The Ph.D. in Criminology and Criminal Justice is a sociological criminology program that highlights social inequality and public policy in the study of crime and justice issues. The program produces scholars with strong backgrounds in the substantive areas of criminology, criminal justice, theory, inequality, and policy as well as in research methods and statistics. Designed primarily for students who are interested in pursuing careers in higher education, the course offerings also provide students the education and skills needed to be employed as researchers in public and private agencies. Graduates are prepared as scholars able to conduct research, teach college and university courses in their areas of specialization, and to provide service to the discipline and community.
Program Highlights
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UNDERGRADUATE MAJORS 1000+
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FULL-TIME FACULTY 23
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PH.D STUDENTS CURRENTLY ENROLLED 12
Careers
Check out these ideas from ¹ÏÉñÍø's Center for Career & Leadership Development and the . A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.
Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other
All social scientists and related workers not listed separately.
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary
Teach courses in criminal justice, corrections, and law enforcement administration. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other
All postsecondary social sciences teachers not listed separately.
First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives
Directly supervise and coordinate activities of members of police force.
Alumni Careers
Requirements
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A completed master’s degree (or its equivalent) in criminology, criminal justice, or in an appropriate field (e.g., administration of justice, sociology, or political science) from a regionally accredited institution of higher education – a thesis is generally expected;Â
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The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required of all applicants;Â
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Successful completion of prior coursework in research methods and statistics at least equivalent to that required by the ¹ÏÉñÍø B.A. in sociology/criminal justice and M.A. degree in applied sociology (research methods, statistics, computer and data analysis);Â
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Three letters of reference from sources capable of commenting on the applicant’s readiness for advanced graduate study in criminology & criminal justice;Â
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A writing sample of at least 20 double-spaced pages on a topic related to the applicant’s expertise or area of interest;Â
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A typed statement of approximately 1,000 words summarizing the individual's motivation for applying to the program as well as the professional contributions s/he intends to make assuming successful completion of the degree;Â
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If the applicant’s native language is not English, a current score for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) of at least 540 and/or an interview in which the applicant’s comprehension and fluency in English can be assessed.  Â
For Admission to the Criminology & Criminal Justice Program
A minimum of 3.25 (on a 4.0 scale) overall for the master’s degree;
At least 540 and/or an interview in which the applicant’s comprehension and fluency in English can be assessed.
Featured Courses
Cost of Attendance
We believe in providing students with transparent and accessible information about the cost of attendance.Â
Review the estimated tuition rates for the 2024-25 academic year (subject to change). Non-resident rates are charged for anyone who is not a current Virginia resident, including international students.
Ways to Fund Your Degree
There are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ¹ÏÉñÍø, including scholarships, assistantships, and student loans. For more details about financial aid at ¹ÏÉñÍø, visit the Financial Aid Office page.
We offer competitive assistant-ships to qualified applicants
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