PhD Program in Criminology

Explore a PhD Program in Criminology

What is the purpose of pursuing a PhD program in Criminology? As well as the chance to enhance your criminology career and earning potential, the PhD program in Criminology offers you the opportunity to grasp a higher academic challenge while conducting research at an advanced level. PhD students in this area are an integral part of the academic life in the University, which aims to deliver high-quality supervision through a team of experienced and highly-regarded group who are themselves actively researching and publishing.

In order to be involved in a program such as a PhD program in Criminology, you may need to be extremely motivated to carry out original research, possibly building upon the work you did when you established your Masters dissertation. You may be asked, as part of the PhD program in Criminology, to produce a written thesis of up to 80,000 words. Universities vary in their requirements, but some, for example, may demand 48 hours of course work at the post Masters level. If you attend the program full-time, it can take anywhere from two to four years to complete. Attending on a part-time basis, the PhD program in Criminology can take from three to six years to finish.

As part of the PhD program in Criminology, every student is usually assigned one or two supervisors to meet with on a regular basis. The supervisors may help design a structured approach to studies and may help plan, define goals, and set deadlines for any necessary research training and the eventual submission of your work. Progress may be monitored by a Department Thesis Committee as well.

To apply for the PhD program in Criminology, you should have successfully completed, or be about to complete, a Masters course in a similar subject area, with an average grade of over 60% in the course. Consideration is usually given to candidates with a good first degree and/or substantial professional experience. Once graduated from the PhD program in Criminology program, scholars may then be prepared to conduct research, teach college and university courses in their area of specialization, and provide service to the discipline. It all depends upon in which direction one would like to go.

The concentration of the PhD program in Criminology is on applied research, and some universities offer a strong urban focus to prepare one to be not only a scholar, but also to be an applied researcher, or senior agency administrator. It includes both course work and practical experience, so a person in the PhD program in Criminology program can study criminology theory and be able to apply it on-site in a variety of settings.

Featured Criminal Justice School

The Brown Mackie College system of schools offers bachelor’s and associate’s degrees, and diploma and certificates in Criminal Justice.* The Criminal Justice programs at the Brown Mackie College schools provide a solid foundation for those who seek employment in criminal justice systems, including the field of corrections and the court systems.

The programs focus on the development of real-world knowledge of the criminal justice system and explore the social, legal and technological challenges of the field. Graduates will be prepared to pursue entry-level positions or to apply their understanding of criminology, the judicial process, corrections and criminal law to their current job.

* Not all credential levels are offered at each location. Program availability varies by location.

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