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Criminology, Law and Society Ph.D. program

​​ The Ph.D. program in Criminology, Law and Society is ranked #2 in the US News and World Reports rankings. The program focuses on the causes, manifestations, and consequences of crime; the impacts of crime on society; social regulation; the civil justice system; the social and cultural contexts of law; and the interactive effects of law and society. With high-caliber faculty and an interdisciplinary perspective, the program aims to develop students’ theoretical and methodological sophistication to prepare them for faculty positions at major universities and colleges or for research, training, and administrative work in the justice system.   

Program Overview

In this doctoral program, students must pass nine (9) required courses and four (4) electives, all with a grade of B or higher. For a description of the following courses and others, please visit the UCI Course Catalogue .

Students are also required to complete a Second Year Project, pass comprehensive examinations (comps), prepare & defend a dissertation proposal, and prepare & defend a dissertation.

Second Year Project/Master's Thesis

Beginning in their first year, students initiate independent research projects under faculty supervision. Approaches to research vary widely and may include questionnaire and survey analysis, systematic field observation, computer simulation, archival searches, ethnographies, oral histories, and legal analysis. This project is further expanded on and completed during the second year. This Second Year Project is designed to introduce students to developing their own research projects and writing for an academic audience. The report of the Second Year Project should be comparable in scope and format to articles that appear in leading journals within the field of criminology, law and society. Each project is evaluated and approved by the advisor and one other faculty member.

Students may submit the written report of their Second Year Project as a Master's Thesis for an M.A. in Social Ecology. For the Ph.D. degree, however, an M.A. is not required, and most students move directly to the completion of the doctoral requirements.

Comprehensive Exams

The comprehensive examination (comps) is an untimed take-home written exam consisting of two essays, to be completed in the third year of graduate study. The goal of comps is to allow graduate students to demonstrate mastery of major theoretical, substantive, and methodological issues in both criminology and law & society. The examination consists of two sections – criminology, and law & society. Beginning in 2021, students must complete the exam by the first day of classes in the Winter Quarter of their third year (adjusted for any Leaves of Absence), and must pass all sections of the exam by the last day of classes in Winter Quarter of their third year (adjusted for any Leaves of Absence). Students who do not pass one or both sections on the first attempt will retake the failed section(s) in the subsequent quarter. Students are allowed to take the exam twice, but must pass all sections according to this timeline.

Dissertation

During the fourth year of study, students draft and defend a proposal for dissertation research. The proposal is developed under the guidance of a faculty advisor, and clearly presents the research questions, theories, and methods which will inform the doctoral dissertation project. Once students complete the proposal, they must defend the proposal to a committee comprised of the faculty advisor and four other faculty members. Upon approval of the defense, the student will advance to candidacy for the Ph.D. Students generally complete the proposal defense by the end of the fourth year.

Once students have advanced to candidacy, they spend their remaining time at UCI completing data collection and analysis for their dissertation. Following the completion of the written dissertation, students must orally defend their project to a committee comprised of the faculty advisor and two other faculty members. The dissertation defense usually occurs in the fifth or sixth year. Upon passage of the oral defense and approval of the committee, the student has completed all of the requirements of the Ph.D. program.

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Program Learning Outcomes

Graduate Student Emphases

UCI offers graduate students the opportunity to earn emphases in several substantive areas. Many of our students earn one or more of these emphases, and several of our faculty are associated with the emphases-granting departments.

Asian American Studies

This graduate emphasis is a formal component of graduate studies at the University of California, Irvine, in addition to the fulfillment of requirements towards the Ph.D. or M.F.A. degree in an array of fields in the Schools of Humanities, Social Sciences, Social Ecology, and the Arts. Designed to complement existing graduate degree-granting programs by providing interdisciplinary training in Asian American Studies, this particular specialty is comprised of four courses: two foundation courses introducing theories, methods, and historical and contemporary special topics in Asian American Studies; one elective course in Asian American Studies; and one related elective course in a student’s specific discipline or area of study. Learn more...

Critical Theory Emphasis

The Critical Theory Emphasis (CTE) graduate specialty is the curricular arm of UCI's Critical Theory Institute (CTI). Scholars of Critical Theory explore and develop theoretical models to analyze and critique cultural forms from literature and art to more general systems of information, social relations, and symbolic categories of race, gender and ethnic identity. The goal of the CTE is to promote the study of shared assumptions, problems and commitments of the various discourses in the arts, humanities and social sciences. Learn more...

Graduate Feminist Emphasis

The Department of Gender and Sexuality Studies at UCI offers a graduate emphasis in Feminist Studies for students pursuing Ph.D. or Master's programs across the campus. Participating in the GFE provides students with advanced interdisciplinary training in Feminist Studies, and offers them an opportunity to become part a network of feminist scholars at UCI and beyond. GFE students are subscribed in our email listserv , which features current job openings, fellowship information, and important news about our upcoming events. Learn more...

Law, Society and Culture Emphasis

The Center for Law, Society and Culture sponsors the LSC Emphasis. This concentration is designed a) to instill an intellectual ethic on inter -disciplinarity among participating students early in their training and b) to create trans -disciplinary communities of emerging socio-legal scholars whose intellectual development is enhanced by formal and informal exchange across diverse fields. In the spring of each year, students in their first through third years of graduate study are invited to apply to the Emphasis, which is composed of 4 inter-connected components: 1) a year-long theory and research seminar, with each quarter taught by one faculty member from a different school at UCI; (2) cross-disciplinary mentorship and advising; (3) ongoing professionalization opportunities and responsibilities; and (4) a culminating intellectual project.  Each student is assigned a faculty mentor outside of his or her home department and will meet with that mentor on a monthly basis to discuss the student's ongoing research. Learn more...

Race and Justice Studies Emphasis

Students from any UCI state-supported graduate or professional program, including J.D., Master’s and M.F.A. students, are eligible to apply to the Emphasis in Race and Justice Studies (RJS), housed in the Department of Criminology, Law and Society (CLS). The Race and Justice Studies Emphasis is comprised of four requirements that promote inclusive excellence in graduate training at UCI: (1) A first-year mentorship proseminar offered over three quarters by faculty from across campus whose research and teaching foster inclusive excellence; (2) one RJS-approved course offered under the supervision of the Emphasis; (3) a writing seminar in which a paper developed through the Emphasis will be workshopped and revised toward publication; and (4) a public presentation which translates the student’s RJS-influenced research for an interdisciplinary audience. Learn more...

Visual Studies

The Emphasis in Visual Studies offers a focus on Visual Studies available to Ph.D. and M.F.A. students in all departments at UCI. Satisfactory completion of this concentration is certified by the Graduate Advisor in Visual Studies and is noted in the student's dossier. Learn more...

Research Centers

Students in the Ph.D. program often work with various Research Centers, including the Center for Evidence-Based Corrections , the Center in Law, Society and Culture , the Center for Psychology and Law , the Newkirk Center , the Irvine Lab for the Study of Space and Crime , and the Metropolitan Futures Initiative .

Financial Support

Students in the Ph.D. program have a variety of financial support options. The most common sources of support are Teaching Assistantships and Research Assistantships.

Research Assistantship. Many students work with faculty on research projects funded by external grants or university monies. As with Teaching Assistants, RAs generally work for up to 20 hours per week and are involved in a wide variety of research activities (e.g., data collection and analysis, article preparation, etc.). Compensation for RAs is roughly equivalent to that for a Teaching Assistant, and covers fees and tuition.

