PhD in Criminal Justice Researching and Improving Practices and Processes
Protect and Serve with a PhD in Criminal Justice from Liberty University
If you are an experienced law enforcement professional, conferring Liberty’s online Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Criminal Justice – General* can help prepare you for senior leadership roles in criminal justice organizations. Through advanced research and analysis of criminal justice practices, you will study how to assess and improve government and law enforcement organizations and master techniques in instruction.
In this program, you’ll be trained by seasoned criminal justice scholars with years of experience. Our professors teach from a Christian worldview, so you can receive biblically-based training that can help you lead effectively and with integrity in your chosen field.
*Please note that this is not a specialization. Any reference using the term “General” is the main degree and is only used to differentiate from other specializations.
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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
Why Choose Liberty University’s Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Criminal Justice?
As a criminal justice professional studying at Liberty University, you can gain the knowledge and skills to seek promotion to a senior leadership position, enhance your credentials, or teach criminal justice at the undergraduate or graduate level. At Liberty, you can learn from a Christian perspective with classes grounded in integrity and taught by men and women who have real-life experience making the tough calls.
Our program’s blend of real-world application and criminal justice theory can help you stand out in your profession. Liberty’s instructors in the Helms School of Government have years of experience in criminal justice and understand the critical issues of the field. You can excel without compromising your principles with the advanced training you can gain through our online PhD in Criminal Justice degree program.
What Will You Study in the PhD in Criminal Justice Online Degree?
Your PhD in Criminal Justice courses provide advanced training in a wide range of critical issues such as crime causation, comparative criminal justice systems, juvenile justice policies, and advanced corrections policies. You will also study international crime and terrorism to increase your awareness of the global impact of organized crime. You will study under dedicated professors who are passionate about both theory and praxis, as well as the administration of criminal justice in communities and organizations alike.
With the general track option, you will have the flexibility that allows you to take courses that pique your interest and align with your career goals. Some options include homeland security, criminal justice, and policy.
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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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Submit your application online or over the phone.
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.
