DOCTORAL DEGREES
Doctor of Criminal Justice
Accredited by
- Flexible for working professionals
- Career-focused specializations
- Scholarships available
Format
100% Online
Completion Time
This program is designed to be completed within 41 months. However, students who pursue this program at an accelerated rate may be able to complete the program in as few as 33 months.
33 Months
Credits
54
Average Cost Per Credit
$1,096
Program Overview
Why Get a Doctor of Criminal Justice?
Today’s criminal justice agencies need leaders who can navigate complex systems, guide teams, and make decisions at the executive level. National University’s Doctor of Criminal Justice (DCJ) is designed for professionals ready to meet that demand. With four specializations, the industry-aligned program builds the expertise to plan, organize, and lead large-scale operations that protect public safety and safeguard communities.
*Program availability may vary by state. Please contact the enrollment office for more information.
Support for the Whole You
Flexible Online Program
Rigorous, online doctoral study designed for public safety professionals, with no standardized test scores and no required onsite visits.
4 Specializations
Choose from Homeland Security, Organizational Leadership, Policing, or Public Administration to align with your career goals.
Faculty Mentorship
Support through every stage of the program from dedicated faculty with real-world criminal justice experience.
Public Safety Promise Scholarship
Public safety professionals and their dependents qualify for a tuition reduction through NU’s Public Safety Promise Scholarship.
Admission and Degree Requirements
Program Structure
1
Initial core coursework establishing the theoretical, ethical, and methodological grounding of your discipline.
2
Focused study within your chosen area of concentration and interest.
3
Mentored methods and design training that builds independent scholarly research capacity.
4
The gateway milestone involving an initial proposal establishing the foundational components of independent doctoral research.
5
Structured coursework designed to sequentially develop doctoral research with consistent faculty committee support.
*Program structure and progression may vary.*
Courses and Specializations
Build expertise in the core concepts, theories, and practices of your field.
Required Courses
10 COURSES
Management Issues in Justice Agencies
3.0 Doctoral 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 Doctoral 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 Doctoral 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 Doctoral 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.
Scholarly Literature Review
3.0 Doctoral 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 Doctoral 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 Doctoral 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 Doctoral 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.
Public Personnel Administration
3.0 Doctoral 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 Doctoral 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.
Requirements for Doctoral Programs
5 COURSES
Pre-Candidacy Prospectus
3.0 Doctoral 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 Doctoral Credit Hours
In this course, students will complete Chapters 1 and 2 of their Dissertation Proposal. Chapter 1 includes a brief review of the literature with substantiating evidence of the problem, the research purpose and questions, the intended methodological design and approach, and the significance of the study, while Chapter 2 consists of the literature review, including the theoretical/conceptual framework. Completed and committee-approved (against the minimum rubric standards) Chapter 1 and Chapter 2 are required to pass this course successfully.
Completing the Dissertation Proposal
3.0 Doctoral Credit Hours
In this course, students will complete Chapter 3 and their Dissertation Proposal (DP). Chapter 3 includes the research methodology and design, population, sample, measurement instruments, data collection and analysis, limitations, and ethical considerations. Students will then assemble their Dissertation Proposal including all appendices necessary. A completed, committee-approved Chapter 3 and a final approved Dissertation Proposal (against the minimum rubric standards) are required by the end of the course.
Data Collection and Analysis
3.0 Doctoral Credit Hours
In this course, students will prepare, submit, and obtain approval of their IRB application. After obtaining IRB approval, students will collect data and submit a data collection verification form when data collection is complete. Students will begin synthesizing collected data and analyzing results. IRB study approval and a completed data collection verification form are required by the end of the course.
The Dissertation Manuscript and Defense
3.0 Doctoral Credit Hours
In this course, students will complete Chapters 4 and 5, followed by their Dissertation Manuscript. Chapter 4 includes presenting study results aligned to the research design and research questions and/or hypotheses. Chapter 5 includes study implications, recommendations, and conclusions. Students will then compile and present findings in the completed Dissertation Manuscript and in an Oral Defense. A completed, committee-approved Chapter 5, Dissertation Manuscript, and successful Oral Defense (against the minimum rubric standards) are required to complete the course and graduate.
Specializations
Homeland Security
Keeping our nation safe requires the ongoing work of dedicated professionals who understand the complex problems we face.
Organizational Leadership
Serves to enhance the understanding and practice of organizational leadership using an interdisciplinary approach between business and education theory and research.
Policing
Offers students the opportunity to explore topics such as effective police tactics and techniques, public policy issues, and leadership theories.
Public Administration
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.
Trusted and
Accredited
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredits public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the U.S.
Career Impact
At NU, we believe education should open doors to new opportunities. Explore career paths, salary insights, and workforce demand related to this degree, and discover how your education can support your professional goals.