Teaching Assistantship. Ph.D. students in CLS are eligible for 12 quarters of support as a Teaching Assistant (TA), making this the most common means of financial support. TAs work up to 20 hours a week, are responsible for assisting the professor with many common classroom tasks (e.g., creating exams, grading papers, etc.), assist students understand course material and meet course requirements, and experience the opportunity to practice the art of teaching (usually through discussion sections and/or guest lecturing). To maintain their eligibility, students must be in good academic standing and must have a satisfactory record as a Teaching Assistant . Some students may even receive a TAship after this 12-quarter period (subject to CLS and Graduate Divivsion approval). A Teaching Assistantship is not only an important means of financial support (a monthly salary plus fees and tuition coverage), but the work also serves a vital role in training Ph.D. candidates, particularly those who intend to pursue academic careers.

Additional funding is available through student loans, departmental and university fellowships, and outside funding sources. In addition to support during the academic year, students are often able to secure research grants from the Department for the summer. These grants are allotted on the basis of academic standing and financial need.

Award Opportunities

Listed below are the CLS Department awards current students have the opportunitiy to be nominated or apply for.

• Arnold Binder Award
• Dickman Award
• Gil Geis Award
• Kitty Calavita Award
• Michelle Smith-Pontell Award
• Peer Mentoring Award

Graduate Student Housing

A number of housing alternatives are available for graduate students at UCI. Two apartment complexes and a residence hall are available exclusively for graduate students and those with families who wish to live on campus. In addition, there are many off-campus options, including apartments/houses at the beach or apartment complexes just across the street from the university. Due to their affordability and convenience, more than half of our graduate students choose to live on campus.

Among the on-campus options are Verano Place Apartments, Palo Verde Apartments, and Vista del Campo/VdC Norte. Verano Place includes 862 units which are one-, two-, or three-bedroom unfurnished apartments. Palo Verde is designed solely for graduate students and post-doctoral students, and consists of 204 apartments that range from studio to three-bedroom apartments. Vista del Campo is a privately owned and managed apartment community located on the UCI campus, offering furnished apartments to single students who are sophomores, juniors, seniors, or graduate students. For information on all of these housing options, please visit the UCI Housing website .

For more information, please contact:

Irice Castro Assistant Director of Graduate Student Services [email protected] 949-824-1874

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Criminology, PhD

Penn's highly interdisciplinary Ph.D. in criminology combines the traditional concerns of criminologists with concepts, theories, and empirical research from a wide variety of academic disciplines. The program seeks to produce scholars of unusual breadth who can work creatively in academic or policy settings.

Working closely with faculty, students are encouraged to design their own curriculum and begin research very early in their graduate education. That curriculum will include several core courses taken in the first and second year. These include two courses in criminological theory, two courses in criminal justice policy, and two semesters of graduate level statistics.

For more information: http://crim.sas.upenn.edu/graduate

View the University’s Academic Rules for PhD Programs .

A minimum of 9 course units are required. Additional courses may be selected in consultation with student faculty advisor and graduate group chair.

The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2023 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.

A student who enters the Ph.D. program with a Bachelors degree will usually take 3 course units in each semester in their first two years and must complete all course requirements by the end of their third year.  All students must take 3 CUs in each semester to remain registered as full-time students.

After having completed the substantive, class-based course requirements, they normally fulfill remaining CUs by registering for CRIM 9999 Independent Study and Research .  They will also have passed the Candidacy Examination by the end of their second year. Students who enter with a Master's degree or other transfer credit may satisfy the formal course requirements more quickly. However, the Graduate Group Chair in conjunction with the student’s research supervisor has the flexibility to establish the optimal requirements for students. 

The customary maximum load for a Ph.D. student is four course units each semester; exceptions for a fifth course unit may be made in extraordinary cases upon approval of the Graduate Dean. The Graduate Group may establish examination requirements in addition to the University’s standards.

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Doctor of Philosophy in Criminology

Program description.

The PhD in Criminology degree program is an interdisciplinary, research-oriented degree offered in the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences at UT Dallas. The objective of the PhD program is to provide students a coherent, yet intellectually challenging degree that adequately prepares them to conduct research among the many aspects of criminology and criminal justice, varying with individual interests and areas of specialty. Graduates of the PhD program will be qualified to teach at the university level as professors. Graduates will also be competent to enter into analytic and administrative posts within the vast array of research and policy institutions, criminal justice organizations, and in the private sector.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the program seek positions such as: academics and teaching; criminologist, policy advisor or research officer in state and federal justice agencies; analytical and administrative positions in international and domestic research and policy institutions; and positions in legal and corrections systems and non-profits and private consulting.

Marketable Skills

Review the marketable skills for this academic program.

Application Requirements

Degree requirements: The PhD in Criminology seeks applicants from a baccalaureate in criminology, sociology or a relevant discipline.

GPA: A score of 3.5 is preferred.

Test score required: Yes

A combined verbal and quantitative score of 300 on the GRE is preferred.

Letters of recommendation: 3

Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation from individuals who can judge the candidate’s probability of success in graduate school. Use the electronic request form in the graduate application to submit the letters. Contact the graduate academic program department if you have any questions.

Admissions essay required: Yes

A one-page essay outlining personal background, education, and professional objectives.

Deadlines: To be considered for funding opportunities, applications must be submitted in full by January 15. Students can apply as late as May 1, per University policy, but they will likely not be considered for funding opportunities. Students should note their desire to be considered for graduate funding in their letter of intent at the time of application.

About the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences

Every new generation inherits a world more complex than that of its predecessors, which prompts a need for new thinking about public policies that impact people’s daily lives. In the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences (EPPS), we examine the implications of innovation and change for individuals and communities. The social sciences are where the world turns to for answers to the important issues of today and the future such as education and health policy, financial crises, globalization, policing, political polarization, public management, terrorism, and the application of geographical information sciences to study social, economic and environmental issues.

As an undergraduate in EPPS, you will have the opportunity to work with professors who are probing issues that will affect your future. You will develop the vital skills you need to thrive in a rapidly evolving, highly competitive job market. EPPS will prepare you for careers in government, non-profits and the private sector that enable you to make a real difference in the world of today and tomorrow. EPPS is at the forefront of leadership, ethics and innovation in the public and nonprofit sectors. Our students and faculty look forward to new opportunities to study and address the complex and evolving issues of the future. Research informs much of the instruction. The school has four centers of excellence:

• Center for Global Collective Action
• Texas Schools Project
• Institute for Urban Policy Research
• The Negotiations Center

Degrees Offered

Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts : Criminology , economics , geospatial information sciences , international political economy , political science , public affairs , public health , public policy , sociology

Master of Science : Applied sociology , criminology , economics , geospatial information sciences , international political economy , social data analytics and research

Master of Arts : Political science

Master of Public Affairs : Public affairs

Master of Public Policy : Public policy

Doctor of Philosophy : Criminology , economics , geospatial information sciences , political science , public affairs , public policy and political economy

Certificates

EPPS offers the following 15-hour graduate certificates, which generally can be completed in one year of part-time evening classes:

• Economic and Demographic Data Analysis : focusing on the understanding and application of quantitative analysis of demographic and economic data.
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) : focusing on the application of GIS in government, private sector and scientific areas.
• Geospatial Intelligence : focusing on the application of geospatial ideas and techniques to national security and other intelligence activity.
• Local Government Management : designed to broaden knowledge of important issues and approaches employed by professional local public administrators.
• Nonprofit Management : designed to provide an overview of the nature and context of nonprofit organizations and develop competencies needed by nonprofit managers.
• Program Evaluation : designed to provide students the opportunity to gain competencies in the design and implementation of program evaluations in fields such as education, health care, human services, criminal justice and economic development.
• Remote Sensing : focusing on remote sensing and digital image processing.

