Best Online Doctorate in Criminal Justice Programs 2024

Bennett Leckrone
By
Updated on May 28, 2024
Edited by
Learn how a doctorate in criminal justice can lead to greater opportunities in this multidisciplinary field.

If you want to delve into criminal justice research, advance to a leadership role, or head into an education job, a doctoral degree in criminal justice can prepare you for high-level roles.

Both a doctorate and Ph.D. in criminal justice are terminal degrees, meaning they’re the highest level of degree that can be attained. With a heavy focus on research and analysis, these degrees can help you stand out from the competition in the job market or take on research-heavy roles.

Read on to learn more about how doctorate degrees can help advance your career in criminal justice.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

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2024 Best Online Doctorate in Criminal Justice Programs

Best Online Doctorate in Criminal Justice Programs 2024

Keiser University

  • Location-markerFort Lauderdale, FL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$20,800
  • Out-of-state$20,800
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$29,632
  • Out-of-state$29,632
  • Retention Rate68%
  • Acceptance Rate97%
  • Students Enrolled19,019
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment50%
  • AccreditationYes
Best Online Doctorate in Criminal Justice Programs 2024

National University

  • Location-markerSan Diego, CA
  • 4 year
  • Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$13,320
  • Out-of-state$13,320
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$15,480
  • Out-of-state$15,480
  • Retention Rate64%
  • Acceptance Rate55%
  • Students Enrolled18,631
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment80%
  • AccreditationYes
Best Online Doctorate in Criminal Justice Programs 2024

Nova Southeastern University

  • Location-markerFort Lauderdale, FL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$33,510
  • Out-of-state$33,510
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$21,153
  • Out-of-state$21,153
  • Retention Rate78%
  • Acceptance Rate76%
  • Students Enrolled20,939
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment52%
  • AccreditationYes
Best Online Doctorate in Criminal Justice Programs 2024

PennWest Global Online

  • Location-markerCalifornia, PA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$7,716
  • Out-of-state$11,574
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$9,288
  • Out-of-state$13,932
  • Retention Rate67%
  • Acceptance Rate97%
  • Students Enrolled6,509
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment80%
  • AccreditationYes
Best Online Doctorate in Criminal Justice Programs 2024

Walden University

  • Location-markerMinneapolis, MN
  • 4 year
  • Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$10,064
  • Out-of-state$10,064
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$9,651
  • Out-of-state$9,651
  • Retention Rate25%
  • Acceptance Rate0%
  • Students Enrolled46,455
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment0%
  • AccreditationYes

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What’s the Difference Between a Ph.D. and a DCJ?

There are several key differences between a Ph.D. in criminal justice and a DCJ:

DCJ stands for Doctor of Criminal Justice and is a relatively new professional doctorate degree. The first DCJ program in the United States launched in 2017 at Pennsylvania Western University, California. A DCJ is a professional doctorate, meaning it has more of a focus on applying criminal justice theory in the workplace.

A Ph.D. in criminal justice tends to be more focused on research and theory and will typically put a spotlight on conducting original research as opposed to applying theory to the workplace.

What Can You Do With an Online Doctorate in Criminal Justice?

An online doctoral degree in criminal justice can help you move into specialized roles within the workforce or head into a more research-focused or educational role.

A doctor of criminal justice features applied learning in areas like criminal justice leadership to prepare you for leadership roles in the field, such as a departmental director or a specialized analyst. A Ph.D. in criminal justice can also help you advance within the workforce, but with more of a focus on theory and research, and will open up doors in policy and educational fields.

Criminal justice is a vast, multidisciplinary field with applications well beyond the traditional law enforcement route. When paired with work experience, a doctoral degree in criminal justice can lead you to a number of varied, high-paying opportunities across industries.

Popular Careers With an Online Doctorate in Criminal Justice
CareerMedian Salary (2023)Job Outlook (2022-2023)
Forensic Scientists$64,94013%
Educational Coordinators$74,6202%
Emergency Management Directors$83,9603%
Professors$84,8308%
Cybersecurity Analysts$120,36032%
Policy Analysts$132,3507%
Source: BLS

What to Expect From an Online Doctorate in Criminal Justice Program

The time it takes you to finish a doctoral degree in criminal justice varies widely depending on the program.

Some schools offer DCJ programs that, based on credit transfers and the workload you take on, can be completed in as little as two years. Most doctoral programs will take you longer if you are working full time while pursuing your doctorate on a part-time basis. A typical Ph.D. usually takes longer than four years to complete.

Transferable coursework from prior study can be applied to some programs, but how much of your previous credits will count toward your degree depends on the college or university.

Your classwork will vary based on whether you pursue a DCJ or Ph.D. A DCJ will feature classes with technical learning around criminal justice policies and leadership, but a Ph.D. will have a more research-oriented curriculum.

Some criminal justice doctoral programs allow elective coursework and concentrations in areas like justice administration. Some also offer dual degree programs, allowing you to work toward a Ph.D. in criminal justice and a juris doctor (JD) degree simultaneously.

Criminal Justice Certifications and Licenses

There are a number of certifications and licenses you can pursue in addition to a doctoral degree. A certification or license can verify your skills in an area, boosting your resume and certifying your skills.

Certified Emergency Manager

The Certified Emergency Manager designation is offered by the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM). The designation is nationally recognized and a major career-enhancing credential, according to the IAEM. IAEM also offers an Associate Emergency Manager designation.

Certified Homeland and Protection Professional

Offered by the Global Society of Homeland Security Professionals, the Certified Homeland and Protection Professional designation provides an objective means of distinguishing highly competent homeland protection professionals from their less experienced peers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Justice Doctoral Programs

The time it takes to earn a doctoral degree in criminal justice depends on the program type and school you attend. At some schools, transferable coursework and a high course load can help you finish a professional doctorate in three years or less. A Ph.D. program, however, will typically take at least four years to complete.

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