Earn Your Doctorate/Criminal Justice PhD Online
Want to achieve the highest academic qualification in law enforcement, homeland security, or academic research in criminal justice systems? A criminal justice PhD online or a doctorate in criminology online is one of the most fast, affordable and flexible way to achieve highest level of your profession. These fully online doctorate and PhD programs in the field of criminal justice are the best option for those who are looking for flexible, recognized, fast and affordable solution for career advancement.
No matter you are in search of best online Criminal Justice PhD Programs, or want to enroll in the cheapest online PhD in criminal justice, here we not only offer you the best and affordable online colleges for criminal justice but also provide you the comparison of top universities offering flexible, easy accessible, globally recognized with no dissertation options Online PhD and Doctoral programs in criminology.
Why Pursue an Online PhD in Criminal Justice or Criminology?
Let’s get a little brief about how Online PhD in Criminal Justice can be more suitable and match your requirements.
- Deepen your expertise in criminal behavior, corrections, cybercrime, and justice policy
- ️ Qualify for senior leadership roles in academia, government, and law enforcement
- Study fully online — no campus required
- Skip the GRE — most programs don’t require it
- Choose between dissertation-based or project-based formats
- Gain practical research and administrative skills
Best Online Criminal Justice & Criminology Doctoral Programs
Nova Southeastern University (USA)
- Degree: Online PhD in Criminal Justice
- Cost: ~$1,100/credit
- Dissertation: Required
- Format: Fully Online
- GRE Required: No
Walden University (USA)
- Degree: PhD in Criminal Justice
- Cost: ~$58,000 total
- Dissertation: Required
- Specializations: Law & Public Policy, Homeland Security
- GRE Required: No
Capella University (USA)
- Degree: PhD in Criminal Justice / Criminology
- Cost: ~$50,000
- Dissertation: Optional (FlexPath model)
- Format: Fully Online
University of Portsmouth (UK)
- Degree: Doctorate in Criminology
- Cost: £18,000 ($23,000 USD)
- Dissertation: Required
- GRE Required: Not required
California University of Pennsylvania (PennWest Global)
- Degree: Doctor of Criminal Justice (D.C.J.)
- Cost: ~$32,000
- Dissertation: No Dissertation Required
- Format: Fully Online
Duration: 2 years
Compare Online Criminal Justice Doctoral Programs
University | Degree | Cost | Dissertation-Free? | Format | Country |
Nova Southeastern | PhD Criminal Justice | ~$66,000 | No | 100% Online | USA |
Walden University | PhD Criminal Justice | ~$58,000 | No | 100% Online | USA |
Capella University | PhD Criminology | ~$50,000 | Optional | 100% Online | USA |
Univ. of Portsmouth | Doctorate in Criminology | ~$23,000 | No | Online | UK |
PennWest Global | Doctor of Criminal Justice | ~$32,000 | Yes | Online | USA |
Admission Requirements for Online Criminal Justice Doctorates
Though the requirements may vary as per the program you are going to choose or the college you are going to enroll but the general admission requirements for most online PhD and Doctoral Programs in Criminal Justice are:
- Master’s degree in a related field
- 0+ GPA
- Resume or CV
- Statement of Purpose
- Letters of recommendation
- English proficiency (for international students)
- GRE often not required
Schools like Capella and PennWest do not require the GRE.
No-Dissertation & Accelerated Criminal Justice Doctorates
If you want to complete your doctorate or PhD in criminal justice fast and without-dissertation than there are several online options are available for you:
- PennWest Global offers a 2-year dissertation-free doctorate (D.C.J.)
- Capella’s FlexPath allows you to control your pace and graduate faster
- Some of the colleges are offering modern formats and instead of traditional dissertation requirements they offer capstone or applied research options.
💰 Cost & Scholarships
- S. schools: Average $30,000–$60,000
- UK/Global options: $18,000–$25,000
- Military, law enforcement & first responders often qualify for tuition discounts
- FAFSA available for U.S.-based accredited programs
- Compare to find the cheapest online PhD in criminal justice
Yes — Some of the accredited Online Colleges for Criminal Justice and Criminology are offering Online PhD programs with no-dissertation options for example: PennWest offers a non-dissertation doctorate; and Capella has optional paths.
Yes, If you earn your doctoral degree in criminal justice or criminology online from accredited university or college than it is accredited and recognized. It is recommended that you should the accreditation of degree program you are going to enroll.
Yes — With online options, you can access to various concentrations and specializations including homeland security or public policy- schools like Walden and Capella offer these options.
There is slight difference between criminology and criminal justice doctorates, as Criminal Justice doctoral programs are more emphasize on systems and enforcement and on the other hand doctorate in criminology more stress on exploring causes, behavior and policy analysis.