PhD Justice, Law & Criminology

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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]

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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
  • Curriculum & Requirements
  • Program Handbook

90 percent of SPA graduates are employed or in graduate school, or both within six months of graduation

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Criminology (PhD)

Program info, unlock your future with a leading-edge phd in criminology at troy.

Do you want to inspire the next generation of criminologists? Are you interested in conducting groundbreaking research and shaping public policy that makes a meaningful contribution to the criminal justice field? At Troy University, our PhD in Criminology will help you better understand the complexities of crime and justice in society. Whether you want to pursue research, policy or teach, our online PhD in Criminology will prepare you to address complex issues within our criminal justice system.

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Learn from Top-Notch Faculty Who Are Experts and Mentors

Take your learning into the field with troy's phd in criminology, criminology phd curriculum.

  • Seminar in Theory and Practice of Crime Prevention
  • Seminar in Sentencing and Punishment
  • Advanced Seminar in Criminology
  • Justice in Policy and Crime

PhD in Criminology Locations

Are you looking for online PhD programs in criminology ? Get the flexibility you need at TROY, where you can take classes completely online and on your schedule. For more information about program availability and delivery options, call 1-800-414-5756 .

Drive Change as You Tackle a PhD in Criminology Research Project

At TROY, you'll gain valuable expertise as you work alongside a faculty member on an advanced criminology research thesis.

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What Can You Do with a PhD in Criminal Justice or Criminology?

TROY's PhD in Criminology will open doors to many criminology career opportunities, including in roles such as:

  • Criminal justice administrator
  • Criminology professor
  • Forensic research specialist
  • Law enforcement consultant
  • Policy advisor
  • Public policy analyst
  • Research director

Faculty Profiles

Dr. Halil Akbas

Dr. Halil Akbas

Dr. Andrew Tatch

Dr. Andrew Tatch

Dr. Soheil Sabriseilabi

Dr. Soheil Sabriseilabi

Dr. Jolene Vincent

Dr. Jolene Vincent

Dr. Amanda Heitkamp

Dr. Amanda Heitkamp

Dr. Gary P. Daniel

Dr. Gary P. Daniel

Faq about the phd in criminology program.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers in criminology, which fall under the category of sociologists, are projected to grow by 7% through 2033. This rate is faster than the average for all occupations, reflecting a steady demand for expertise in sociological research, including areas related to crime and criminal behavior.

To apply for the criminology PhD programs , you must hold a master's degree in criminal justice, criminology or sociology from a regionally accredited university. Additionally, you need a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.6 in all of your graduate coursework. The application process also includes submitting a writing sample, a statement of intent, and providing three letters of recommendation.

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