Top Online Criminal Justice PhDs in 2024
In light of the vast array of online criminal justice doctoral programs currently available, it is critical to pinpoint those programs that offer the most significant return on investment and fit 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 enable you to complete your PhD or Doctor of Criminal Justice (DCJ) at your own pace.
College Ranking Methodology
Generate List of Eligible Schools and Programs
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
- Career placement and academic counseling services.
Assign Weightings
After generating the list of eligible schools, the STEPS data team then assigned weights and ranked schools based on their performance in a variety of key categories. Affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings, followed by online learning and academic quality metrics (equally weighted).
Online Learning
- Number of online programs in subject area self-reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education.
- Percentage of graduate students at the school taking at least one class online.
Affordability
- Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on in-state tuition for graduate students per academic year.
Academic Quality
- Student-to-faculty ratio: Schools with lower ratios ranked higher.
- Percentage of students admitted. More selective schools ranked higher.
About Our Data
All STEPS rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: August 2023
Accreditation Glossary
ABHE: Association for Biblical Higher Education, Commission on Accreditation
ABHES: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools
ACCJC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
ACCSC: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
DEAC: Distance Education Accrediting Commission
HLC: Higher Learning Commission
MSCHE: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
NECHE: New England Commission of Higher Education
NWCCU: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
SACSCOC: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
TRACS: Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, Accreditation Commission
WSCUC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
1
Lynchburg, Virginia
If you're interested in earning a terminal degree in criminal justice, Liberty University provides two options: the PhD in criminal justice and the doctorate in criminal justice -- general programs. While both can be completed entirely online in three years, they provide different outcomes for students. The PhD program is for those who want to focus on the research side of the criminal justice field and use their acquired expertise to affect policy or conduct their own research to advance knowledge of the discipline. The program's curriculum focuses on qualitative and quantitative research methods, comparative criminal justice theory, and advanced corrections policy. On the other hand, the doctorate program is for students who want to use their knowledge of criminal justice in practical settings. Although you will become familiar with advanced research and policy during your studies, you'll also learn how these concepts are applied by criminal justice professionals in the workplace.
Program Highlights:
Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice
- Credits: 60
- Length: 3 years
- Cost: $595/credit
- Mode: 100% online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
Doctorate in Criminal Justice -- General
- Credits: 60
- Length: 3 years
- Cost: $595/credit
- Mode: 100% online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
2
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Nova Southeastern University's criminal justice PhD program provides a comprehensive look at the system so students can understand the field's research and learn the best research practices used in a variety of criminal justice professional settings. Whether you want to pursue a leadership position in the field, conduct research, or teach future criminal justice professionals, this program will help you achieve your goals. You can concentrate your studies in behavioral science, organizational leadership, or juvenile justice to further enhance your expertise and tailor your education to your specific needs. At the end of your studies, you will be required to complete a dissertation to demonstrate what you've learned throughout the program by addressing a specific issue in criminal justice.
Program Highlights:
Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice
- Credits: 60
- Length: 3 years
- Cost: $1,277/credit
- Mode: 100% online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
3
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
If you're a seasoned criminal justice professional who wants to upskill by furthering your education, Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale has an online doctorate of criminal justice degree that can help you do it. The program, which takes about two to three years to complete, allows people who work in various criminal justice environments, including correctional facilities, law enforcement agencies, and parole programs, to gain the valuable skills they need to move into managerial roles and successfully lead using evidence-based practices. Prospective students in jobs that focus on research and data analysis can enroll in the school's criminal justice PhD program. During their studies, students learn advanced criminal justice theories that are the backbone of the practical strategies professionals use, as well as the research methods used to make these discoveries. Also, students gain an understanding of how criminal justice professionals use research to evaluate the effectiveness of policies and programs in their communities.
Program Highlights:
Doctor of Criminal Justice
- Credits: 44
- Length: 20 to 32 months
- Cost: $13,536/semester
- Mode: 100% online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice and Criminology
- Credits: 54
- Length: 24 to 40 months
- Cost: $13,536/semester
- Mode: 100% online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
Inside the Online Doctorate in Criminal Justice
Pursuing an online PhD in criminal justice demands a substantial commitment, as these programs usually necessitate between three and five years of study, although part-time learners may require up to seven years to complete the program. However, because many of the topics translate well to online learning, students interested in this path need not be concerned that their program will be any less comprehensive or rigorous. Some schools provide the degree entirely online, while others offer hybrid options. Before making a decision, you should ask yourself the following questions.
Is an Online PhD in Criminal Justice Right for You?
Students pursuing a doctorate degree in criminal justice aim to secure top-level academic and research positions reserved for the brightest minds in the field. While a master’s degree allows students to delve into more complex topics than a bachelor’s program, only a doctorate degree offers access to the dedicated and extensive study required for such roles.
