Skip to main content

Doctorate in Criminal Justice Online Investigation Specialization

Investigation - Doctorate at WUV

Credit Hours54

Total Courses9

Term LengthSelf-Paced

Program Overview Why earn your Doctorate in Investigation at WUV?

WUV's Doctorate in Criminal Justice with an Investigation specialization elevates practitioners to the highest levels of investigative leadership, policy development, and scholarly inquiry. This doctoral program prepares graduates to direct complex multi-agency investigations, design evidence law frameworks, and publish original research that advances intelligence-led policing and criminal investigation strategy.

Research and leadership areas:

  • Advanced criminal investigation methods and strategy
  • Investigation policy reform and procedural justice
  • Intelligence-led policing research and application
  • Multi-agency investigation coordination and leadership
  • Criminal profiling and behavioral analysis research
  • Evidence law, admissibility standards, and policy
Investigation 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 advance criminal investigation at the doctoral level?

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

Apply Now Request Information

Admission Requirements How to apply to WUV's Doctorate in Investigation 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 Investigation?

Graduates of the Doctorate in Investigation specialization are prepared for senior leadership and research roles in federal law enforcement, intelligence agencies, and academic institutions.

Federal Investigation Director

Leads major criminal investigation divisions within agencies such as the FBI, ATF, or DEA.

Median Salary: $128,000/yr

Law Enforcement Research Director

Directs research programs studying investigative practices and their effectiveness across jurisdictions.

Median Salary: $102,000/yr

Senior Criminal Intelligence Analyst

Leads intelligence analysis teams and provides strategic assessments to senior law enforcement command.

Median Salary: $108,000/yr

University Professor – Criminal Justice

Teaches advanced investigation courses and conducts peer-reviewed research on criminal justice methods.

Median Salary: $90,000/yr

Investigation Program Director

Oversees investigative training programs and operational policies for law enforcement agencies.

Median Salary: $105,000/yr

Homeland Security Program Director

Directs criminal investigation components of national security and counterterrorism programs.

Median Salary: $120,000/yr