Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Named 2022 Best Graduate School by the U.S. News and World Report. Nationally-recognized, award-winning faculty actively mentor graduate students. Research labs and research centers provide students with synergistic and collaborative research experience. Students gain experience teaching and mentoring undergraduate students. Significant opportunities to interact with criminal justice agencies on research partnerships. Supportive student culture with engaged Graduate Student Organization. Doctoral students are typically funded year round on research projects while pursuing their degree. Support and encouragement to present research at national academic conferences and author peer reviewed articles provided. Doctoral graduates are successful with employment in academic and research industry positions across the U.S.

Degree Requirements

Coursework: Doctoral students complete 42 hours of required and elective coursework beyond a Master’s degree.

Comprehensive Exams: Doctoral students demonstrate knowledge proficiency in successful completion of two comprehensive exams - criminological theory and criminal justice systems. Criminology Reading List and Criminal Justice Reading List.

Dissertation: Doctoral students orally defend a dissertation that is original written scholarship advancing knowledge in criminology and criminal justice. Prior dissertations may be reviewed here. Approval of Dissertation Prospectus Form must be completed by all SCCJ doctoral students. Other required forms accessible through the Office of Graduate Studies.

Dr. Ebonie Epinger, UNO SCCJ graduate August 2022.

Funding Opportunities

Graduate assistantships are nationally competitive stipends that include tuition (not student fees) with summer funding also available. While these are competitive, most full-time doctoral students are funded on a twelve month basis.

Apply online through the Office of Graduate Studies. Deadline is January 20th for fall admission and graduate assistantship consideration.

For More Information

For detailed information on the Doctoral Program in Criminology and Criminal Justice, refer to the Doctor of Philosophy Student Handbook for the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice.

Direct additional questions to Todd Armstrong, Ph.D., Doctoral Program Coordinator.