Introduction to the Ph.D. in Criminal Justice Policy Studies

The Ph.D. in Criminal Justice Policy Studies is an innovative doctoral program that emphasizes applied criminal justice policy research. This program is designed to educate students to become competent and productive scholars in creating, studying, and evaluating criminal justice policies.

About the Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice Policy Studies

The Ph.D. in Criminal Justice Policy Studies degree program prepares students for competitive jobs in the industry, including careers as college/university professors, researchers for public and private organizations, and policy analysts.

Program Information

• Degree: Ph.D. in Criminal Justice Policy Studies
• Emphases: Criminal Justice Policy Studies
• Required Credit Hours: 45
• Program Type: Doctorate Program
• Program Location: Oxford
• School: School of Applied Sciences
• Duration: 4 years

Application Deadline

To successfully apply for fall admission, prospective students must submit their application by January 15th.

Program Requirements for the Ph.D. in Criminal Justice Policy Studies

Choosing the right graduate program can be difficult, so the application process is designed to be as easy as possible.

Degree Overview

All Ph.D. students must complete a minimum of 45 credits beyond a master's degree. The 45 credits of the doctoral degree include:

• 12 credit hours of required courses
• A minimum of 3 hours in each of the three substantive core areas:
  • Criminal justice system & issues
  • Methods, data, & analysis
  • Policy studies
• An additional 6 hours of approved elective courses
• 18 hours of dissertation credits

Students must also complete:

1. A first-year written exam
2. A publishable paper representing a single-authored, independent research project
3. A written and oral defense of a dissertation prospectus
4. A written and oral defense of a dissertation

Application Requirements

Applicants for the Ph.D. in Criminal Justice Policy Studies must provide:

• Academic Transcripts: Evidence of an awarded Baccalaureate Degree from an accredited college or university
• Three (3) letters of recommendation: From professors familiar with the applicant's academic qualifications and/or skills
• Statement of Interest: A statement describing the applicant's interest in pursuing the Ph.D. in Criminal Justice Policy Studies
• Writing Sample: A sample of recent written work that showcases the applicant's writing and critical thinking skills
• Curriculum vitae or resume

Additional Application Information

• Submission of Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score is optional
• International students must demonstrate compliance with the University of Mississippis English Language Proficiency Score Requirements and Exemptions policy

Example Timeline for Degree Completion

Below is an example timeline for program completion for a student entering the PhD program with a masters degree.

YEAR 1

• Fall:
  • CJ 701: Proseminar in CJ Policy Studies
  • CJ 703: Advanced Criminological Theory & Policy
  • CJ 705: Advanced Criminal Justice Research Methods
• Spring:
  • CJ 702: Advanced Criminal Justice Statistics
  • CJ 704: Advanced Criminal Justice Policy Studies
  • Core Area 1 (Criminal Justice Systems & Issues) elective course
• Take First-Year Core written exam in August prior to the start of the second year

YEAR 2

• Fall:
  • Core Area 2 (Methods, Data & Analysis) elective course
  • Core Area 3 (Policy Studies) elective course
  • Other elective course or independent study
  • Identify publishable paper chair and topic
• Spring:
  • CJ elective course
  • CJ 749: Independent study
  • Start publishable paper research, complete proposal meeting with committee

YEAR 3

• Fall: Complete Publishable paper & advance to candidacy
• Spring: Complete Dissertation prospectus by the end of year 3

YEAR 4

• Complete Dissertation

What's it like to be a doctoral student in Criminal Justice?

While earning a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice, students will have the opportunity to explore key issues, conduct impactful research, and contribute to positive changes in the field.

What does Criminal Justice look like in the job market?

Average salaries for careers related to the field of Criminal Justice include:

• $77K for a University Assistant Professor
• $80K for a Crime Analyst
• $83K for a Policy Analyst
• $103K for a Senior Researcher

Ph.D. in Criminal Justice Policy Studies Courses

Some of the key classes students will encounter while earning a doctorate in Criminal Justice include:

• CJ 701: Proseminar in CJ Policy Studies
• CJ 703: Advanced Criminological Theory & Policy
• CJ 704: Advanced Criminal Justice Policy Studies

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to frequently asked questions about the Ph.D. in Criminal Justice Policy Studies program, including:

• Do I need to take the GRE to apply to the PhD in Criminal Justice?
• Can I apply for spring admission?
• When is the application deadline?
• What qualifies as a writing sample?
• Can I apply with a non-criminal justice degree?
• Can I apply with only a bachelor's degree?
• What is the admission rate to the PhD in Criminal Justice?
• How much does it cost to apply to the PhD in Criminal Justice?
• Are there any funding opportunities for PhD students?
• Will I get a chance to teach?
• Does UM offer an online PhD program in Criminal Justice?
• Do I have to live in Oxford to complete the PhD in Criminal Justice?
• Can I transfer credits from another university?

Outline:

---

Program Content

The Ph.D. in Criminal Justice Policy Studies program emphasizes research and academic pursuits in criminal justice policy studies. It equips students with the knowledge and skills to become competent scholars in creating, studying, and evaluating criminal justice policies. Graduates are prepared for careers as college/university professors, researchers for public and private organizations, and policy analysts.

