PhD in Criminal Justice Online Juvenile Justice Specialization
Program Overview Why earn your PhD in Juvenile Justice at WUV?
WUV's PhD in Criminal Justice with a Juvenile Justice specialization cultivates leading scholars who advance empirical research on youth delinquency, the juvenile court system, and trauma-informed approaches to youth rehabilitation. Graduates produce influential dissertations that reshape policy on school-to-prison pipeline reform, restorative justice for minors, and evidence-based intervention strategies at the community and legislative level.
Research focus areas:
- Juvenile delinquency theory and causation
- Youth rehabilitation and diversion programs
- Restorative justice for juvenile offenders
- School-to-prison pipeline research and reform
- Gang prevention and youth violence policy
- Trauma-informed juvenile justice systems
Courses & Curriculum Research-focused doctoral curriculum
This 54-credit doctoral program is structured around original research, thesis development, and dissertation. Students complete thesis preparation, extended research, and a final dissertation under faculty mentorship.
Thesis Courses
Research Courses
Dissertation
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Career Outlook Where can a PhD in Juvenile Justice take you?
Doctoral graduates in Juvenile Justice are uniquely positioned to drive systemic change in youth-focused justice policy, lead research centers dedicated to adolescent criminology, and mentor future scholars and practitioners. Their expertise informs court reform, legislative advocacy, and the development of nationally recognized youth intervention programs.
Potential career paths:
- University Professor of Juvenile Justice
- Youth Justice Policy Research Director
- Juvenile Court Reform Consultant
- Director of Youth Corrections Research
- Child Welfare and Policy Analyst
- Restorative Justice Program Director