If you aspire to teach and educate the next generation of criminal justice professionals, most institutions will mandate that you hold a doctorate degree. This qualification provides you with the knowledge, skills, and credibility necessary to design courses, deliver lectures, and assist students in navigating the degree process.
If your goal is to advance the criminal justice field through cutting-edge research, most employers will require you to possess a Ph.D. in criminal justice. This level of education provides you with the skills in quantitative and qualitative research, analytics, statistical analysis, and study design to address challenging questions and introduce novel methodologies and frameworks to the discipline.
If you require a degree that offers maximum flexibility without compromising on the quality of education, an online program could be an excellent fit. However, pursuing an online program demands significant self-discipline to submit assignments and complete projects when not visiting a campus multiple times per week. You also need to feel comfortable using online technologies. If you nodded your head in agreement while reading about these requirements, pursuing an online program may be an ideal path for you.
How do Criminal Justice PhD Programs Work Online?
Many students ask this question when researching programs, and for good reason. Learners want to make sure an online degree offers the same outcomes as those based in traditional brick-and-mortar classrooms. Given the nature of the topic, criminal justice classes work particularly well in online settings as most work includes reading, discussions, and completing assignments. At Liberty University, for example, students participate in fully online eight-week classes that allow them to interact with peers and professors, watch lectures, turn in homework, and complete weekly readings.
If you are interested in both distance and traditional learning, a partially online hybrid program may be the best fit for your needs. These degrees may be split between online and on-campus learning (50% online, 50% on-campus) or may require only a few campus-based weekend intensives each year. If you opt for this option, you may want to ensure that the school is not too far away to avoid having to purchase plane tickets multiple times per year.
What are the Admissions Requirements for an Online Criminal Justice Doctorate Program?
Admission requirements for online PhD in criminal justice degrees vary by school, but most institutions set similar criteria for applicants. Some programs require candidates to hold a master’s degree in criminal justice, while others accept those with unrelated graduate degrees. Schools also request official transcripts from all schools attended to ensure that applicants meet minimum GPA requirements. In addition, they require GRE scores, letters of recommendation, a statement of interest outlining the reasons for seeking the degree at that school, and a completed application. International students are also required to provide TOEFL or IELTS scores.
Should I Specialize?
Plenty of specializations exist within PhD in criminal justice degrees to help students build their expertise in a given area. Common specializations include:
Organizational leadership
Students cover leadership and management theories that teach them how to be effective and efficient law enforcement leaders.
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.
Juvenile justice
This specialization concerns itself with children and adolescents who commit crimes, and how to best handle them within the justice system.
Policy & Administration
This specialization prepares graduates to understand how historic and current laws influence criminal justice and how public policy can shape the future of the field.
Criminology & 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.
A Closer Look at an Online PhD Curriculum
While all marketing materials for online PhD in criminal justice programs highlight the top features of the degree, students should take the time to delve deeper into any prospective program to gain a better understanding of the specific details of what is being offered.
DCJ vs. PhD in Criminal Justice
During their research, students may come across a doctorate in criminal justice (DCJ) and wonder about the difference between the doctorate and a PhD in criminal justice. As Saint 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 quite rare, but they do exist.
Is There a Research Project or Dissertation Involved?
Due to the academic emphasis, 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 receiving approval, they commence data collection and research to support their thesis. Once they have sufficient material, they begin writing. Throughout this process, they will liaise extensively with their supervisor, requesting feedback and making comprehensive revisions. The student must then defend their thesis by answering any remaining questions and incorporating any changes based on the final review. Upon completion, the manuscript receives publication approval, and the student is cleared to graduate.
What Accreditation is Needed?
Before selecting any PhD in criminal justice online program, learners must 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. Trade schools tend to seek national accreditation, while four-year institutions more frequently work towards regional accreditation. Within the field of criminal justice, programmatic accreditation also exists. The Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences provides certification, but currently only to bachelor’s and master’s level programs.
What’s the Cost of an Online PhD in Criminal Justice?
Cost is a significant factor for many degree seekers when deciding on a program, as most cannot afford to pay for these programs out of pocket and do not want to accumulate substantial student loan debt. Fortunately, there are many different price points available to help students find a program that aligns the cost with the potential benefits of completing the degree. Generally, schools offering in-state tuition tend to charge the lowest tuition, while private schools usually charge the most. Check out the sample schools and their costs below, but be sure to conduct additional research to find one that meets all your needs.
| School Name | No. of Credits | Cost/Credit | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walden University | 83 quarter credits | $620 | $51,460 |
| California University of Pennsylvania | 42 credits | $774 | $32,508 |
| Nova Southeastern University | 60 credits | $1,128 | $67,680 |
| Florida State University | 45 credits | $444.26 (in-state) // $1,075.66 (out-of-state) | $19,991.70 (in-state) // $48,404.70 (out-of-state) |
| Sam Houston State University | 58 credits | $698.50 | $40,513 |
