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Doctorate in Criminal Justice Online Private Security Specialization

Private Security - Doctorate at WUV

Credit Hours54

Total Courses9

Term LengthSelf-Paced

Program Overview Why earn your Doctorate in Private Security at WUV?

WUV's Doctorate in Criminal Justice with a Private Security specialization prepares senior security professionals and scholars to lead enterprise-level security programs, shape private security policy and regulation, and contribute original research to the expanding field of security management. Graduates are equipped to take executive roles across corporate, government, and consulting sectors at the highest levels of responsibility.

Research and leadership areas:

  • Private security policy, regulation, and governance
  • Corporate security program design and administration
  • Risk assessment, management research, and strategy
  • Security law, liability, and regulatory compliance
  • Intelligence analysis and threat assessment frameworks
  • Executive protection program leadership and policy
Private Security 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 private security at the executive and doctoral level?

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

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Admission Requirements How to apply to WUV's Doctorate in Private Security 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 Private Security?

Graduates of the Doctorate in Private Security specialization are prepared for C-suite, executive, and scholarly leadership roles in corporate security, government contracting, and academic institutions.

Chief Security Officer (Corporate)

Leads enterprise-wide physical and information security strategy for large corporations or organizations.

Median Salary: $145,000/yr

Private Security Policy Director

Develops regulatory frameworks and compliance policies governing private security operations.

Median Salary: $118,000/yr

Risk Management Director

Oversees enterprise risk assessment programs and coordinates threat mitigation strategies across divisions.

Median Salary: $130,000/yr

University Professor – Security Studies

Teaches advanced private security, risk management, and intelligence courses at the graduate level.

Median Salary: $91,000/yr

Homeland Security Consultant

Advises federal agencies and private organizations on critical infrastructure protection and security strategy.

Median Salary: $125,000/yr

Security Program Administrator

Administers large-scale security programs for government contractors, healthcare systems, or multinational firms.

Median Salary: $112,000/yr