Doctor of Criminal Justice
100% online learning
Complete your Doctor of Criminal Justice online
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Allowing you to earn your degree anywhere
No residency
We have no residency requirements, no GRE/GMAT
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Online Doctor of Criminal Justice
Degree:
Doctor of Criminal Justice
Application:
$0 application fee. No essays/exams.
Enhanced Leadership Skills for Criminal Justice Professionals
The criminal justice system is a complex network that combines the efforts of law enforcement, the courts, and corrections. Criminal justice professionals work together with the larger goal of protecting and serving the public interest by creating a safer society. Those seeking graduate-level education within this field must be prepared to leverage their knowledge and experience to impact change from the top down. This is a tremendous responsibility that requires strong leadership skills and an ongoing dedication to education.
Enhance Your Impact Through Higher Education
National University’s Doctor of Criminal Justice (DCJ) program can help criminal justice professionals gain the advanced knowledge they need to become leaders in their field. This program was designed to help students gain management and leadership skills while developing a pragmatic approach to solving the problems facing the industry today. Upon graduation, students will have a deep understanding of criminal justice theory, as well as research and analysis skills to evaluate criminal justice issues and provide practical solutions.
This program offers specializations in Homeland Security, Policing, and Organizational Leadership and Public Administration. It is ideally suited for those that hold a master’s degree and are currently working in the criminal justice field. Students will enhance their understanding of critical topics in criminal justice and gain the additional skills they need to contribute in leadership roles. This includes the ability to research, budget, organize, and manage operations within criminal justice and community organizations.
Online Doctorate in Criminal Justice Course Listings
This program can be completed with a minimum of 54 credit hours, but may require additional credit hours, depending on the time required to complete the dissertation research. If needed, additional courses will be added to the student degree program in alignment with the SAP and Academic Maximum Time to Completion policies. Students who do not complete their program in accordance with these policies may be dismissed.
Program at a Glance
- Total Credit Hours: 54 Credit Hours
- Courses: 18 Courses
- Recommended Completion Time: 36 Months
- Next Start Date:Every Monday
- Classroom Size: One
PRogram Requirements
9 Courses
Management Issues in Justice Agencies
3.0 Credit Hours
This course examines current management issues within the criminal justice field. You will explore concepts and skills needed to address issues and problems confronting the criminal justice system. Issues such as the societal and cultural changes affecting criminal justice agencies will be examined. In addition, you will gain in-depth exposure to the application of theoretical and administrative principles.
Theory in Justice Administration
3.0 Credit Hours
In this course, students will analyze the internal organizational structure, roles and functions in criminal justice agencies. Students will examine the theoretical and research issues related to nature and causes of crime. Students will apply administrative and managerial concepts, and theories to demonstrate competencies in this area. Students will also learn to formulate policies for coordination and control procedures. Students will integrate theory and practice to evaluate best methods to improve overall performance of the agency.
Ethics and Criminal Justice
3.0 Credit Hours
This course provides a comprehensive review of ethics and moral behavior in criminal justice. The theoretical foundations of ethics will be introduced and applied to criminal justice practice. You will evaluate the ethical challenges faced by criminal justice professionals and the policies and practices in place to prevent unethical behavior. The ethical obligations in crime scene investigation, evidence handling, and testimony in court will also be addressed in this course.
Public Budgeting and Finance
3.0 Credit Hours
In this course you will explore budget formulation, implementation, and execution within the context of public organizations and nonprofit or non-governmental entities. By the end of this course, you will be able to explain the craft of public budgeting, assess the tools used in the budgeting process, and depict the budget process for various levels of government. Finally, you will learn to evaluate capital public budgeting and asset management within the context of the public sector.
Public Personnel Administration
3.0 Credit Hours
People who choose to work for the public good are often motivated by different incentives than employees in private organizations. There are specific challenges you will learn to navigate throughout this course including the assessment of external environmental changes related to politics and policy that influence public personnel administration. Additionally, you will learn to evaluate the legal and policy framework associated with public personnel management and to critique the practices and trends unique to public sector personnel administration. Finally, you will learn the various management strategies that enhance human capital in the public sector.
Strategic Planning and Implementation in Criminal Justice
3.0 Credit Hours
Strategic planning is necessary for effectively planning both current and future organizational goals of a criminal justice organization. This course will allow you to examine the tools and skills needed in the strategic planning process while understanding the importance of the planning process. This course will also strengthen your ability to analyze, develop, and implement strategic plans to achieve criminal justice goals for an organization as well as to assess and manage improvements for an organization in a specific geographical location. Several criminal justice agencies will be examined within the course to provide you with the widest perspective possible before you begin developing your own strategic planning documents.