Contact Information

Rita Medford Graduate Program Administrator Email: [email protected] Phone: 972-883-4932 Office: GR 2.402C

Degree Information Dr. John Worrall PhD Advisor Email: [email protected] Phone: 972-883-6901 Office: GR 2.126

EPPS Advising The University of Texas at Dallas 800 W. Campbell Road, GR 31 Richardson, TX 75080-3021 [email protected]

epps.utdallas.edu/

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PhD Justice, Law & Criminology

You are here: american university school of public affairs phd programs phd justice, law & criminology.

PhD Justice, Law & Criminology (On-Campus)

Prepare for university teaching and research, and a career as an authority and leader in fields related to justice, law, criminology, and homeland security.

(202) 885-6230

[email protected]

Kerwin Hall, Room 306 on a map

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At the Epicenter of Effectiveness

The PhD in Justice, Law & Criminology in the School of Public Affairs draws from the breadth and depth of resources across American University. Our program is rooted in contemporary theory, principles, practices, and research methods in criminology, criminal justice, terrorism and homeland security studies, and legal studies. Students come here not only for the academics, but for the chance to work firsthand with experts in our nation's capital.

Our students organize their programs around two fields of study. Our department offers options in three fields: Justice, Law & Society, and Terrorism & Political Violence. PhD students select one of these as their primary field. Their secondary field may be one of the other two, or they can take courses in Political Methodology or Public Policy from other departments in the School of Public Affairs. Students also have the flexibility to select relevant coursework from other schools at AU, or to take courses in another PhD-granting department at AU or through the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area, which includes George Washington University, Georgetown University, George Mason University, University of Maryland, and others.

Connection & Impact

SPA's PhD in Justice, Law & Criminology puts our students in the middle of one the best places to influence change in crime and policing, terrorism and homeland security, and the criminal justice system. They dive into research that addresses today's most pressing challenges and produce scholarship with real-world connection and immediate impact.

Each of our doctoral programs reflects values that guide the School of Public Affairs. We encourage engagement and discourse to influence policy makers; formulate critical thinking skills that are crucial to advancing lines of inquiry; cultivate strong leadership skills; prioritize evidence-based reasoning and analytics when addressing societal issues; and challenge the guideposts on equity, fairness, and inclusion to ground students in the institutions of justice and the rule of law. Along the way, we champion truth and self-awareness, as students undertake personal and professional journeys.

The PhD degree in Justice, Law & Criminology requires 36 credit hours of coursework.

All students must complete 12 credits of research design and methodology courses, 12 credits in their primary field of study, and 12 credits in their secondary field of study.

As work on the dissertation project progresses, students register for dissertation credit in order to maintain enrollment. They take Doctoral Continuing Enrollment (JLC-898) and Doctoral Dissertation (JLC-899) after their dissertation proposals are approved.

A minimum grade point average of 3.20 in all coursework is required to remain in good standing and to earn the degree. Full-time status is considered to be nine credit hours per semester.

Students advance to PhD candidacy by successfully completing all required courses, passing the oral qualifier and two written comprehensive exams (one in each of their fields of study), and defending their dissertation proposals. To earn the degree, students must pass a final oral defense of the dissertation.

More information about course requirements can be found here .

For more information, please contact the SPA Graduate Admissions Office at 202-885-6230 or [email protected] .

Applicants are considered and students admitted for the fall semester only. Please refer to the application deadlines page for the deadline to apply. 

While previous academic or professional work in justice, law, or criminology is not required, applicants need to demonstrate a serious commitment to a career in this field. The personal statement on reasons for pursuing graduate study in the program is essential, along with the other required application materials .

We accept PhD applicants for full-time study only. Students must be funded either by the School of Public Affairs or by an external sponsoring organization (self-funding is not permitted for newly-admitted doctoral students).

The PhD in Justice, Law & Criminology is a 36-credit-hour program for students who already have a related master’s degree. To estimate the cost of tuition, please see the current cost per credit hour for graduate students.

Unless applicants expect to be funded through a reliable external source, they must request consideration for funding on their application. Upon acceptance into the program, students selected for AU funding are granted a fellowship with full funding for four years of study, contingent on maintaining satisfactory progress each year, with opportunities for further funding available.

As a requirement for the fellowship, students work 20 hours a week with a faculty member. If at all possible, our graduate office will assign students to faculty members with expertise in their areas of research interest.

Students must advance to candidacy by the end of their third year of study to continue receiving funding and to maintain their enrollment.

• Justice, Law, & Criminology Department
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90 percent of SPA graduates are employed or in graduate school, or both within six months of graduation

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Doctor of Philosophy in Criminology

The Ph.D. in criminology is designed to prepare students to produce theoretically informed empirical scholarship related to issues of crime and justice policy. After completing graduate courses in criminological theory, criminal justice policy, and empirical methods, Ph.D. students take advanced graduate coursework consistent with their research focus. The program trains students to produce scholarly research that is disseminated to researchers and policymakers through refereed publications.

Advanced coursework typically involves courses in data science, econometrics, law, and sociology. The dissertation is completed under the supervision of faculty in the Department of Criminology. Normally Ph.D. students complete the degree within four academic years. Details on individual faculty research interests can be found here . Details on recent Ph.D. graduates of the program can be found below.

PROGRAM FEATURES

• Students are admitted directly into the Ph.D. program.
• Each student is assigned two faculty mentors and works with the graduate chair to design a hand-tailored curriculum. Typically Ph.D. students take several “core” criminology courses in the first and second year. These include two courses in criminological theory, two courses in criminal justice policy, and two semesters of graduate level statistics or data science.
• The “comprehensive exam” for the program consists of a working paper that may be part of a future dissertation proposal.
• The Ph.D. dissertation typically includes three publishable papers.

DOCTORAL ADMISSIONS

Who is eligible to apply.

We expect a successful applicant to have earned a Bachelor’s degree by the time she/he begins the doctoral program. A strong background in research is highly recommended. Admission is very competitive.

Should I apply to the master’s program or doctoral program in criminology at Penn?

The master’s program is designed for individuals interested in furthering their knowledge of criminology and criminal justice policy in preparation for a range of professional opportunities in government, research, and academia. The doctoral program is designed for individuals with demonstrated excellence in academic research interested in generating scientific research on the causes of crime and the consequences of criminal justice policy.

How should I decide if the Penn doctoral program is a good fit for me?

Visit Penn criminology faculty member web pages to find out what projects faculty are currently working on. Read their published studies. If you are excited by the research questions and/or methods being used, then Penn could be a good choice for you. You should be able to identify one or more faculty research areas that align with your own interests. 

Who makes admissions decisions?

Doctoral admissions decisions are made by the graduate admissions committee, which is composed of criminology faculty members.

How does funding normally work?

Admitted students will be given four years of fellowship funding. This includes tuition and stipend support during term time. Summer stipend support for three years is also included in the fellowship. 

Recent Doctoral Program Alumni

Colleen Berryessa (Rutgers University)

David Mitre Becerril (University of Connecticut)

Mary Cavanaugh (Hunter College, CUNY)

Ruiyun (Frances) Chen (Georgia State University)

Olivia Choy (Nanyang Technological University)

Reagan Daly (CUNY, Institute for State and Local Governance)

Ellen Donnelly (Delaware University)

Charlotte Gill (George Mason University)

Ben Grunwald (Duke University)

Seunghoon Han (Chung-Ang University)

Jordan Hyatt (Drexel University)

Jacob Kaplan (Princeton University)

Alex Knorre (Boston College)

Carla Lewandowski (Rowan University)

Shichun (Asminet) Ling (CSU Los Angeles)

Wendy McClanahan (McClanahan Associates)

Caroline Meyer Angel (University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing)

Ruth Moyer (University of Pennsylvania)

Ben Nordstrom (Behavioral Health Group)

Viet Nguyen (Center for Justice Innovation))

Evelyn Patterson (Georgetown University)

Jill Portnoy Donaghy (RAND Corporation)

Meredith Rossner (Australia National University)

Jane A. Siegel (Rutgers University)

Rebecca Umbach (Google)

Daniel Woods (U.S. Department of Homeland Security)

Yuhao Wu (Peking University)

Best Criminology Schools

Ranked in 2021, part of Best Social Sciences and Humanities Schools

Criminology programs combine

Criminology programs combine principles of sociology, law and psychology to prepare students to deal with criminals, understand the justice system and work to prevent crime. These are the top graduate schools for criminology. Each school's score reflects its average rating on a scale from 1 (marginal) to 5 (outstanding), based on a survey of academics at peer institutions. Read the methodology »

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Sociology and Criminology

Criminology PhD

Criminology phd program.