*Data Source: The career outcomes data presented is sourced from Lightcast, which provides insights based on real-time job postings, public datasets, and analytics. Lightcast derives its data from sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW), and the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES). While accurate and reliable, this data reflects general labor market trends and may not represent individual outcomes or specific local conditions. For more details on Lightcast’s methodology, visit their Data Overview.
Professional Pathways
*Data Source: The career outcomes data presented is sourced from Lightcast, which provides insights based on real-time job postings, public datasets, and analytics. Lightcast derives its data from sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW), and the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES). While accurate and reliable, this data reflects general labor market trends and may not represent individual outcomes or specific local conditions. For more details on Lightcast’s methodology, visit their Data Overview.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Your degree is possible at NU. From scholarships and financial aid to prior learning and transfer credit, we help remove financial barriers to your degree.
Get Financial Aid Through
the FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) determines eligibility for financial aid, including grants, loans, and work-study programs. It’s the first step in applying for financial aid at NU.
- Apply once each year to be considered for federal
financial aid - Required for most grants and loans at National University
Scholarships
NU is dedicated to making higher education affordable and accessible, offering scholarships and grants that help eligible students reduce college costs, ease financial stress, and reach their goals.
- Military scholarships for servicemembers, Veterans, spouses, and dependents
- Need-based and merit-based scholarships for undergraduates, graduates, and alumni
More Funding Options
Don’t let financial worries stop you from getting the education you want. NU’s financial aid advisors can help you navigate available resources, including student loans, grants, tuition payment plans, and employer tuition assistance.
- Federal and private student loans for flexible financing
- Tuition payment plans and employer assistance options
Make the Most of Your
Prior Learning
Eligible transfer credit and credit for prior learning may apply toward your doctoral program. Speak with an advisor to learn more about your options.
Contact the admission team at (855) 355-6288
ABD Students Welcome
Finish your Dissertation With Us
NU’s Dissertation Boot Camp is a multi-day, immersive experience focused on helping you make real progress.
- Dedicated DCP advisors and faculty who understand your journey and desire to finish your doctorate
- DCP Bridge courses, virtual sessions, and Dissertation Boot Camps to assist students from day one
Upcoming Dissertation Boot Camps
Upcoming Dissertation Boot Camps
Take the Next Step
Learn more about our career-focused programs and flexible options for working professionals.
Why Choose NU for Your Doctorate?
National University is redefining doctoral education for career-driven learners.
No GRE Required
Rigorous doctoral study delivered fully online, with no standardized test scores required.
For Working Professionals
Flexible online doctoral programs designed to fit demanding schedules while maintaining academic rigor.
Dedicated Support
NU offers free tutoring, career coaching, wellness services, and more to support your success and well-being.
Career-Focused
Industry-aligned coursework and hands-on learning supported by an alumni network of 255,000+ worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
NU’s Doctor of Criminal Justice is a 100%-online scholar-practitioner doctorate for experienced criminal justice professionals who want to lead at the executive level. The program prepares graduates to manage large-scale public safety operations, conduct original research, and drive policy across policing, homeland security, public administration, and organizational leadership contexts. No GRE or residency is required.
National University’s Public Safety Promise Scholarship provides a 15% tuition reduction on doctoral programs for public safety professionals, their spouses, and their dependents. This includes law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, corrections officers, and related public safety roles. Contact an enrollment advisor to confirm eligibility and apply the scholarship to your DCJ enrollment. Learn More.
Yes. Students can choose from four specializations:
- Homeland Security: Prepares leaders in terrorism, intelligence, and emergency preparedness.
- Organizational Leadership: Focuses on strategic planning and building organizational capacity.
- Policing: Examines contemporary law enforcement policy, tactics, and multicultural leadership.
- Public Administration: Covers budgeting, program evaluation, and government management at the local, state, and federal levels.
After completing core coursework, a specialization, and research methods courses, students complete a pre-candidacy prospectus and move through four dissertation courses covering the proposal, data collection and analysis, manuscript development, and final oral defense. The dissertation represents original research contributing to criminal justice knowledge and professional practice. View Video
The degree can prepare graduates for senior leadership and research roles across public safety, government, and policy sectors. Common pathways include executive law enforcement leadership, public administration, policy analysis, regulatory and compliance management, and postsecondary teaching in criminal justice. Demand for executive-level leaders continues to grow as agencies seek professionals equipped to manage complex operations and drive policy.
Hear from Our Graduates
Working professionals who have turned their degree into leadership impact.
Earning my doctorate in Criminal Justice has allowed me to merge my military, law enforcement, and executive experiences into a meaningful purpose.
Jeremy B.
Doctor of Criminal Justice, Class of 2025
The professors have consistently provided invaluable guidance, high expectations, and a wealth of knowledge, which have greatly enhanced my academic and professional development.
Charles H.
Veteran, Class of 2026
My doctoral journey with NU was truly amazing. The program was enriching, and I felt consistently supported by faculty, advisors, tech staff, and my dissertation committee.
Tiffany M.
Class of 2025
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.
