Program Overview
Arizona State University's Criminology and Criminal Justice PhD program equips students with advanced knowledge in criminal justice theory, research, and policy. The program emphasizes research skills, preparing graduates for careers in academia, research, or leadership roles in criminal justice agencies. With a focus on real-world problems and opportunities for collaboration with faculty, the program ranks among the top in the nation.
Program Outline
Criminology and Criminal Justice, PhD - PHD | Degree Details | ASU Degree Search
Degree Overview:
This doctoral program prepares students for success in numerous and varied professions. The program focuses on criminal justice theory, research and policy, with the aim of producing highly skilled criminology and criminal justice faculty and agency researchers and administrators.
Objectives:
- To provide students with a comprehensive understanding of criminal justice theory, research, and policy.
- To develop students' research skills and prepare them for careers in academia or research.
- To prepare students for leadership roles in criminal justice agencies.
Program Description:
The program offers a rigorous curriculum that covers a wide range of topics in criminology and criminal justice, including:
- Criminological theory
- Criminal justice policy
- Research methods
- Data analysis
- Criminal law
- Criminal procedure
- Corrections
- Policing Students are also required to complete a dissertation that makes an original contribution to the field of criminology and criminal justice.
Outline:
Program Structure:
The program consists of 84 credit hours of coursework, a written comprehensive exam, a prospectus, and a dissertation.
Coursework:
The program includes a variety of required and elective courses.
Required Courses:
- CRJ 601: Seminar on Criminological Theory
- CRJ 602: Seminar on Criminal Justice Policies and Practices
- CRJ 604: Regression Models
- CRJ 605: Topics in Quantitative Methods
- CRJ 521: Topics in Psychological Criminology
- CRJ 523: Seminar in Network Criminology
- CRJ 524: Theories of Punishment
- CRJ 525: Seminar on Life-course Criminology
- CRJ 512: Seminar in Policing
- CRJ 513: Seminar in Courts and Sentencing
- CRJ 514: Seminar in Corrections
- CRJ 517: Seminar on Juvenile Delinquency and Juvenile Justice
- CRJ 537: Criminal Procedure of Investigations for Social and Forensic Scientists
- CRJ 538: Criminal Law and Social Control
- CRJ 539: Topics in Law, Crime and Justice
- CRJ 510: Criminal Justice Planning and Program Evaluation
- CRJ 531: Crime Mapping
- CRJ 540: Qualitative Methods
- CRJ 560: Topics in Research Methods
Elective Courses:
Students must also complete 36 credit hours of elective courses.
Dissertation:
Students are required to complete a dissertation that makes an original contribution to the field of criminology and criminal justice.
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
- Coursework
- Written comprehensive exam
- Dissertation
Assessment Criteria:
- Quality of written work
- Research skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Analytical skills
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, and independent research.
Faculty:
The program is taught by a team of experienced and renowned faculty members.
Unique Approaches:
The program offers a number of unique approaches to teaching and learning, including:
- A strong emphasis on research
- A focus on real-world problems
- Opportunities for students to work with faculty on research projects
Careers:
Career Opportunities:
Graduates of the program can pursue a variety of careers in academia, research, and criminal justice agencies.
Examples of Career Paths:
- Professor of criminology or criminal justice
- Researcher in a government agency
- Policy analyst in a criminal justice agency
- Director of a criminal justice program
Outcomes:
- The program is ranked No. 2 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
- The program offers a number of scholarships and financial aid opportunities.
- The program is located in downtown Phoenix, Arizona.
- The program is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
- Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.00 to be eligible for admission.
- Students must submit official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a sample of written work.
- The application deadline for the fall semester is January 1st.
Summary
The Criminology and Criminal Justice, PhD program at Arizona State University is a rigorous and comprehensive program that prepares students for success in a variety of careers. The program offers a strong emphasis on research, a focus on real-world problems, and opportunities for students to work with faculty on research projects. Graduates of the program are highly sought after by employers.