The University of Iowa's new PhD Program in Criminology offers rigorous training in criminological and sociological theory, a variety of quantitative and qualitative research methods, and two cutting edge substantive areas -  Inequality, Crime & Justice  and  International & Comparative Criminology . Housed in the same department as one of the nation's leading sociology departments, our program offers students a unique opportunity to take courses and conduct research at the intersection of the two disciplines, preparing them for a variety of teaching and research jobs in academia, government, and the non-profit sector.

Inequality, Crime & Justice

International & comparative criminology, affiliated faculty.

Stephanie DiPietro, Ph.D.

Karen Heimer, Ph.D.

Amber Powell, Ph.D.

Meghan Rogers, Ph.D.

Michaela Ruppert, Ph.D.

James Wo, Ph.D.

Marina Zaloznaya, Ph.D.

NOTICE: The University of Iowa Center for Advancement is an operational name for the State University of Iowa Foundation, an independent, Iowa nonprofit corporation organized as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, publicly supported charitable entity working to advance the University of Iowa. Please review its full disclosure statement.

University of South Florida

Department of Criminology

College of Behavioral and Community Sciences

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Phd in criminology.

These web pages contain materials pertaining to admission and completion of the Ph.D. program in Criminology.

The Ph.D. or Doctor of Philosophy is granted in recognition of the highest attainment in a specific field of knowledge. It is a research degree conferred when a student has demonstrated proficiency and distinctive achievement in a specified field. The Doctor of Philosophy degree requires a student to complete a dissertation that provides evidence of the ability to do original and independent research that contributes to a body of knowledge.

• How to Apply  
• Program Requirements  
• Deadlines  
• Graduate Program Flyer  
• Testimonials  

Funding Opportunities

The department has funds to support selected graduate students. A Graduate Assistantship provides a $25,800 annual stipend, tuition waiver and health insurance. Students receiving these assistantships work 20 hours per week. These are awarded on a competitive basis and all applicants are considered. We abide by the resolution of the Council of Graduate Schools that requires that graduate programs give students until April 15th to accept offers.

• Office of Graduate Studies  

Current Students

Information relevant to current Ph.D. students can be found at the links below:

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PhD Criminology & Justice Policy

A research-oriented and practice-oriented doctoral program..

The doctoral program in Criminology and Justice Policy is student-centered with the goal of preparing students for academic careers as well as careers in research and policy development. Students of this full-time, fully-funded Ph.D. program complete the degree in five years on average. Through our curriculum, students learn the process of research from the ground-up. Our courses teach students to construct viable research questions through qualitative and quantitative analysis, write scholarly research articles, and create technical reports appropriate for policy consumption.

Additionally, Ph.D. students are offered several benefits throughout their studies, including:

• Possibilities for generous, full-year funding packages
• Extensive summer research opportunities
• Flex fellowship: one semester off from graduate assistantship responsibilities
• Experiential and dissertation completion fellowships

Doctoral students secure prestigious positions after graduation, including tenure-track professorships at Tier 1 research universities, post-doctoral fellowships, and research-and-policy-relevant agency employment.

Recent career outcomes:

• Florida State University, Assistant Professor
• Massachusetts Appeals Court, Staff Attorney
• New York University, Postdoctoral Fellow
• University of Chicago, Postdoctoral Fellow
• University of Montana, Assistant Professor
• University of Nebraska Omaha, Assistant Professor
• Apply acquired foundational knowledge in the field of criminology and justice policy to answer questions in the realm of criminology and justice policy.
• Identify and describe the role of systemic racism and intersecting dimensions of oppression in the development of policies and practices across the criminal justice system, as well as in crime and justice theory and research.
• Critique the knowledge base in a specific domain within the field of criminology and justice policy to demonstrate advanced mastery of theoretical explanations for crime, its causes and consequences.
• Design and carry out original research using methodological tools acquired to develop new theoretical or empirical insights and expand the knowledge base in the field of criminology and justice policy.

For additional information, contact:

Kevin Drakulich

Phd program director.

617.373.7427 [email protected]

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More programs, bs in criminal justice, bs/jd in law, criminology & criminal justice, ms in criminology & criminal justice, ms/jd law, criminology & criminal justice, phd/jd in law, criminology and justice policy.

Florida State University

FSU | College of Criminology & Criminal Justice

College of Criminology & Criminal Justice

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Doctoral Program

Considered the best doctoral program in the country as evidenced by multiple articles in The Journal of Criminal Justice Education, the FSU College of Criminology offers you the opportunity to be part of an intellectual community and learn from the most productive scholars in the country. The Ph.D. in Criminology and Criminal Justice trains students to conduct original research that generates new insights on issues of scientific and public policy importance. This degree emphasizes comprehensive training in theory, research methods, and statistics delivered by faculty members recently ranked as having the most productive criminology program in the country.

Click on the links below to learn more about our program.

• Ph.D. Admission Requirements
• Current Ph.D. Students
• Student Research
• Doctoral Degree Requirements
• Major Professor and Doctoral Dissertation Committee
• Professional Ethics
• Comprehensive Exam Requirements
• Dissertation and Admission to Candidacy

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Ph.D. in Criminology and Criminal Justice

The program will prepare students for research, teaching and professional employment at universities, research institutes, and criminal justice related agencies, including, governmental agencies, related non-profit agencies, public policy institutes, or the private sector.

The Criminology and Criminal Justice Ph.D. provides an interdisciplinary, research oriented perspective for advanced understanding of the nature and causes of crime, consequences of crime and crime control, society's reaction to these phenomena, as well as the organizations that are designed to deter, apprehend, prosecute, and punish criminal offenders.

Unique Features

The UNLV Criminology and Criminal Justice Ph.D. program capitalizes upon the strengths of our faculty, and unique opportunities that exist as a function of our location in one of the most dynamic regions in the country, to allow us to offer a variety of exciting educational opportunities.

The Ph.D. program provides training in unique areas including: crowd management, surveillance studies, human trafficking, forensic testimony, and comparative criminal justice. These areas allow the department to produce graduates who are nationally and internationally recognized scholars and experts in innovative and entrepreneurial areas of growth. In addition, we offer training in more traditional areas of criminology and criminal justice, including policing, corrections, juvenile delinquency, gender and crime, and white collar/corporate crime.

In addition to traditional course work, students in the program will complete both a research and teaching practicum. These practicums are designed to provide a more well-rounded education for our students than other Ph.D. programs typically offer.

Research Practicum

The Research Practicum is designed to supplement students’ ability to present data in not only a traditional academic format, but for other audiences including professional organizations and media outlets. In addition students will prepare a research brief for publication through the Center for Crime and Justice Policy .

Teaching Practicum

The Teaching Practicum is designed to prepare students to develop professional presentations and teach independent courses and the university level. Students who complete the practicum will be educated in the best practices in teaching, enabling them to be better prepared to ultimately assume academic positions and/or deliver dynamic presentations in professional settings.

