Criminal Justice PhD

Lead the criminal justice field in academia, private and governmental research agencies with the Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice in the College of Liberal Arts at Temple University. This nationally recognized program is known for its output of impactful research that helps policymakers and practitioners solve some of the world’s most pressing problems.

As a Criminal Justice PhD student, you will be a part of a community of curious, driven individuals with a passion for making the world a better and more just place. The full-time doctoral program is designed for students who have backgrounds in counseling, economics, geography, history, political science, psychology, social work, sociology and urban studies, among others. Students can form expertise in an area of specialization within the criminal justice field through advanced interdisciplinary research.

Throughout the program, you can engage directly with community-based organizations and criminal justice agencies, working on real-world problems such as gun violence and substance abuse. Programs and research initiatives are led by a diverse, multidisciplinary and active faculty, renowned in their field locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. Learn more about Department of Criminal Justice faculty and explore their research areas (pdf).

Students pursuing their PhD in Criminal Justice study and conduct research in a wide array of subjects within the criminal justice field, including court processes, criminal justice policymaking, criminal law, criminological theory, issues in policing and organized crime.

Our Community

The College of Liberal Arts at Temple comprises many academic disciplines and research areas. Now more than ever, an interdisciplinary liberal arts education is invaluable for your future pursuits. It offers the opportunity to further push your drive to create real change in the world, here at Temple and beyond. In this graduate program, you’ll work closely with diverse faculty members who are highly esteemed in their field and with a curious, passionate community of peers. Learn more about the College of Liberal Arts.

Program Format & Curriculum

Students have seven years to complete their PhD, and are expected to fulfill requirements on a full-time basis. Courses are offered at Temple’s Main Campus.

The 48-credit Criminal Justice PhD curriculum is comprised of core courses, electives, a publishable research paper, two comprehensive examinations on criminal justice and theory, and a dissertation and defense.

The following core courses are required.

Advanced Methods and Issues in Criminal Justice Research
Advanced Statistical Issues in Criminal Justice Data
Decision-Making in Criminal Justice
Law and Social Order
Research Methods in Criminal Justice
Statistical Issues and Analysis of Criminal Justice Data
Theories of Crime and Deviance

Learn more about Criminal Justice PhD requirements.

Related Graduate Degrees

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, this Doctor of Philosophy offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. These tuition costs apply to the 2025–2026 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $1,148.00 per credit
Out-of-state: $1,577.00 per credit

View the full cost of attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.

Program Contact

With questions regarding the Criminal Justice PhD, contact the following staff members.

Jeffrey Ward is the department chair.
Phone: 215-204-5267
Email: [click-for-email]

Jennifer Horton is the senior graduate coordinator.
Phone: 215-204-9028
Email: [click-for-email]

Student Clubs & Organizations

Supplement your Criminal Justice PhD coursework and enhance your graduate education experience through student clubs and organizations. You will meet and network with other students, become involved with the community, and build invaluable skills to help you realize your personal and professional goals.

The following clubs and organizations are available to Criminal Justice PhD students.

The Criminal Justice Graduate Student Association (CJGSA) represents all graduate students in Temple's Department of Criminal Justice, which includes PhD students, master’s students and 4+1 students. The association promotes communication between faculty and graduate students and encourages participation in a variety of academic and professional opportunities. Additionally, the CJGSA invites critical thinkers to share their justice-related ideas and experiences with Temple University and Philadelphia each spring.
The Temple University Criminal Justice Society provides students the opportunity to explore career opportunities within the criminal justice field through group trips, informational sessions, guest speakers, career fairs and more.

Study Away

Temple’s study away programs offer you the opportunity to spend an academic year, semester or summer abroad. Complete coursework, participate in internships or collaborate in research while immersing yourself in the culture, history and people of your host city.

Students in the Criminal Justice PhD program have the unique opportunity to complete courses and pursue research opportunities at Temple’s Rome campus.

Learn more about your options for studying away.

Accreditation

The Department of Africology and African American Studies is accredited by the National Council for Black Studies (NCBS). NCBS was established in 1975 by African American scholars who recognized the need to formalize the study of the African experience, as well as expand and strengthen academic units and community programs devoted to this endeavor.

Temple University’s departments and programs are accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Temple University

Criminal Justice PhD