Doctor of Philosophy

Ph.D. in Criminology and Criminal Justice

Designed to train the next generation of criminologists to develop and conduct basic and applied research regarding the causes of crime and societal responses to crime.

• Our program admits small cohorts, keeping class sizes small, and facilitating ample mentoring between faculty and students.
    
• Successful graduates often obtain faculty positions at universities or research positions in criminal justice and social service agencies.

Degree Requirements

Coursework

Doctoral students are required to complete 42 hours of required and elective coursework beyond a Master’s degree.  To review course offerings available, click here.

Comprehensive Examinations

Doctoral students are required to pass comprehensive examinations in Criminology and Criminal Justice. Reading lists for the respective examinations can be found by clicking on the links below.

Criminology Reading List

Criminal Justice Reading List 

Dissertation

Doctoral students must complete and orally defend a dissertation that reflects original scholarship and contributes to the body of knowledge on criminology and criminal justice. A list of the dissertations completed by the graduates of our program can be found here. 

Starr Solomon defending her dissertation.

Doctoral Program Forms

An Approval of Dissertation Prospectus Form specific to the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice doctoral degree must be completed by all doctoral students.

External doctoral forms required by the university can be found through the Office of Graduate Studies.

Funding Opportunities

The School of Criminology and Criminal Justice attempts to provide tuition support and a graduate assistantship to all full-time doctoral students. To be considered for a graduate assistantship, prospective students must apply to the Doctor of Philosophy program for the coming fall semester by January 20 of that year.  

How to Apply

The application process is described online at the Office of Graduate Studies. All required materials should be sent to the Office of Graduate Studies.

For More Information

For detailed information on the Doctoral Program in Criminology and Criminal Justice, prospective and current students should download the Doctor of Philosophy Student Handbook for the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice.

Additional questions regarding the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice’s Doctor of Philosophy degree can be directed to Todd Armstrong, Ph.D. Doctoral Program Coordinator.

Todd Armstrong, Ph.D.
218 CPACS
402.554.3056  
toddarmstrong@unomaha.edu