Additional Opportunities for Criminology and Criminal Justice Ph.D. students

Students will have the opportunity to work in a variety of research settings including, the Center for Crime and Justice Policy, the Crowd Management Research Council, the Forensic Testimony Laboratory, and Victimization Laboratory.

Admissions Requirements

Students may seek admissions after completing either a Bachelor’s degree in (Post-Bachelor’s Track) or after completing a Master’s degree (Post-Master’s Track) in Criminal Justice or related area.

The application deadline is January 1st.

Post-Bachelor's Track Admissions Requirements

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with at least 18 hours of criminal justice-related courses
• A final minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale - competitive GPAs are expected to be 3.5 or higher
• Submission of Verbal, Quantitative, and Writing Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores - competitive minimum GRE scores are 153 for Quantitative Reasoning, 155 for Verbal Reasoning, and 4.5 for Analytical Writing
• Three letters of recommendation that address the applicant's character, work ethic, and potential to successfully complete a doctoral program - letters from faculty or academic supervisors are preferred
• One academic writing sample
• A personal statement of approximately 500 to 1,000 words describing personal and academic background, research interests, professional goals, a primary faculty member with whom the applicant wishes to work, and any other factors that suggest the applicant will perform well in the program
• A personal interview with program faculty members if selected as a finalist

Post-Master's Track Requirements:

• A master's degree in criminal justice from an accredited institution - exceptions may be made in exceptional cases if the candidate holds a master's degree in a criminal justice-related discipline
• A final minimum cumulative graduate GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale - competitive GPAs are expected to be 3.7 or higher
• A master's thesis and/or at least two original research papers written solely by the applicant - all submissions must be in English

Contact Information

Dr. seong park.

Email: [email protected]

Related Links

• Worksheets, Plans and Learning Objectives
• Graduate Programs Forms
• Approved Electives
• Graduate Courses
• Doctoral Comprehensive Examination – Topic and Advisory Committee
• Doctoral Comprehensive Examination Defense Approval

The doctoral program in Criminology and Justice Policy is student-centered, with the goal of preparing students for academic careers in research and policy development.

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PhD Student Publishes in Violence and Gender

Students of this full-time, fully-funded PhD program complete the degree in five years on average.  Additionally, PhD students are offered several benefits throughout their studies, including:

• Generous, full-year funding packages
• Extensive summer research opportunities
• Flex fellowship: one semester off from graduate assistantship responsibilities
• Experiential and dissertation completion fellowships

In keeping with Northeastern’s long-standing, practice-oriented approach to education, the PhD in Criminology and Justice Policy links students to city, regional, and national agencies.  Students gain valuable experience working with practitioners through faculty who collaborate with policy-makers via grant work.  Students are encouraged to put skills obtained through the PhD into practice.

Our doctoral program is strongly committed to producing the next generation of research-productive scholars.  Coursework, qualifying examinations, and dissertation structure are geared toward providing students with the theoretical, methodological, quantitative, qualitative, and practical skills needed to obtain top-tier academic positions in the discipline.  Students also work with faculty to individualize their courses of student within existing frameworks to fulfill career aspirations.

Learn more about the doctoral program in Criminology and Justice Policy from the College of Social Sciences and Humanities.

• The Center on Crime, Race, and Justice (CRJ), comprised of the Corrections and Reentry Lab (CRL), the Crime Prevention Lab (CPL), the Race and Justice Lab (RJL), and the Violence and Justice Research Lab (VJRL), offers the students the opportunity to participate in action-oriented research.
• Students complete a foundations exam, area exam, and publishable paper before defending the dissertation proposal and embarking on the dissertation.
• Students enroll in both a teaching practicum and a writing and publishing practicum.
• Produce research-productive scholars in criminology and criminal justice.
• Emphasize action-oriented work by linking students to local, regional, and national agencies.
• Instill criminological and organizational theoretical knowledge via rigorous coursework.
• Provide the methodological, qualitative, and quantitative tools needed for an array of research, teaching and policy careers.
• Prepare students to teach undergraduate courses independently via a teaching practicum.
• Discuss the rigors of academic publishing and guide students through the process of formulating a research question and submitting a publishable paper through a writing a publishing practicum.

Our graduates pursue four primary career paths:

1. Tenure-track assistant professor positions at research universities

2. Tenure-track assistant professor positions at teaching institutions

3. Post-doctoral research fellowships

4. Research and policy professions locally, regionally, and nationally (e.g. the Pew Charitable Trusts, RAND Corporation, Boston Police Department, California Department of Rehabilitation and Correction

Application Materials

Application.

• Application fee – US $100
• Personal statement
• Unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended
• English proficiency for international applicants
• Three letters of recommendation
• Scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) – Optional
• Writing sample

Online admissions deadline for Fall term: December 1

• Program Website

Request Information for PhD in Criminology and Justice Policy

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2023-2024 graduate & professional catalog.

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Admission Requirements

Applicants are considered on an individual basis. Complete transcripts of all undergraduate and any graduate work must be submitted. In addition to the Graduate College minimum requirements, applicants must also meet the following program requirements:

• Baccalaureate Field Students may enter either with an MA or a BA. If applicants received their Criminology, Law, and Justice MA from UIC, then they must have received a "high pass" (3.50) on their MA comprehensive exam.
• Grade Point Average : At least 3.00/4.00 for the final 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) of undergraduate study, with a GPA of at least 3.25 in all graduate courses taken.
• Tests Required GRE not required.
• TOEFL 80, with subscores of Reading 19, Listening 17, Speaking 20, and Writing 21 (iBT Test); 60, with subscores of Reading 19, Listening 17, Writing 21 (revised Paper-Delivered Test), OR,
• IELTS 6.5, with subscores of 6.0 for all four subscores, OR ,
• PTE-Academic 54, with subscores of Reading 51, Listening 47, Speaking 53, and Writing 56.
• Letters of Recommendation Three letters of recommendation addressing the applicant’s academic accomplishments and potential. 
• Personal Statement Required; 2-3 page statement of academic and professional goals, and research plans or interests. See  https://clj.uic.edu/academics/graduate-studies/graduate-admissions/guidelines-for-statement-of-purpose/
• Other Requirements A writing sample (an MA thesis or other major research paper). Applicants should submit a resume or curriculum vitae (CV).

Degree Requirements

Students who have received a master’s degree or its equivalent prior to being admitted to the doctoral program may receive up to 32 semester hours of credit toward the 96-hour requirement. Credit for other graduate work in a related field, whether taken at UIC or another institution, may be given on an individual basis. Students may earn up to 20 hours of credit for dissertation research in CLJ 599 . Students admitted with a BA degree must complete both the MA and PhD requirements which include the MA comprehensive examination. Students with an MA from another institution must satisfy UIC Criminology, Law, and Justice MA requirements. The graduate director will evaluate students’ prior preparation and determine remedial work if necessary.

In addition to the minimum requirements of the Graduate College, students must meet the following program requirements:

• Minimum Semester Hours Required 96 beyond the baccalaureate.
• Course Work

Note: For CLJ 570 , upon departmental approval, an equivalent methods course may be taken either outside the department or as an independent study course in the department, dependent on the student’s dissertation research.

• Electives, Areas of Concentration: Upon successful completion of the core curriculum, students are required to complete 40 additional hours, no more than 12 of which may be taken outside the department. This includes two CLJ Signature Seminars. Signature Seminars are courses within the areas of concentration that offer further inquiry into central questions in the discipline. Three areas of concentration are offered, each of which typically requires students to complete five additional courses in an area:
• Law and Society, which examines the socio-legal nature of social norms and rules, their development, use and variation across cultures, societies, and over time.
• Criminology, which critically examines theories of deviance, criminalization and punishment from intersectional, psychological, sociological, and political perspectives.
• Organizations and Administration, which explores organizations and agencies whose principal function is the application of law, and theories explaining practices of decision making and how organizations are created, maintain and develop resources, and relate to internal and external environments.
• Departmental Qualifying Examination : None.
• Preliminary Examination : Required; written (preliminary exams) and oral (proposal defense).
• Dissertation Required.