---

Program Structure

The program comprises 45 credit hours of coursework beyond a master's degree, including:

• 4 core classes
• 9-15 credits of core area electives
• 0-6 credits of other electives
• 18 credits of dissertation work

---

Course Schedule

The program is typically completed in 2 years. Courses are offered in a variety of formats, including traditional face-to-face, online, and hybrid.

---

Individual Modules

---

Core Classes

• CJ 701: Proseminar in Criminal Justice Policy Studies
• CJ 702: Advanced Criminal Justice Statistics
• CJ 703: Advanced Criminological Theory & Policy
• CJ 704: Advanced Criminal Justice Policy Studies

---

Core Area Electives

---

Criminal Justice System & Issues

• CJ 621: Seminar in Law Enforcement
• CJ 622: Seminar in Courts and Sentencing
• CJ 623: Seminar in Corrections
• CJ 630: Seminar in Homeland Security Operations
• CJ 641: Transnational Crime
• CJ 642: Cyber Crime & Cybersecurity
• CJ 643: Legal Issues in Criminal Justice
• CJ 646: Special Topics in Criminal Justice

---

Methods, Data, & Analysis

• CJ 661: Criminal Justice Policy Analysis
• CJ 664: GIS and Crime Mapping Analysis
• CJ 659: Data Management & Data Science
• CJ 666: Big Data Analytics
• CJ 667: Qualitative Research Design & Analysis
• CJ 668: Analytic Writing
• CJ 669: Grant Writing
• CJ 663: Special topics in Methods, Data, & Analysis

---

Policy Studies

• CJ 620: Criminal Justice in American Society: Policy & Practice
• CJ 681: Law & Public Policy
• CJ 682: Comparative Criminal Justice Systems & Policy
• CJ 683: Policy, Politics, and Leadership in Criminal Justice
• CJ 684: Policy Issues in Criminal Justice
• CJ 687: Policy Development & Implementation
• CJ 686: Ethics & Criminal Justice Policy
• CJ 648: Special Topics in Policy Studies

---

Other Electives

• CJ 749: Advanced Independent Study

---

Dissertation (18 credits)

• CJ 797: Dissertation

---

Assessment:

Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including:

• Examinations
• Papers
• Presentations
• Research projects
• Teaching evaluations
• Dissertation defense

---

Teaching:

The program is taught by a faculty of experienced and highly qualified professors. Teaching methods include:

• Lectures
• Discussions
• Simulations
• Research projects
• Independent study

---

Careers:

Graduates of the program are qualified for a variety of careers in criminal justice, including:

• College/university professor
• Researcher
• Policy analyst
• Crime analyst
• Intelligence analyst
• Homeland security specialist
• Correctional administrator
• Law enforcement administrator

University of Mississippi

---

Overview:

The University of Mississippi, also known as Ole Miss, is a public research university located in Oxford, Mississippi. It is a time-honored institution known for its academic excellence, vibrant campus life, and rich tradition of success. Ole Miss offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, fostering a strong sense of community and providing students with boundless opportunities.

---

Services Offered:

Academics:

Ole Miss offers over 90 majors leading to a bachelor's degree, as well as a variety of graduate programs. The university also provides a Freshman Studies program for undecided students.

Admissions:

The university offers comprehensive admissions services for both undergraduate and graduate students, including campus visits, request information, and application processes.

Student Life:

Ole Miss provides a diverse and engaging student life experience, including campus living, student involvement, support and resources, campus recreation, and international student support.

Research:

As an R1 research institution, Ole Miss offers opportunities for students to engage in research with expert faculty across various fields.

Athletics:

Ole Miss is known for its competitive athletics program, with teams competing at the highest level of college athletics.

---

Student Life and Campus Experience:

Ole Miss boasts a vibrant student community with a vast array of extracurricular activities. Students can experience the renowned tailgating tradition in the Grove, explore the charming town of Oxford, and participate in various student organizations. The university also emphasizes community engagement and service opportunities.

---

Key Reasons to Study There:

Academic Excellence:

Ole Miss offers a high-quality education with a wide range of programs and expert faculty.

Vibrant Campus Life:

The university provides a dynamic and engaging student experience with numerous opportunities for involvement and social interaction.

Strong Community:

Ole Miss fosters a strong sense of community, both on campus and in the surrounding town of Oxford.

Research Opportunities:

As an R1 research institution, Ole Miss offers students the chance to participate in cutting-edge research projects.

Athletics Tradition:

Ole Miss is known for its competitive athletics program and passionate fan base.

---

Academic Programs:

Undergraduate Programs:

Ole Miss offers over 90 majors leading to a bachelor's degree, including programs in the arts, sciences, humanities, business, engineering, and more.

Graduate Programs:

The university offers a variety of graduate programs, including master's and doctoral degrees, in various fields.

Special Programs:

Ole Miss provides special programs for undergraduates, such as study abroad opportunities and programs tailored to specific interests.

---

Other:

Regional Campuses:

Ole Miss has regional campuses located in DeSoto, Tupelo, Booneville, Grenada, Rankin, and the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Alumni Network:

Ole Miss has a strong alumni network that provides support and opportunities for graduates.

Community Engagement:

The university is actively involved in the Oxford community and surrounding areas, offering various programs and initiatives.

Campus Culture and Traditions:

Ole Miss has a rich history and unique traditions, including the iconic Grove and the "Hotty Toddy" cheer.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:

Ole Miss is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community.