PhD in Criminal Justice Pursue Excellence in Justice
Be a Leader in the Criminal Justice Field with Liberty University’s PhD in Criminal Justice
Are you an experienced law enforcement professional? If so, conferring Liberty’s online Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Criminal Justice could help 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 can learn how to assess and improve government and law enforcement organizations. This doctorate can also help you master techniques in teaching and leadership. Liberty’s PhD in Criminal Justice provides you with training from experienced criminal justice scholars. Our curriculum is also centered on Christian principles, so you can become an effective leader of integrity.
With our program, you can gain the right skills and expertise for your career goals. Liberty offers a general PhD in Criminal Justice as well as specialized areas of study in leadership and homeland security. With the Helms School of Government’s faculty of criminal justice professionals, you can learn from industry experts who are excited to share their experience with you.
What is a PhD in Criminal Justice?
A PhD in Criminal Justice is a doctoral program that focuses on various high-level aspects of the field. Here are some of the topics that are included in Liberty University’s criminal justice doctorate:
- Corrections policy
- Juvenile justice policy
- Terrorism and intelligence
- Theories of crime
- Transnational organized crime
Additionally, you will focus on management and leadership skills specific to criminal justice, including stress management, organizational conflict, and program evaluation. Your coursework will also include a dissertation where you will write on a unique topic within criminal justice to help you hone your expertise.
What Will You Study in Our PhD in Criminal Justice Online Degree?
Our PhD in Criminal Justice courses can offer you advanced knowledge in a wide range of critical issues. These topics include crime causation, comparative criminal justice systems, juvenile justice policies, and advanced corrections policies. You will also study international crime and terrorism to gain expertise in the global impact of organized crime.
Featured Courses
Degree Information
Why Choose Liberty’s Online Criminal Justice PhD Degree?
Backed by a brick-and-mortar campus ranked as Niche.com’s #2 Best College Campus in America for 2026
What Sets Us Apart?
- Private Nonprofit University
- 600+ Online Degrees
- No Standardized Testing for Admission
- Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
- Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree
Potential Careers for PhD in Criminal Justice Graduates
- Crime scene investigation unit manager
- Criminal justice writer
- Detective/investigator
- Forensic investigator
- Lead detective/investigator
- Lead/senior researcher
- Manager (federal, state, or local government)
- Police chief or sheriff
- Polygraph examiner/operator
- Prison warden
- Professor/instructor
- Public policy advisor
- Researcher
- Security analyst
- Threat analyst
- University administrator (department chair, dean, chancellor)
Degree Options for the Online Criminal Justice PhD
There are several specializations to choose from in the PhD in Criminal Justice.
Generalized Track (No Specialization)
Homeland Security
Leadership
Not sure what to choose?
Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.
Tuition & Aid
At Liberty University, a private Christian education is less expensive than you think. Over the last 10 years, Liberty University’s Online Program has only raised its standard tuition costs by less than 5% – and most of our online tuition rates rank in the top 35% for affordability for 2025 when compared to our leading online competitors.
| Doctoral Full Time | $610/Credit |
|---|---|
| Doctoral Part Time | $675/Credit |
Eligible current and former military service members and their spouses may qualify for a special rate of $375/credit hour (learn more).
These rates are reflective of academic year 2025-2026. Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.
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Financial Aid & Scholarships
Admission Information for the PhD in Criminal Justice
Admission Requirements
Preliminary Acceptance
Transcript Policies
Admissions Office Contact Information
Military
Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.
Who May Qualify?
- Active Duty
- Reserve/National Guard
- Veterans/Retirees
- Spouses of Service Members and Veterans/Retirees
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 $375/credit hour. Find out how you can take advantage of this unique opportunity as you work toward your goal of reaching the pinnacle of your profession – for less.
These rates are reflective of academic year 2025-2026. Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.
Frequently Asked Questions for Our Online Criminal Justice PhD Program
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- Overview
- What Will You Study?
- What Sets Us Apart?
- Potential Careers
- Specializations
- Tuition & Aid
- Admission Information
- Military
- FAQs
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