Doctor of Philosophy - Criminology and Criminal Justice
Program Overview
The UNLV Criminology and Criminal Justice Ph.D. program provides an interdisciplinary perspective on crime, its causes, and societal responses. The program prepares graduates for careers in research, teaching, and professional roles in academia, research institutes, and criminal justice agencies. The program emphasizes hands-on experience through internships and research projects, and graduates are well-prepared for a wide range of careers in the field.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The UNLV Criminology and Criminal Justice Ph.D. program offers an interdisciplinary, research-focused perspective for an extensive understanding of crime's nature and causes, its repercussions, and crime control. The program also examines society's reactions to these issues, as well as the organizations designed to deter, apprehend, prosecute, punish, or reform criminals. The program prepares graduates for careers in research, teaching, and professional roles at universities, research institutes, and criminal justice agencies. These agencies include governmental entities, related non-profits, public policy organizations, and private sector companies.
Outline:
Post-Bachelor's Track
- Core Courses (21 credits):
- CRJ 700: Proseminar in Criminal Justice
- CRJ 701: Proseminar on Theory
- CRJ 702: Proseminar on Research Methods
- CRJ 703: Proseminar on Statistics
- CRJ 704: Proseminar on Law and Social Control
- CRJ 705: Proseminar on the Administration of Justice
- CRJ 715: Criminal Justice Policy
- Elective Courses (9 credits):
- Advisor-approved 600- or 700-level courses
- Thesis or Comprehensive Exam (6 credits):
- CRJ 797: Master's Thesis in Criminal Justice (or)
- CRJ 796: Comprehensive Examination
- Additional Required Courses (15 credits):
- CRJ 714: Proseminar on Law and Criminal Justice Theory
- CRJ 719: Proseminar on Advanced Statistics
- CRJ 724: Applied Research in Criminal Justice
- CRJ 733: Criminal Justice Teaching Practicum
- CRJ 798: Applied Project in Criminal Justice
- Additional Elective Courses (15 credits):
- Advisor-approved 600- or 700-level courses (maximum of 9 credits from CRJ 716 or CRJ 799)
- Doctoral Comprehensive Exam (6 credits):
- CRJ 794: Doctoral Comprehensive Examination
- Dissertation (18 credits):
- CRJ 795: Dissertation
Post-Master's Track
- Required Courses (18 credits):
- CRJ 714: Proseminar on Law and Criminal Justice Theory
- CRJ 715: Criminal Justice Policy
- CRJ 719: Proseminar on Advanced Statistics
- CRJ 724: Applied Research in Criminal Justice
- CRJ 733: Criminal Justice Teaching Practicum
- CRJ 798: Applied Project in Criminal Justice
- Elective Courses (30 credits):
- Advisor-approved 600- or 700-level courses (maximum of 9 credits from CRJ 716 or CRJ 799)
- Comprehensive Exam (6 credits):
- CRJ 794: Doctoral Comprehensive Examination
- Dissertation (18 credits):
- CRJ 795: Dissertation
Assessment:
- All core courses must be completed with a grade of "B" or better.
- Students will be placed on academic probation if they earn a grade below "B" in two or more classes, their overall GPA drops below 3.20, or they fail any proficiency or comprehensive examination.
- Students must successfully defend their thesis or comprehensive exam and dissertation by the posted deadlines.
Teaching:
- The program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members who are actively involved in research and teaching.
- The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, case studies, and simulations.
- The program offers unique opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience through internships and research projects.
Careers:
Graduates of the program are prepared for careers in a wide range of fields, including:
- Academia: Research and teaching positions at universities and colleges
- Research institutes: Conducting research on crime and criminal justice issues
- Criminal justice agencies: Leadership and management positions in law enforcement, corrections, probation, and parole
- Related non-profit agencies: Policy and research positions in organizations focused on crime prevention and criminal justice reform
- Public policy institutes: Research and policy analysis positions in organizations focused on public policy
- Private sector: Consulting and research positions in companies that provide services to the criminal justice system
