Criminal Justice and Criminology

The degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice and Criminology is designed to produce students of crime and justice who possess: (1) a thorough understanding of criminal justice and criminology issues, (2) the intellectual and methodological skills necessary for the continuing process of discovery and understanding of crime- and justice-related issues, (3) the capacity for integrative and analytical thinking, (4) competency at transmitting knowledge, (5) problem-solving skills, and (6) the ability to disseminate research findings in published scholarship. Through the combined efforts of faculty and students, the Doctor of Philosophy program in Criminal Justice and Criminology produces students capable of making contributions to the criminal justice and criminology discipline through the academic and applied components of the discipline. The curriculum is designed to ensure that graduates are well equipped to participate in criminological positions emphasizing research and statistics, theory, and administration of justice.

Program Mission

Keiser University’s Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice and Criminology is dedicated to developing scholars and leaders who possess a comprehensive understanding of crime, justice, and criminology-related issues. Through a rigorous academic and practical curriculum, students are equipped with advanced research skills, theoretical insights, critical thinking abilities, and innovative problem-solving strategies to address complex challenges and transmit knowledge in the field of criminal justice and criminology. Graduates will be prepared to make significant contributions to the academic community and lead in relevant professional roles to enhance the administration of justice.

Program Goals

• Develop students’ ability to synthesize information and critically evaluate efforts to address the multifaceted safety needs of communities, encompassing corrections, law enforcement, homeland security, and the administration of justice.
• