PhD in Criminal Justice - Walden University

Start date

11/25/2024: Course-Based

Tuition Savings

Speak with an enrollment specialist to learn about our current tuition savings.

HLC Accreditation

Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

Whether you aspire to be a leader or a scholar and professor in the criminal justice arena, Walden University’s online PhD in Criminal Justice program can prepare you with the skills you need for career advancement.

Ours is one of the first online criminal justice doctoral programs available to meet the needs of working professionals.
Choose from seven specializations, including Online Teaching in Higher Education.
Attend face-to-face residencies, which enhance both your development as a scholar-practitioner and your ability to effect positive social change.

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Academic Interests

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Contact Information

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Specializations

Emergency Management

Global Leadership

Homeland Security Policy and Coordination

Justice Administration

Law and Public Policy

Online Teaching in Higher Education

Public Management and Leadership

Curriculum

The PhD in Criminal Justice features two tracks, depending on your previous education.

Track I: This program of study is for students who have a master’s degree in criminal justice or a related field.
Track II: This program of study is for students who have a bachelor's or master’s degree in a discipline other than criminal justice.

Doctoral Degree Coach

A Personalized Guide to Completing Your Doctorate

Earning your online PhD in Criminal Justice requires commitment, perseverance, and hard work. You can do it, and Walden is here to help—with our Doctoral Degree Coach™.

Map and Track Milestones

Break your research down into manageable, sequential steps. See where you are, what’s ahead, and what you’ve already accomplished—all in one place.

Connect With Faculty

Stay on the same page and keep your progress on track. With shared access to your dashboard, your chair can easily guide you through your checklists, goals, and timelines.

Meet Weekly Targets

No more guesswork. Set prompts based on your to-do list and receive reminders and updates directly to your inbox.

Access Helpful Resources

Quickly find support from the right person at the right time. Our comprehensive resource guide points you in the right direction—no more frustrating searches.

Learn more about our PhD in Criminal Justice program

Career Options

Walden’s PhD in Criminal Justice can help prepare you for a variety of positions, including:*

Professor/instructor
Research consultant
Consultant to law enforcement agency
City administrator
Police captain
Bureau chief
Criminal investigator
Sheriff, deputy, or patrol officer

*Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.

Entry Requirements

We offer two learning tracks: Track 1 and Track 2. A Master of Criminal Justice or MS in Criminal Justice is required for entrance into Track 1. A bachelor's degree or higher in an academic discipline other than criminal justice is required for Track 2.

Your enrollment specialist will help you gather all of the required materials starting with your application all the way through your first day of classes.

Funding Your Education

Limited-Time Offer

Speak with an enrollment specialist to learn about our current tuition savings.

Ongoing Military Offer

A 15% tuition reduction for servicemembers, veterans of the U.S. armed forces, employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and their spouses.*

Request Information

Walden’s Enrollment Specialists are committed to helping you identify and leverage opportunities to save money on your education. Get in touch with an Enrollment Specialist today at 888-968-5331 to learn more.

How to Apply

Why earn your PhD in Criminal Justice at Walden?

Doctoral-Level Faculty

All faculty have relevant and practical experience in the field.

Exceptional Student Services

Benefit from our 24/7 tech support, Writing Center, career services, and more.

Two Tracks Offered

Find a track that fits your goals, based on your previous education.

“Having an advanced degree allowed me to gain new job duties and responsibilities, which will in turn help me in all areas of my life.”

Meleny Thomas | PhD in Public Policy and Administration Student

Enrollment Restrictions by State

Walden currently cannot enroll residents of the following states/districts into the PhD in Criminal Justice program: Wisconsin.

Ongoing Military Offer:

A 15% tuition reduction for servicemembers, veterans of the U.S. armed forces, employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and their spouses.*

*A 15% tuition reduction is available to new students who are servicemembers, veterans of the U.S. armed forces, or employees of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This tuition reduction is also available if you are a spouse of a servicemember, veteran, or employee of the VA. This tuition reduction cannot be retroactively applied. Tuition reductions are applicable to tuition only and do not apply toward books, materials, and other supplies or fees needed for a course.

Walden may change the tuition reduction offered hereunder at any time, but such change will not affect the tuition reduction for students who are currently enrolled at Walden and using the existing tuition reduction. All tuition reductions, grants, or scholarships are subject to specific eligibility requirements. Contact a Walden University Enrollment Specialist for details.