Interdepartmental Concentrations

Students earning a graduate degree in this department may complement their courses by enrolling in select concentrations after consulting with their graduate advisor. Interdepartmental concentrations available for this degree include:

• Black Studies
• Gender and Women's Studies
• Survey Research Methodology
• Violence Studies

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Ph.D. Program Application

Admission to Graduate Study

For admission to graduate study at the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice, the applicant must first be admitted to the Graduate School.

The Ph.D. application requirements include:  

•   Unofficial transcripts from previous institutions (both undergraduate and graduate)
•   Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test score
•   Three letters of recommendation from professors, if possible, or employers who are acquainted with the applicant's qualifications
•   Statement of Goals and Purpose
•   One Writing Sample that reflects your scholarly potential (e.g., an undergraduate term paper or similar academic scholarship) 
•   CV/Resume 
•   TOEFL/IELTS/Pearsons Score [ international students only ]
•   A mandatory application fee ($75)

As part of the application, students are invited to apply for a  College of Behavioral and Social Science (BSOS) Diversity Fellowship. To determine your eligibility and learn more, please see the  instructions . 

We will be accepting Fall 2025 applications in late August 2024.    If you need additional information or assistance with the application process, contact us at  criminologydept [at] umd.edu .

If you would like to be added to our prospective student mailing list,  please fill out this form .

Admission Deadline

General instructions for completing the UMD Graduate Application are available in the  Graduate School’s Step-By-Step Guide to Applying . 

Admission Decision Process

If the application is favorably recommended by the Department, this decision is sent to the Graduate School. The Graduate School, in turn, notifies the applicant of admission and asks for acknowledgment of acceptance. If the applicant is not favorably recommended for graduate study by the Department, then the Graduate School notifies the applicant of the decision. Typically, admission decisions are issued in late February/early March of the following year.

Minimum Admission Requirements

The Graduate School requires, as a minimum standard, a "B" average or a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale in a program of study resulting in the award of a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university. In addition, the student's undergraduate program should include completion of the prerequisites for graduate study in the chosen field. In individual programs, where resources are available, a few applicants who do not meet this minimum standard for undergraduate work may be provisionally admitted if there is compelling evidence on the basis of other criteria of a reasonable likelihood of success in the program the person desires to enter. If an applicant has studied at the graduate level elsewhere, less weight may be, but is not necessarily, placed on the quality of the undergraduate academic record.

In addition to the general Graduate School requirement, the Department's special admission requirements include the Graduate Record Examination General Test and nine hours of coursework related to criminal justice or criminology. Applicants are encouraged to have completed at least one college-level course in social science theory, statistics, and research methods. There are no minimum GRE scores required to apply to the program, but admission is competitive.

An M.A. degree is not required for admission in the Ph.D. program.  Those students who have not already achieved an M.A. degree in Criminology/Criminal Justice with a thesis will be required to complete master-level courses and write a thesis prior to taking PhD-level courses.  

Provisional Admission

Under certain conditions, applicants who are missing some of the prerequisite courses but who are otherwise fully qualified for admission may be given provisional admission. Students receiving such admission are notified of the conditions of their admission, the period of time they have to meet the conditions, and the need to receive a grade of "B" or better in any courses taken to meet the conditions.

Financial Aid & Funding

The Department's policy is to make financial aid decisions separate from admission decisions. That is, a decision to admit a student to the program is not affected by whether or not the student requests financial aid.

A doctoral program offer of admission will include a financial aid package. The financial aid most regularly available in the Department is in the form of a full-time (20 hour/week)  Graduate Assistantship with either a teaching or research focus. In addition, supplemental scholarships might also be available. 

A small number of College and University-level Fellowships are awarded to select new applicants. Currently, our program has students who hold  BSOS Diversity Fellowships as well as  Flagship Fellowships . 

International Student Admission

International applicants will need to include scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) if English is not the native language. Proper immigration documents and evidence of financial resources are also required. The GRE requirement is not waived for foreign students. To learn more about applying as an international student, please review the Graduate School's International Student Application Instructions . 

Delay of Admission

A written offer of admission by the Dean of Graduate Studies is made to an applicant who meets all admission requirements. The offer specifies the date of the entrance, which will normally coincide with the date requested in the application. The offer of admission must be accepted or declined by the date specified in the offer. If the Graduate School is not notified by the date specified, the offer of admission lapses and space is assigned to another applicant. An individual whose offer of admission has lapsed must submit a new application and fee if he or she wants to be reconsidered for admission at a later date.

The offer of admission is also a permit to register for courses and must be presented by the student at the time of first registration. The informal letter of admission sent to the applicant by the Department is not official and, thus, not a permit to register.

Any student who cannot register in the authorized semester must immediately submit a written request to have the date of admission extended. This request must be sent to the Department's Director of Graduate Studies and the Department Coordinator at criminologydept [at] umd.edu . 

After a student is recommended for admission, the student is advised by the Director of Graduate Studies until such time as the student selects an advisor. Ph.D. and M.A. students are expected to select an advisor from among the Department's Graduate Faculty prior to the end of their first semester. Request for approval of the advisor is available in the Department's Graduate Office. Students are free to change their advisor. They are responsible, however, for the completion of the new advisor form, which must be signed by the new advisor and Chairperson. The advisor is usually the chairperson of the student's thesis committee, but there is no requirement that this is the case. Graduate students may select any qualified member of the Graduate Faculty to act as their thesis advisor. A list of the Department's Graduate Faculty (Associate and Regular) is available in the Department's Graduate Office and on this website.

Program Planning

The student must  seek an appointment with the graduate advisor prior to registration  for the first semester's course work. The advisor will assist in planning the degree program. Students should bear in mind that neither the advisor, the Department, nor the Graduate School is under obligation to accept any courses to be applied to the student's official program as approved by the Graduate School, which are not a part of the program developed with the advisor's assistance. The policies governing degree programs are subject to modification from time to time. The policies in force at the time of enrollment are binding upon the student, and subsequently, established program requirements may not be imposed retroactively. However, with the prior approval of the advisor, students may elect to conform to all current program requirements.

Contact criminologydept [at] umd.edu for more information.

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Criminology and Criminal Justice Ph.D.

• Major:  Criminology and Criminal Justice
• Degree:  Doctor of Philosophy
• School/College:  Arts and Sciences

Program Website

See the program curriculum and learn about admission. 

Ready to apply? Take note of any deadlines and documents required for this degree program.

Fall Application Deadline for Department Funding: December 1* Fall Application Deadline:  April 15

*Students interested in receiving department funding (such as an assistantship) should submit their application by December 1 for full consideration for funding.

Required Documents

• Official Transcripts
• Official GRE Score 
• 3 Letters of Recommendation
• Sole-authored Writing Sample
• Statement of research goals and objectives

Applications Accepted for These Semesters...

• Fall Semester 

Challenge the conventional. Create the exceptional. No Limits.

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Criminology, PhD

Impact the Future of Criminology with a Highly Respected PhD

Please note that we’re not accepting applications for a 2024–25 cohort. Check back for potential future enrollment terms, or visit our program list to see what other options are available.

You can impact the future of criminal justice with a PhD in Criminology from IUP. You’ll gain the essential knowledge and skills to become a researcher and leader in your profession, as well as the means to influence the next generation of students as a university professor.