Specialization Course 1
Specialization Course 2
Specialization Course 3
Scholarly Literature Review
3.0 Credit Hours
In this course, you will engage in the process of scholarly literature reviews and academic writing. With an emphasis on how to (a) conduct effective literature searches, specifically in preparation for the dissertation, (b) develop a plan for writing comprehensive, critical, and synthesized reviews of research literature, and (c) critically review and write about underlying theory/conceptual frameworks, you will develop a foundation for future research. The overarching goal of this course is for you to conduct an exhaustive search of the peer-reviewed research literature in your topic area and identify potential areas of inquiry for your dissertation.
Statistics I
3.0 Credit Hours
In this course, you will cultivate a statistical mindset through learning and nurturing skills needed to perform and interpret univariate inferential statistics. The course will facilitate building your statistical confidence in assessing and performing statistics. The course will cover univariate parametric and non-parametric statistical tests, interpretation of statistical output, and introduce skills needed to select statistical tests based on quantitative research questions.
Quantitative Research Design and Methodology
3.0 Credit Hours
During this course, as a scholar-practitioner, you will build the skills essential for designing quantitative studies; analyzing the data collected in these studies and interpreting the results of data analyses. You will explore designs and statistical techniques to use with their envisioned dissertation research.
Qualitative Research Design and Methodology
3.0 Credit Hours
During this course, you will examine qualitative methods for studying human behavior including grounded theory, narrative analysis, ethnography, mixed methods, and case studies. You will explore designs and methodologies to use with your envisioned research.
Pre-Candidacy Prospectus
3.0 Credit Hours
The Pre-Candidacy Prospectus is intended to ensure you have mastered knowledge of your discipline prior to candidacy status and demonstrated the ability to design empirical research as an investigator before moving on to the dissertation research coursework. You will demonstrate the ability to synthesize empirical, peer-reviewed research to support all assignments in this course. The Pre-Candidacy Prospectus is completed only after all foundation, specialization, and research courses have been completed.
Components of the Dissertation
3.0 Credit Hours
Students in this course will be required to complete Chapter 1 of their dissertation proposal including a review of literature with substantiating evidence of the problem, the research purpose and questions, the intended methodological design and approach, and the significance of the study. A completed, committee approved (against the minimum rubric standards) Chapter 1 is required to pass this course successfully. Students who do not receive approval of Chapter 1 to minimum standards will be able to take up to three supplementary 8-week courses to finalize and gain approval of Chapter 1.
The Dissertation Proposal
3.0 Credit Hours
Students in this course will be required to work on completing Chapters 1-3 of their dissertation proposal and receive committee approval for the Dissertation Proposal (DP) in order to pass the class. Chapter 2 consists of the literature review. Chapter 3 covers the research methodology method and design and to includes population, sample, measurement instruments, data collection and analysis, limitations, and ethical considerations. In this course, a completed, committee-approved Chapters 2 and 3 are required and, by the end of the course, a final approved dissertation proposal (against the minimum rubric standards). Students who do not receive approval of the dissertation proposal will be able to take up to three supplementary 8-week courses to finalize and gain approval of these requirements.
Institutional Review Board (IRB) and Data Collection
3.0 Credit Hours
Students in this course will be required to prepare, submit, and obtain approval of their IRB application, collect data, and submit a final study closure form to the IRB. Students still in data collection at the end of the 12-week course will be able to take up to three supplementary 8-week courses to complete data collection and file an IRB study closure form.
The Dissertation Manuscript and Defense
3.0 Credit Hours
In this dissertation course students work on completing Chapters 4 and 5 and the final Dissertation Manuscript. Specifically, students will complete their data analysis, prepare their study results, and present their findings in an Oral Defense and a completed manuscript. A completed, Committee approved (against the minimum rubric standards) Dissertation Manuscript and successful Oral Defense are required to complete the course and graduate. Students who do not receive approval for either or both their Dissertation Manuscript or defense can take up to three supplementary 8-week courses to finalize and gain approval of either or both items as needed.
Specializations
Doctor of Criminal Justice in Homeland Security
Keeping our nation safe requires the ongoing work of dedicated professionals who understand the complex problems we face. The Homeland Security specialization helps prepare the next generation of leaders within areas such as public administration, law enforcement, public safety, emergency medical care, and disaster preparedness. As a student, you will explore emerging theories and concepts in terrorism and intelligence as well as innovative approaches to resolving them. Additionally, you will gain the valuable leadership skills you need to take on executive leadership roles within an organization. This specialization is ideally suited for those already working in law enforcement who want to enhance their knowledge and expand their career possibilities.
Doctor of Criminal Justice in Organizational Leadership
The Doctor of Criminal Justice (DCJ) with a specialization in Organizational Leadership serves to enhance the understanding and practice of organizational leadership using an interdisciplinary approach between business and education theory and research. You will explore theoretical research as it relates to strategic planning in all phases of organizational leadership, including building organizational capacity and sustainability.
