Online PhDs in Criminal Justice: Reviewing Doctorate Programs

Online Criminal Justice PhDs in Detail

A PhD is the oldest doctoral degree in criminal justice. While an online PhD in criminal justice will have required coursework that may take several years to complete, the centerpiece of your degree will be your dissertation. Here is one example of a high-quality online PhD in criminal justice:

Online Doctor of Criminal Justice (DCJ) Programs Explained

Unlike a PhD, a DCJ is a professional doctorate, with an emphasis on preparing you for an advanced role working in the field, rather than in research. An online DCJ program may have some in-person or hands-on elements, although generally most of your required coursework will take place online. Unlike a PhD, you are not required to complete and defend a dissertation to graduate, but you will likely complete a final capstone project.

PhD vs. Doctorate in Criminal Justice: What’s the Difference?

Still not sure which doctoral program is right for you? It depends on your goals, timeline, and more. Check out this comparison of key factors:

FAQs About Online Criminal Justice Doctorates

Should you do a DCJ, or a PhD in Criminal Justice?

During your research, you may come across a doctorate in criminal justice (DCJ) and wonder about the difference between the doctorate and a PhD in criminal justice. AsSaint Leo University explains, DCJs better prepare learners for professional roles while the PhD gives them the skills and knowledge needed to work in academic roles. DCJ programs are rare, but they do exist.

Is there a research project or dissertation involved?

Online criminal justice doctoral degree programs require students to research and write a dissertation to graduate. Initially, learners write a proposal outlining their intended topic. After approval, data collection and research to support their thesis begins. Writing follows, and you will liaise extensively with your supervisor, requesting feedback and making comprehensive revisions. Students defend their thesis by answering questions and incorporating changes based on the final review. Upon completion, the manuscript receives publication approval.

What accreditation should the program have?

Before selecting any PhD in criminal justice online program, ensure the school and degree maintain proper accreditation. Institutional accreditation exists in two forms: national and regional. The former may sound like the more stringent of the two options, but in fact regional accreditation requires schools to go through a much more rigorous process and maintains higher standards for receiving and maintaining accreditation. Programmatic accreditation for criminal justice programs is also something to watch for.

How much does an online doctorate in criminal justice cost?

Cost is a significant factor for many degree seekers when deciding on a program. There are myriad price points available to help you find an affordable criminal justice program. Generally, schools with in-state tuition charge less, while private schools usually have higher tuition rates.

How long does it take to complete an online doctorate in criminal justice?

The time to complete your degree varies significantly depending on your thesis. Unlike traditional classes, writing a thesis is largely self-directed, meaning that you will determine your timeline for completion and graduation.

Specializing Your Criminal Justice Doctoral Degree

Many schools offer options for specialization within your online PhD or DCJ program. These specializations can lead to a more focused course schedule that builds your expertise and helps prepare you to complete your dissertation or final project. Check out some popular specializations below.

Behavioral Sciences

With a focus on psychological factors, this specialization looks at some of the behavioral, emotional, and cognitive reasons behind why people commit crimes. If you choose this specialization, you can expect to take advanced courses in psychology and sociology and may conduct research that requires interviewing subjects and drawing conclusions based on their statements. This is a specialization which can lend itself well to a future career in research.

Criminology and Crime Analysis

Students in this specialization focus on the study of crime, with special emphasis on understanding why some individuals commit crimes and how law enforcement can effectively respond. Depending on whether you choose a PhD or a DCJ, this can lead to highly theoretical coursework, or work that involves an extensive amount of fieldwork as part of final research. This is a particularly strong specialization option for students in DCJ programs, as it can qualify you for senior roles in crime analysis after graduation.

Policy and Administration

This specialization prepares graduates to understand how historical and current laws influence criminal justice and how public policy can shape the future of the field. If you choose this specialization, you can expect to study law, the courts, and the criminal justice system in detail. Those who choose this specialization for either a PhD or a DCJ may go on to work directly for the government in policy analysis or advisory roles, or in research, teaching, or nonprofits.

Common Online Criminal Justice Doctoral Courses

The courses you take in your program will vary depending on your school, your degree type, and specialization. Here are common in online doctoral programs in criminal justice:

Advanced Criminology

This course is likely the most advanced version of courses you may have already taken in your master’s or undergraduate degrees. You’ll explore criminology from a theoretical perspective and use real-world case studies, crime analysis, and crime statistics for broader application.

Civil Liability and the Justice System

Coursework here focuses on who has the right to seek redress from the justice system, an important topic in criminal justice. You’ll learn who can and cannot press charges in the event of a crime and explore the challenges with digital and white-collar crimes.

Data Analysis in Criminal Justice

Data analysis is crucial for understanding crime from a broader, more societal level. Further, there are many financial crimes and crimes that take place in the digital world that require a strong understanding of data to investigate.

Dissertation

A dissertation is your final PhD project and while it’s unlikely that you will complete one in a DCJ, it is a key component of all online PhD programs in criminal justice. The dissertation is an original research project and lengthy written presentation that may take years to complete.

Research Methods

Any doctoral program, whether a PhD or a DCJ, will require original research. You can expect your online doctoral program in criminal justice to include a course on research methods that will teach you proper techniques and skills to ethically conduct original research.

Making a Career with Your Criminal Justice Doctorate

After graduation, you can start applying for jobs that make use of your new criminal justice skills and doctoral degree. While career opportunities will vary depending on whether you hold a DCJ or PhD, both degrees are highly respected and can lead to high-level roles including:

College Professor

Did you know that demand for college teachers is growing faster than the national average? As a doctoral graduate, particularly if you have a PhD, you will be qualified to pursue a career in academia. As a college professor, you can expect a job that combines conducting research and teaching undergraduates and graduate students, with the opportunity to publish and present your original work.

Consultant

Consultants are generally employed by private companies who contract with government agencies, nonprofits, and others to study crime, crime prevention, rehabilitation, and more. Research often involves data analysis and compiling case studies. A fast-paced role that often involves reporting directly to people in high positions, consultant and management analyst salaries can be in the six-figure range.

Policy Researcher

After completing a DCJ with a focus on the law and policy aspects of criminal justice, you may be a candidate for policy researcher. This is a public service role that often involves working directly for the state or national government. Moreover, it’s a role that requires an in-depth understanding of politics, criminal justice, and public policy, making doctoral graduates ideal for these high-salary positions.

Top Criminal Justice Doctorates Offered Online

As you review criminal justice doctoral programs, you’ll want to find one that offers a significant return on your investment and fits into your busy schedule. The following college rankings showcase this year’s top overall programs. Each of the three schools highlighted below is fully accredited, features reasonable tuition rates, and offers flexible scheduling options to complete your PhD or DCJ at your own pace.