The School of Criminology, Criminal Justice and Public Administration at Tarleton State University offers coursework and research leading to a Doctor of Philosophy in criminal justice. The program prepares students to face the growing complexities of the criminal justice system and to join the ranks of educated criminal justice professionals with advanced analytical, critical thinking and leadership skills.
Classes are offered face to face in a cohort format and feature vigorous interaction with criminal justice professionals. The Ph.D. program culminates in an applied dissertation project with practical implications to the practice of criminal justice.
Various student funding opportunities are available, including:
Research assistantships
Teaching assistantships
Fellowships
Scholarships.
Students can contact the Ph.D. Coordinator for more information on these funding opportunities.
Learning Outcomes
Leadership: Apply principles of leadership to shape, change and improve the governance and management of public policy in the field of criminal justice.
Research: Demonstrate methodological and statistical skills to support evidence-based data-driven decision-making within criminal justice.
Content Knowledge: Critically apply theories, methodologies and knowledge to address fundamental questions of the criminal justice discipline and inform public policy decision-making in the field.
Communication: Demonstrate skills in oral and written communication sufficient to publish and present work in the criminal justice field and to prepare grant proposals.
Ethics: Analyze the ethical implications of criminal justice decision-making and practices within the context of a diverse society.
Teaching: Demonstrate mastery of skills and knowledge at a level required for college and university undergraduate and graduate teaching in criminal justice and in the assessment of student learning.
Master’s in criminal justice, criminology or related discipline
Students with a master’s degree in a discipline other than criminology or criminal justice may be required to take leveling courses. The Ph.D. admissions committee will review the applicant’s graduate transcripts to make this determination. Taking leveling courses may require applicants to start the doctoral program with a later cohort.
GPA of 3.3 or higher on all completed master’s coursework