Why Pursue a Criminology PhD from IUP?

IUP's PhD in Criminology and Criminal Justice is the sixth-oldest doctoral program in the country and has awarded more than 150 PhDs. Alumni are either successfully teaching at other universities and colleges or applying their expertise at respected research institutes and agencies at the state and federal levels.

At IUP, you can take advantage of:

• A broad curriculum focused on integrating theory, research, and policy.
• An extensive professional network of alumni and research partners. Tap into the experience and connections provided by our network of more than 150,000 alumni worldwide.
• Dedicated faculty members. Our professors will do more than teach. They’ll serve as mentors, working alongside you on research projects and engaging you in one-on-one learning experiences.
• Opportunities to gain teaching experience before you graduate.
• The possibility for part-time completion.

Teaching is the primary focus of our PhD in Criminology program, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to practice your classroom skills as a teaching assistant.

Working with quantitative and qualitative research strategies, you may also have opportunities to serve as a research assistant or full-fledged researcher for government or private entities. Upon completing your degree, you could continue to work on special topics through post-doctoral research grants and jobs.

What You’ll Learn

Unlike other programs that focus narrowly on training researchers, IUP’s doctoral program gives you instruction in all aspects of scholarship, especially the link between research, scholarship, and teaching.

As a PhD in Criminology student, you'll:

• Apply criminology and criminal justice theories and ethical and philosophical issues to your teaching and research
• Become highly knowledgeable in criminal justice policy
• Develop essential skills to help you balance the demands of teaching, research, and service commitments you'll encounter throughout your career
• Master qualitative and quantitative strategies and methods in developing your skills as a researcher
• Take full advantage of the possibility of teaching associate positions to sharpen your teaching skills in a university setting

Imagine Your Future

Earning a PhD shows the world you’re not afraid of hard work, that you have the discipline and a personal commitment to shaping your profession. With a PhD in Criminology from IUP, your future will be one in which you influence students and future leaders, research some of today’s most gripping issues, and drive reform from within the highest levels of criminal justice administration.

As a doctoral-prepared educator, you have a very bright future. In addition to the more than 400 open faculty positions in higher education throughout the United States, there is a similarly high demand for researchers and policymakers.

Postsecondary (University-level) Instructors:

2021 Median Pay:

Number of Jobs in 2021:

Employment Change, 2021-31:

Classes and Requirements

The main purpose of the PhD in Criminology is to prepare you for a career in academics. At IUP, you’ll receive a balanced and integrated approach to the study of justice systems, theory, research, and educational issues.

The main requirements for this doctoral program are:

• Completing 42 credits of coursework (some students can transfer in coursework from their MA programs)
• Meeting skill and specialization requirements
• Passing qualifying exams
• Finishing your dissertation

Full Academic Catalog Listing

The course catalog is the official reference for all our degree and course offerings. Check it out for a full listing of the classes available and requirements for this degree.

How IUP Supports Your Academic Success

As a doctoral student, you’ll also get plenty of support throughout this challenging academic journey. We’re committed to helping with your success at every stage throughout your progression toward dissertation publication, graduation, and beyond.

Research Opportunities

Because IUP is classified as a public doctoral/high research activity institution, you’ll have opportunities to present your research at conferences, symposiums, and exhibits.

You’ll be relieved to know that support is available at every stage of your doctoral program, including:

• A range of resources that are free for IUP graduate students
• Editing assistance from the Kathleen Jones White Writing Center
• Help in data modeling and quantitative analysis through IUP’s applied research lab.

Dig Deeper with Help from the Center for Criminology Research

The mission of the Center for Research in Criminology (CRC) is to:

• Act as a resource center
• Attract scholars for residency programs
• Conduct, promote, and sponsor scholarly research
• Establish relationships with other institutions/agencies
• Provide technical assistance
• Seek external funding
• Serve as a clearinghouse for proposals and information

The CRC works with, and is supported by, the IUP Department of Criminology and the School of Graduate Studies and Research to nurture postgraduate research and maintain a supportive research environment for faculty members. The CRC also facilitates research contacts among faculty, state and local criminal justice officials, and funding agencies .

Write for the Criminal Justice Policy Review

The Criminal Justice Policy Review (CJPR), edited by IUP professor Jennifer Gossett, is a multidisciplinary, peer-reviewed journal committed to the study of criminal justice policy through quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methodological approaches.

CJPR serves as a bridge between academics, policymakers, and practitioners by publishing sound research that addresses critical issues in crime and justice and examines the implementation and effectiveness of criminal justice policies, programs, and practices. This journal appeals to criminologists, sociologists, political scientists, and other scholars and professionals with an interest in policy and research.

CJPR is published quarterly and accepts articles, essays, research notes, and book reviews. Manuscripts appropriate for submission include:

• Full-length articles that present the findings of original empirical research
• In addition to its regular issues, CJPR also provides a forum for scheduled special issues on notable topics in crime and justice
• Research notes, allowing authors to present early and preliminary results
• Review essays that thoroughly review and critique the “state of current research” on a particular topic and discuss the associated policy implications, or those that address an emerging issue in the field and outline a proposed research agenda
• Reviews of books on relevant topics in criminal justice

To have your material considered for publication, please submit manuscripts via Manuscript Central .

Get Help Funding Your Doctoral Journey

Graduate assistantships.

Graduate assistantships at IUP are selective and awarded to highly qualified master’s and doctoral students. In addition to earning a stipend, you may receive a full or partial tuition waiver.

One such graduate assistantship includes the opportunity to serve as managing editor of our academic journal, Criminal Justice Policy Review. You’ll get real-world experience while furthering your understanding of the publication process, which is essential in academia.

You can also become a research assistant in the Criminology Research Center, where you’ll gain practical research experience. Internal funding for graduate student research includes:

• Graduate Student Research Grant
• Graduate Student Funding to Present Papers
• Graduate Student Professional Development
• Graduate Student Outstanding Research Award

Become a Teaching Associate

After completing the necessary coursework and qualifying exams, you’ll have the opportunity to apply to become a teaching associate at IUP. Our program includes a supportive mentoring process to better prepare you for the classroom and a career in higher education, which is a natural next step for most doctoral students.  

A Leader in Research: IUP Research Institute

The Indiana University of Pennsylvania Research Institute is affiliated with IUP but is a separate, private, nonprofit corporation. Its mission is to advance the research agenda and educational objectives of IUP and partner institutions within the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education and to promote greater collaboration across the entire state system.

The Institute’s vision is to enhance the culture of research at IUP and partner institutions while being recognized as a leader in research administration.

CGSO: Your Program, Your People

Finding special-interest groups that nurture you throughout your education is essential for your academic success—and a great way to begin networking for your future.

At IUP, the Criminology Graduate Student Organization (CGSO) is committed to serving graduate students like you and supporting your success. The CGSO sponsors two “Brown Bag” luncheons featuring criminology faculty members discussing various topics each semester. Past luncheons have covered:

• Academic job searches
• Doing research with faculty
• Professional development in academia
• Web-based surveys

Involvement in the local community is vital to CGSO. Its “Bowling for Kids” event raises money for Big Hearts/Little Hands of Indiana County.

• Bearcat Web

MS, Criminology & Criminal Justice

Program highlights.

Professionals in criminology and criminal justice are in demand, need to be retained as leaders, and are needed to help identify and resolve crises.  This degree program has an application-oriented curriculum that showcases best-practices and policy-oriented research to enable leaders to be successful in guiding their agencies and organizations – in law enforcement, government, or non-profit organizations.

Learn from Lander’s Outstanding Faculty

All courses are designed specifically for this degree and are taught by individuals with experience and expertise in academics and leadership. 

