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Doctorate in Criminal Justice Online Policing Specialization

Policing - Doctorate at WUV

Credit Hours54

Total Courses9

Term LengthSelf-Paced

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Program Overview Why earn your Doctorate in Policing at WUV?

WUV's Doctorate in Criminal Justice with a Policing specialization prepares experienced law enforcement leaders and scholars to advance police administration, develop evidence-based community policing policy, and generate original research that shapes the future of public safety governance. This terminal degree equips graduates to lead at the highest levels of law enforcement and academia, driving reform and organizational excellence.

Research and leadership areas:

  • Police administration, reform, and organizational change
  • Community policing policy and public trust research
  • Use-of-force standards, research, and policy reform
  • Law enforcement leadership and executive development
  • Officer wellness, culture, and organizational behavior
  • Technology, surveillance governance, and civil liberties
Policing 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 law enforcement and policing at the highest level?

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

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

Graduates of the Doctorate in Policing specialization are prepared for top executive command, policy leadership, and research roles within law enforcement agencies and academic institutions.

Police Chief / Commissioner

Commands a municipal, county, or state police department and sets strategic policing policy.

Median Salary: $125,000/yr

Law Enforcement Policy Director

Develops use-of-force policy, community policing initiatives, and reform legislation for government agencies.

Median Salary: $116,000/yr

Policing Research Director

Leads scholarly research programs on policing effectiveness, officer conduct, and community relations.

Median Salary: $103,000/yr

University Professor – Police Science

Teaches advanced policing and law enforcement courses at the graduate and doctoral level.

Median Salary: $92,000/yr

Federal Law Enforcement Director

Oversees law enforcement divisions within agencies such as the U.S. Marshals Service or DHS.

Median Salary: $132,000/yr

Community Safety Program Director

Directs city or county-wide public safety initiatives integrating policing, social services, and community engagement.

Median Salary: $108,000/yr