Online Criminal Justice Doctoral Programs

Homeland Security & National Defense

Interested in earning a PhD in Homeland Security Online? This unique specialty focuses on understanding how intelligence, the military, technology, and leadership come together to address crucial national security concerns. Some online homeland security doctoral programs may look toward research roles—that is, using scholarly expertise to study and understand why these homeland security issues arise, measure the effectiveness of countermeasures, and examine the impact on communities across the country. Other programs may look more at leadership roles within homeland security, leading defense programs and making strategic decisions. Studying homeland security at the doctoral level may also share some course topics with related programs, such as public administration, crisis management, military history, and international relations.

Law Enforcement, Policing & Investigation

Online law enforcement doctoral programs go by a few different names, depending on how they approach the topic of maintaining order. For example, you could find some called Strategic Security, and others called Policing and Investigation. In general, this topic focuses on investigating crimes, keeping the public safe, and and how to manage teams in those contexts. Programs may also discuss how to lead a security firm to protect people and areas. Or they could look at applying investigation skills in areas like counterterrorism, intelligence operations, and more.

Legal Studies

Online legal studies doctoral programs may come in several forms but are all concerned with the theories and institutions that form the backbone of the legal system. Generally, courses vary based on the objective. For example, some programs focus on developing one’s credentials to practice law in the courtroom. These might focus on prosecutorial or defense roles; however, some programs may apply to judicial ones as well, or legal analysis. Other programs, meanwhile, may concentrate on analyzing the legal system and its impact on people and communities from a scholarly standpoint. That could, for example, entail an examination of how the law is enforced in urban communities versus suburban or rural ones, or the rate of conviction of certain crimes in different populations. Online legal studies doctoral programs may also be found to help you work toward lecturing about law in a college setting as a professor. Or you might focus on developing expertise on a certain type of law. While many of these types of legal studies doctoral programs online may focus on criminal law, some may look closely at constitutional issues, corporate law, or even international law. Due to the wide variety of programs, it is important to read descriptions carefully. Contact schools directly with questions.

Types of Doctorate in Criminal Justice Degrees

Online criminal justice doctoral programs may confer any of several different degree types. Each one of these types of doctorates could tell you something about how that program’s curriculum is put together and the types of skills they may emphasize. Additionally, the options available could depends heavily on the concentration you choose to study.

Below are listed some of the more commonly awarded degree types in criminal justice.

• Online PhD in Criminal Justice: This option is probably the one you’ll see most often. PhD programs include a pretty wide range of program types, so this degree, while probably the most familiar, also might tell you the least about the nature of your studies. However, in many cases, criminal justice PhD programs are more academic or scholarly in nature, rather than being practice-oriented. This may mean your program entails more research, though this isn't always the case.
• Online Criminal Justice PsyD (Doctor of Psychology): Frequently, you’ll find a Doctor of Psychology degree in a program like criminal or forensic psychology. A PsyD degree is typically awarded by a school of psychology, and is relatively practice-oriented. PsyD programs may aim not only to develop expertise about the psychology of crime in general, but also therapeutic skills that might be used to practice as a psychologist. That said, while less common, some research-focused PsyD programs may also be offered.
• Online JD in Criminal Justice: Also called a Juris Doctor or Doctor of Jurisprudence, generally a JD degree indicates that you studied in a school of law. As such, in most cases, these degrees are designed to help students work toward a career practicing law in the courtroom. One unique aspect of JD programs, compared to the similar SJD degrees, is that JDs typically don’t ask students to complete a dissertation.
• Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD): This terminal degree, usually offered by law schools, focuses on scholarly research into criminal justice and related legal issues. Some universities may actually consider this a postdoctoral degree. Like the PhD, a SJD program generally requires a dissertation at the culmination of the program.

As you search for your potential online doctorate in criminal justice programs, keep in mind that, while the above list might be a useful guide, it may not be comprehensive. Over the course of your search, you may encounter programs that vary from these descriptions, or even degree types not listed here. If that’s the case, reach out to that school for more information.

Why Consider Online Doctorate in Criminal Justice Programs?

Studying in an online doctorate in criminal justice program may be an attractive option for those who need to balance their education with outside responsibilities. Coursework is typically delivered through a digital learning platform, with assignments, lectures and other resources available 24/7. Some programs are self-paced. That would mean you’d have additional freedom to decide how much coursework you can handle at any given time, and the ability to work at different times to accommodate your schedule. 

For those seeking a more traditional classroom experience, synchronous programs could be offered. This type of online criminal justice doctoral program may enable you to participate in real time, attending a streaming or interactive lecture from the comfort of your home - or wherever you have internet access.

Studying online also removes geographic barriers. Not only does that mean you could apply to programs across the country. It also means you could study alongside criminal justice students and professionals from all walks of life and different types of communities. That kind of learning experience—getting to hear about these issues and how they impact real communities and people outside of your area, could enhance your educational experience.

Potential Criminal Justice Careers

Studying criminal justice may support a wide range of potential career paths, including criminal law enforcement, criminal investigations, rehabilitation, and more! Because many entry level employment could be found with prior degrees like bachelors or masters, many doctoral candidates have already begun their criminal justice careers by the time they enroll. (One notable exception to this rule is practicing law.) An online doctorate in criminal justice program could help these professionals enhance their career and pursue leadership or research positions.

Below are listed several example criminal justice career paths, with additional salary information.

• Detectives and Criminal Investigators: $79,120 (2016 Median Annual Salary)ⁱ
• Lawyers: $118,160 (2016 Median Annual Salary)ⁱⁱ
• Judges and Hearing Officers: $109,940 (2016 Median Annual Salary)ⁱⁱⁱ
• Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Postsecondary Teachers: $59,590 (2016 Median Annual Salary)^iv

Search for Online Doctorate in Criminal Justice Programs

Start looking for online doctorate in criminal justice programs today with GradSchools.com! Use the menu to select your preferred area of study, if applicable. Then read more about what to expect in those programs. When you’re ready, start reading about the sponsored program listings. You can find some of them right here! To get in touch with a school, click on the program name to find out how.