Ph.D. in Criminal Justice
Overview
The School of Criminology, Criminal Justice and Public Administration at Tarleton State University offers coursework and research leading to a Doctor of Philosophy in criminal justice. The program prepares students to face the growing complexities of the criminal justice system and to join the ranks of educated criminal justice professionals with advanced analytical, critical thinking and leadership skills.
Classes are offered face to face in a cohort format and feature vigorous interaction with criminal justice professionals. The Ph.D. program culminates in an applied dissertation project with practical implications to the practice of criminal justice.
The curriculum is designed with working professionals in mind. Classes meet Saturdays at Tarleton in Fort Worth.
Accreditations
The Ph.D. program has been approved by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Application Process
- Submit application packet
- Personal statement
- GRE scores (optional)
- 3 letters of recommendation
- Resume
- Thesis/Writing sample
- Interview with Ph.D. admissions committee
Requirements
Estimated Completion
57 Credit Hours (4 years)
Cost
Locations Available
College
School
- Master’s in criminal justice, criminology or related discipline
- Students with a master’s degree in a discipline other than criminology or criminal justice may be required to take leveling courses. The Ph.D. admissions committee will review the applicant’s graduate transcripts to make this determination. Taking leveling courses may require applicants to start the doctoral program with a later cohort.
- GPA of 3.3 or higher on all completed master’s coursework
Learn more about graduate studies at Tarleton!
Program Objectives
Graduates of the program are expected to demonstrate:
- Leadership: Apply principles of leadership to shape, change and improve the governance and management of public policy in the field of criminal justice.
- Research: Demonstrate methodological and statistical skills to support evidence-based data-driven decision-making within criminal justice.
- Content Knowledge: Critically apply theories, methodologies and knowledge to address fundamental questions of the criminal justice discipline and inform public policy decision-making in the field.
- Communication: Demonstrate skills in oral and written communication sufficient to publish and present work in the criminal justice field and to prepare grant proposals.
- Ethics: Analyze the ethical implications of criminal justice decision-making and practices within the context of a diverse society.
- Teaching: Demonstrate mastery of skills and knowledge at a level required for college and university undergraduate and graduate teaching in criminal justice and in the assessment of student learning.
Coursework Outline
| Class | Number | Class Name |
|---|---|---|
| CRIJ | 6380 | Proseminar in Criminology and Criminal Justice |
| CRIJ | 6303 | Advanced Criminological Theory |
| CRIJ | 6330 | Criminal Justice in a Diverse Society |
| CRIJ | 6342 | Crime and Public Policy |
| CRIJ | 6360 | Evaluation Research |
| CRIJ | 6364 | Crime Mapping, Analysis, and Predictive Modeling |
| CRIJ | 6365 | Ethics of Predictive Policing and Data Driven Decisions |
| CRIJ | 6320 | State and Federal Administrative Law |
Program Features
Student Funding Opportunities
Various student funding opportunities are available, including:
- Research assistantships
- Teaching assistantships
- Fellowships
- Scholarships.
Students can contact the Ph.D. Coordinator for more information on these funding opportunities.
Cohort Program
The Ph.D. in criminal justice is delivered in a weekend cohort format, enabling students to work and learn toward their degree in a group setting. Students in cohorts learn to become interactive, develop team-based skills and gain networking opportunities. For more information about degree requirements for the Ph.D. cohort program, check out the degree plan.