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Doctorate in Criminal Justice Online Criminal Justice Specialization

Criminal Justice - Doctorate at WUV

Credit Hours54

Total Courses9

Term LengthSelf-Paced

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Program Overview Why earn your Doctorate in Criminal Justice at WUV?

WUV's Doctorate in Criminal Justice prepares scholars and senior practitioners to exercise executive leadership, advance systemic policy reform, and produce original research that shapes the future of the justice system. This broad-based doctoral specialization equips graduates to address complex challenges across every pillar of criminal justice — law enforcement, courts, corrections, and community safety.

Research and leadership areas:

  • Justice system administration and organizational leadership
  • Criminal justice policy reform and legislative advocacy
  • Research methodology and applied justice studies
  • Cross-agency coordination and intergovernmental relations
  • Ethics, accountability, and civil rights in justice
  • Evidence-based program evaluation and policy analysis
Criminal Justice Doctorate students at WUV

Courses & Curriculum Doctoral courses that prepare you for leadership and research

This 54-credit doctoral curriculum is designed for professionals holding a Master's degree. You will complete thesis preparation, supervised research, and a final dissertation demonstrating original scholarly contribution.

PHD-910Qualitative and Quantitative Research
PHD-911Preparing a Thesis
PHD-912Econometrics
ST-913Preparatory Thesis I
ST-914Preparatory Thesis II
ST-915Preparatory Thesis III
ST-916Preparatory Thesis IV
ST-917Preparatory Thesis V
T-918Dissertation

Ready to lead and reshape the criminal justice system?

Take the next step toward your Doctorate in Criminal Justice Specialization at WUV.

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Admission Requirements How to apply to WUV's Doctorate in Criminal Justice program

A Master's degree in a related discipline is required for admission to this Doctorate program. Follow the steps below to begin your application.

Fill out WUV's online application form. The application is free and takes approximately 20 minutes to complete. You will create an account, select your doctoral program, and provide basic personal and academic information.

Upload official transcripts confirming completion of a Master's degree from a regionally accredited institution. WUV accepts graduate degrees in criminal justice and related disciplines. Your admissions counselor will review your documents and confirm receipt within 3 business days.

Once accepted, review your enrollment agreement, confirm your specialization, and select your start date. WUV offers multiple start dates throughout the year so you can begin when the time is right for you.

Career Outlook What can you do with a Doctorate in Criminal Justice?

Graduates of the Criminal Justice doctoral specialization are prepared for top executive, policy, and research leadership roles across the justice ecosystem.

Criminal Justice Agency Director

Leads a state or federal criminal justice agency and sets strategic policy and operational direction.

Median Salary: $120,000/yr

Policy Director – Government

Shapes criminal justice legislation and reform initiatives at city, state, or federal government level.

Median Salary: $112,000/yr

University Professor – Criminal Justice

Teaches doctoral and graduate-level courses and leads peer-reviewed research in criminal justice.

Median Salary: $91,000/yr

Senior Research Scholar

Conducts and publishes original research on justice policy, crime trends, and systemic reform.

Median Salary: $97,000/yr

Criminal Justice Program Director

Oversees large-scale justice programs for government agencies, nonprofits, or academic institutions.

Median Salary: $100,000/yr

Federal Agency Administrator

Administers federal criminal justice programs and coordinates multi-agency policy implementation.

Median Salary: $116,000/yr