This specialization has broad appeal among practicing professionals with backgrounds in business administration, human resources, nonprofit administration, or related fields, whose professional goals may be organizational consulting or a general leadership position in corporate, government, not-for-profit, educational, or community organizations.
Doctor of Criminal Justice in Policing
Policing diverse and growing populations is an increasingly complex situation. To work in this field, one must have the right combination of skills, knowledge, and experience. The Policing specialization offers students the opportunity to explore topics such as effective police tactics and techniques, public policy issues, and leadership theories. As a student, you will examine current police issues within today’s multicultural and digital environment along with possible solutions for the issues we face. This specialization is ideally suited for those already working in law enforcement who want to enhance their knowledge and expand their career possibilities.
Doctor of Criminal Justice in Public Administration
As governments and organizations struggle to do more with fewer resources, individuals with expertise in public administration will be in high demand. The 100% online Doctor of Criminal Justice in Public Administration specialization offers unparalleled flexibility as you work one-to-one with your doctoral professor to develop your skills in gathering, analyzing, and applying data to business decisions. You will explore human resources management, accounting, urban politics, and policy analysis, with an emphasis on contemporary program evaluation, complex public organization, and environmental compliance, along with strategies needed to meet the challenges in government management at the local, state, and federal levels. Graduates are prepared for management roles in the nonprofit and government sectors in areas such as budgeting, program evaluation, research analysis, and economic development.
Career Outlook
Here are some careers this degree could prepare you for:
- Top Jobs in this field
- Median Salary (USA)
- JOB Openings (USA)
- Social and Community Service Managers
- $75,724 avg. salary (USA)
- 20,955 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Social Work
- Human Services
- Psychology
- Marketing
- Case Management
- Project Management
- Mental Health
Top companies hiring for this role
- YMCA
- Oak Street Health
- Sodexo
- Homesafe Alliance
- American Red Cross
- Sunrise Senior Living
- HCA Healthcare
- Emergency Management Directors
- $83,970 avg. salary (USA)
- 1,264 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Emergency Management
- Emergency Response
- Emergency Preparedness
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
- Incident Command Systems
- Project Management
- National Incident Management Systems
Top companies hiring for this role
- FEMA
- CDM Smith
- Clean Harbors
- HCA Healthcare
- Hagerty Consulting
- Elevance Health
- Deloitte
- Information Security Analysts
- $120,088 avg. salary (USA)
- 20,359 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Cyber Security
- Auditing
- Vulnerability
- Incident Response
- Computer Science
- Information Systems
- Risk Analysis
Top companies hiring for this role
- Deloitte
- Leidos
- General Dynamics
- Lockheed Martin
- Marriott International
- Mindpoint Group
- Booz Allen Hamilton
- Social and Human Service Assistants
- $41,467 avg. salary (USA)
- 56,581 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Social Work
- Case Management
- Human Services
- Mental Health
- Crisis Intervention
- Life Skills Development
- Psychology
Top companies hiring for this role
- State of Nebraska
- The Salvation Army
- YMCA
- World YWCA
- Aramark
- Asset Living
- Catholic Charities USA
- Detectives and Criminal Investigators
- $91,104 avg. salary (USA)
- 10,169 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Law Enforcement
- Auditing
- Data Analysis
- Accounting
- Finance
- Legal Hearings
- Social Work
Top companies hiring for this role
- United States Department of the Treasury
- Allied Universal
- United States Secret Service
- Allied Universal Compliance And Investigations
- Tiktok
- TD Bank
- CVS Health
- Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
- $72,260 avg. salary (USA)
- 63,862 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Law Enforcement
- Crime Prevention
- Patrolling
- Traffic Control
- Law Enforcement Practices
- Legal Hearings
- Emergency Response
Top companies hiring for this role
- United States Department of Homeland Security
- United States Department of Veterans Affairs
- Allied Universal
- Signal 88
- Securitas
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Leoforce
- Private Detectives and Investigators
- $51,396 avg. salary (USA)
- 4,510 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Law Enforcement
- Auditing
- Punctuation and Capitalization
- Loss Prevention
- Legal Hearings
- Internal Controls
- Data Analysis
Top companies hiring for this role
- Allied Universal
- CACI International
- Milton Hershey School
- Digistream Investigations
- Elevance Health
- Peraton
- Veracity Research Company
Doctor of Criminal Justice Program Outcomes
At National University, you can complete your Doctor of Criminal Justice program completely online, when it’s convenient for you. We have no residency requirements, no GRE/GMAT requirements, and no group projects. This allows you to earn your degree from anywhere in the world and complete coursework in a way that is convenient for you. We also offer a unique one-to-one learning model that provides you the guidance, attention, and support you need to thrive.
