Earning a doctorate in criminal justice is a great step for those who wish to become experts within the fields of law enforcement, criminal analysis, or public policy. Doctoral studies within the field of criminal justice tend to be focused upon a particular area of crime study: criminology, statistics, or forensic science in particular. Earning a PhD in criminal justice typically takes between three to five years of full-time study.
Benefits of a PhD in Criminal Justice
A PhD in criminal justice is a highly valued doctoral degree. Students who take the time and effort to earn a doctorate in criminal justice gain expert skills in fields such as criminal behavior, group psychology, public safety administration, criminology theory, and applied statistics. These high-level skills translate to better opportunities for pay raises, higher promotions, and an overall increase in job security. People with a PhD in criminal justice can typically make over $100,000 per year once they are established within their careers.
Career Options with a Doctorate in Criminal Justice
Students who take the time to earn a doctorate in criminal justice have the opportunity to become professors of criminal justice at community colleges, universities, or graduate schools. With the high level of interest in criminal justice as a career choice, professors of criminal justice are in demand. With a doctorate in criminal justice you can find a tenured teaching position and earn anywhere between $30,000 and $100,000 per year. Other great opportunities for people with PhDs in criminal justice include such positions as Chief Investigator, Criminal Profiler, Criminal Psychologist, and Forensic Analyst. The expert-level skills that you will acquire while earning a doctorate in criminal justice will translate to higher salaries, better opportunities to work as a consultant, and better job security throughout your career within criminal justice.
Doctoral Studies in Law
Some online schools claim to offer a doctorate in legal studies program, but such a program is actually not a well-recognized course of study. If you have already earned a bachelor's degree or a master's in legal studies, the next logical step is to earn your law degree, a JD. A JD is considered a professional degree, not a doctorate, and it is required in order to practice law in the United States. A JD can also help you reach higher levels within careers relating to legal analysis, public safety, and law education. With a JD you can become a lawyer, a law professor, a judge, or excel in the field of law enforcement.
