2 years of your master’s completion).
    • If you haven’t earned a graduate degree through Liberty, our Executive Certificate program allows you to pay only $300/credit hour for a postgraduate certificate that can stand alone or potentially count as the first 21 hours of a related doctoral degree. Then pay just $300/credit hour for your doctorate. Learn more!

    .

    60

    Credit Hours

    SACSCOC

    Available Online

    Class Type

    100% online, 8-week courses

    Transfer Credits

    Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

    Next Start Date

    May 13, 2024

    Accreditation

    Liberty University is accredited by SACSCOC

    Areas of Interest

    Choose your area of Interest:

    Please select a Program of Interest. View Area of Interest

    Training Champions for Christ

    Liberty’s promise to you is an education that expertly brings knowledge and faith together. Here, education is designed around you. It connects you to people and opportunities that help you develop the skills and confidence you’re looking for. At Liberty, you’ll find the knowledge, experience, and mentorship you want to make your career — and life — a fulfilling one.

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    Liberty University is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, and certain programs have earned additional field-specific accreditation as well.

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