Doctor of Criminal Justice Learning Outcomes
Learn the key skills to help you excel in your field of study.
- Develop policies and budgets to support effective administration of criminal justice agencies
- Evaluate risks and opportunities in criminal justice agencies based on legal, professional, and ethical expectations
- Integrate management and leadership theories into criminal justice practice
- Generate independent research to address issues in criminal justice and inform professional practice
NU’s Public Safety Promise
National University, a Veteran-founded nonprofit, is proud to support public safety professionals who protect and serve our communities every day. To show appreciation, we commit to providing affordable, accessible education to all public safety professionals to advance their careers and help them reach educational goals through our Public Safety Promise Scholarship*.
To learn more about NU’s Public Safety Promise contact an enrollment advisor to discuss degree programs and scholarship options or visit https://www.nu.edu/our-university/the-university/partnerships/publicsafety/ .
*Program exclusions exist. Please consult an NU enrollment advisor for details. tuition discount.
Dissertation of the Year/Poster of the Year Process
Learn more about our Dissertation of the Year (DOY) and Poster of the Year (POY) processes, where doctoral students eligible for graduation submit a poster for the poster session held during graduation. This allows doctoral students to display their research among other researchers.
Admissions
Transfer Students Welcome
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To that end, we’ve simplified and streamlined our application process, so you can get enrolled in your program right away. Because we accept and review applications year round, you can begin class as soon as next month, depending on your program and location of choice.
Learn more about undergraduate, graduate, military, and international student admissions, plus admissions information for transfer students. You can also learn more about our tuition rates and financial aid opportunities.
To speak with our admissions team, call (855) 355-6288 or request information and an advisor will contact you shortly. If you’re ready to apply, simply start your application today.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
National University is dedicated to making higher education affordable, as well as accessible. Through NU scholarship offerings, eligible students are able to reduce the financial burden of college, start classes sooner, and finish their programs faster while focusing on achieving their goals.
Accreditations
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredits public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the U.S.
Why National University?
We’re proud to be a Veteran-founded, San Diego-based nonprofit. Since 1971, our mission has been to provide accessible, achievable higher education to adult learners.
Today, we educate students from across the U.S. and around the globe, with over 240,000 alumni worldwide.
“National University has impacted my career. You can immediately apply what you learn in class to your business.”
Francisco R.,
Class of 2016
What makes a degree
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Individual student and alumni career guidance, professional development opportunities, and customized career support.
Transfer Students Welcome
NU makes it easy to get your degree, even if you started it with another university. Learn more about transferring to NU.
Accelerate Your Career With NU
At National University, you’re part of a family. As a student, you’ll have the support of staff, faculty members, students, and alumni who will be there with you every step of the way, cheering you on as you pursue your goals.
Our network of 240,000 alumni is a large global community that provides our graduates with the professional connections to get a leg up in your new career.
FAQs
Career Potential*
- Regulatory Affairs Managers
- Compliance Managers
- Security Managers
- Loss Prevention Managers
- Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Post-secondary
- First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives
- Police Detectives
- Criminal Investigators and Special Agents
- Immigration and Customs Inspectors
- Intelligence Analysts
- Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs
- Private Detectives and Investigators
*Positions may require additional experience, training, and other factors beyond successfully completing this degree program. Many roles may also require state licensure, and it is the responsibility of the student to ensure that all licensure requirements are met.
Additional Resources
Program Disclosure
Successful completion and attainment of National University degrees do not lead to automatic or immediate licensure, employment, or certification in any state/country. The University cannot guarantee that any professional organization or business will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any certification, licensure, or related exam for the purpose of professional certification.
Program availability varies by state. Many disciplines, professions, and jobs require disclosure of an individual’s criminal history, and a variety of states require background checks to apply to, or be eligible for, certain certificates, registrations, and licenses. Existence of a criminal history may also subject an individual to denial of an initial application for a certificate, registration, or license and/or result in the revocation or suspension of an existing certificate, registration, or license. Requirements can vary by state, occupation, and/or licensing authority.
NU graduates will be subject to additional requirements on a program, certification/licensure, employment, and state-by-state basis that can include one or more of the following items: internships, practicum experience, additional coursework, exams, tests, drug testing, earning an additional degree, and/or other training/education requirements.
All prospective students are advised to review employment, certification, and/or licensure requirements in their state, and to contact the certification/licensing body of the state and/or country where they intend to obtain certification/licensure to verify that these courses/programs qualify in that state/country, prior to enrolling. Prospective students are also advised to regularly review the state’s/country’s policies and procedures relating to certification/licensure, as those policies are subject to change.
National University degrees do not guarantee employment or salary of any kind. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to review desired job positions to review degrees, education, and/or training required to apply for desired positions. Prospective students should monitor these positions as requirements, salary, and other relevant factors can change over time.
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