Criminology and Criminal Justice, Ph.D.

Learning Outcomes

• Students will be able to synthesize and critically evaluate existing research studies in a given area, including the indentification of any gaps in the literature.
• Students will be able to identify the strengths and weaknesses of different research designs used in criminology and criminal justice. 
• Students will be able to identify under what circumstances specific research designs are appropriate.
• Students will be able to design their own independent research study addressing a relevant question in criminology and criminal justice.
• Students will be able to summarize the basic premise of each major criminological theory.
• Students will be able to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of major criminological theories.
• Students will be able to identify linkages between criminological theories and criminal justice policies.
• Students will be able to synethesize and critically evaluate research studies from a particular theoretical perspective, including the identification of gaps in the literature. 
• Students will understand core ideas and empirical evidence in the field concerning the development, implementation, analysis, and evalution of law and policy related to the criminal justice system. 
• Students will be able to identify and apply appropriate methods for public policy analysis.
• Students will complete the Ph.D. degree within a reasonable period of time and will obtain a research and/or teaching position that is appropriate for the degree. 

Admission to the Ph.D. Program

Applicants must possess a baccalaureate or masters degree from an accredited college or university. An undergraduate or graduate degree in criminology, criminal justice, or a related social science is desirable. In addition to meeting all admission requirements of the University's Graduate School, applicants to the Ph.D. program must submit a university application through the Graduate School, including a written statement of research goals and objectives. The statement should outline the applicant's interests in criminology and criminal justice and discuss plans for developing a research agenda during the doctoral program of study. Applicant must also submit scores obtained within the last five years on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), three letters of academic reference, official grade transcripts from all previous institutions, and a recent sole-authored writing sample or thesis chapter written during previous degree program..

Applicants whose native language is not English must: 

1. Submit a satisfactory score on an English proficiency test. 

2. Take a diagnostic test in English when they arrive at the university.