• Over 20 years’ experience in corrections systems in Texas and South Carolina providing mental health services, curriculum planning, and supervision
• Licensed Social Worker; M.S.W., University of Houston and graduate work in human services and criminology
• Grant reviewer for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
• Academic publications and presentations in the field of criminology and criminal justice
• Faculty member at Lander for over 10 years
• Ph.D. in Criminology and Criminal Justice, University of South Carolina
• Worked for the Alabama Emergency Management Agency in both response and recovery
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Level 1 – Professional Continuity Practitioner certification
• Ph.D. in Public Administration and Public Policy, Auburn University
• Academic publications and presentations in the fields of emergency management, political science, and public policy

Program Objectives:

• Effective communication skills to (1) demonstrate skills as leaders in both crisis and non-crisis situations; (2) communicate research-based and policy-oriented findings to their colleagues in a professional manner
• Enhanced application skills to (1) demonstrate understanding and application of contemporary criminological theory to policy design and implementation; (2) demonstrate understanding and application of leadership principles in both crisis and non-crisis situations; (3) demonstrate application skills in identifying responses by survivors and first responders in crisis situations and in applying knowledge about mental health resources for assistance to these populations
• Enhanced research capacity to demonstrate how to collect and/or interpret data, utilize academic and policy-oriented research; conduct analysis; and communicate findings in a professional paper.

Did you know?

• Lander’s program includes a core class in Mental Health and First Responders given that so many first responders are likely to experience critical incidents that could pose mental health challenges and/or work with persons with mental health issues.
• Persons who quality for veterans benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs should consult Lander’s  Office of Military and Veteran Services  for more information.
• For an up-to-date list of graduate tuition and fees, visit the university's  Student Accounts .

Admission Requirements

Admissions requirements for the M.S. in Criminology and Criminal Justice degree include:

• B.A. or B.S. degree from an accredited institution, with a minimum GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.
• Official transcripts of all coursework must be submitted.

Course credit toward this degree If an applicant has extensive in-service experience or previous graduate education in a related field, up to 9 credit hours of transfer academic credit may be awarded on a case-by-case basis.

All courses in Lander's M.S. in Criminology and Criminal Justice are specifically designed for this degree, and all are taught online by faculty with expertise and experience in academics, leadership, and criminal justice. All instructors are full-time faculty at Lander and bring a variety of credentials and experience to the classroom.  Development of the program's curriculum was a joint effort with prospective law enforcement, government, and security-related organizations and given greater preparation to serve in leadership roles within law enforcement, government, and non-profits.  Courses relate to the needs of law enforcement professionals and first responders—such as mental health knowledge and awareness—as well as to how best to serve the public’s needs and organizational needs with courses on communication and leadership.  Courses give students the knowledge and analytical capacity about legal and social problems that plague South Carolina such as addiction, domestic violence, and human trafficking.

• Designed to fit your schedule, with a reasonable expectation of completion in two years or less.
• Up to 9 credit hours of graduate course work may be transferable from another institution on a case-by-case basis.
• Every applicant will be assisted with the application process.
• Practical research projects for your employer or an approved organization, embedded in most courses, create a portfolio of work that demonstrates your proficiency to understand best-practices and the application of policy in the field.

The curriculum consists of 6 core courses and 4 elective courses for a total of 30 credit hours. 

Note: The information below provides convenient links to some of the courses required for this degree; however, it should not be used as a course registration guide. Please refer to the official Lander University Academic Catalog for the most accurate and up-to-date program requirements.

*Required Capstone Course

• Courses are planned so that students can finish in 6 terms (two years), taking 2 courses per term (including summer)
• Except for the introductory course and capstone, there is no required sequencing of courses
• All courses were designed specifically for this degree

Direct any questions to Dr. Lucas McMillan, Dean of the College of Behavioral & Social Sciences at  [email protected]  or (864) 388-8275.

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Jack N. Averitt College of Graduate Studies

Master of Science in Criminal Justice and Criminology

About the program.

The Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology provides a comprehensive examination of justice, crime, and the law. Faculty teach and research a variety of topics reflecting their diverse social science backgrounds.

Our majors work toward a Master of Science in Criminal Justice And Criminology degree, which fosters a broad understanding of the nature of justice, crime and the law, in addition to the social, political, legal, philosophic and historical context in which questions of justice are addressed, both in the United States and around the world. Students are expected to develop not only knowledge but a commitment to public service, ethical consciousness, and leadership abilities. Through the course work in Criminal Justice and Criminology, students are equipped to become proficient writers, critical and independent thinkers, and effective communicators. Graduates of the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology are prepared for graduate school, law school, and professions within the criminal justice system.

The Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology recognizes that the issues of crime and justice are complex, controversial topics that are open to several different interpretations. As such, we are committed to an open intellectual environment that encourages teaching, scholarship, and discussion from a diversity of theoretical perspectives and research methodologies.

The curriculum of the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology reflects these values by offering a broad foundation of courses drawing on criminal justice, criminology, political science, sociology, public administration, and the law. The curriculum integrates these approaches to provide an understanding of the challenges of achieving justice in a complex society.

Ready to Apply?

Request information, criminal justice executive track, certificate in cybercrime, visit campus, or, you can :, admissions requirements.

• A Bachelor’s degree from an appropriately accredited, four-year institution in criminal justice/criminology or related field (that adequately prepares students for success in this field. This application requirement will be waived for applicants who successfully complete the Post-Baccalaureate Cyber Certificate.)
• A 3.0 cumulative grade point average or higher on completed requirements for a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution. (This application requirement will be waived for applicants who successfully complete the Post-Baccalaureate Cyber Certificate.)
• A Statement of Purpose detailing: a) academic background and/or professional credentials, b) relevant research and work experience, c) career goals and reasons for enrollment in this program.
• Two letters of recommendation addressing the applicant’s: 1) academic work; 2) professional experience, if any; 3) ability to handle master’s level curriculum, and 4) how the applicant can be expected to contribute to the program. (This application requirement will be waived for applicants who successfully complete the Post-Baccalaureate Cyber Certificate.)

*International transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES accredited evaluation service  and must be a course by course evaluation and include a GPA. ( naces.org )

Additional Admission Requirements - Executive Track

• A letter of recommendation from their current criminal justice employer/supervisor (in liu of two letters of recommendation). 
• Be a current POST-certified law enforcement officer in the state of Georgia.

Provisional Admission

Students whose GPA is under 2.75 may be granted provisional admission by the graduate faculty committee based on careful review of additional materials submitted. 

Reclassification

A student may be reclassified with regular admission providing that they have completed three program or related courses (9 hours), approved by their advisor, with a grade of no less than B for each class. Additional courses may be required to be completed prior to a student's reclassification that do not contribute to these nine hours (such as taking an undergraduate statistics course to prepare for graduate statistics). No more than nine hours may be earned under the provisional admission classification. After nine hours, the student must either be reclassified as a regular admission student or be removed from the program. 

Executive Track - August 31*

November 15 *

Executive Track - November 15*

Executive Track - Does Not Admit

NOTE: Due to current course offerings and visa requirements, international applicants can only be admitted in the Fall and Spring terms at this time.

*The application and all ​​required documents listed on the "admissions requirements" tab​ for the program must be received by the deadline.  If all required documents are not received by the deadline your application will not be considered for admission.

Program Contact Information

Program coordinators.

Adam Bossler, Ph.D. Co-Graduate Program Director Online Options Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology

Laurie Gould, Ph.D. Co-Graduate Program Director Face-to-Face Options Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology

Last updated: 3/28/2024

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Georgia Southern University College of Graduate Studies

Office of Graduate Admissions • P.O. Box 8113 Statesboro, GA 30460 • 912-478-5384 • [email protected]

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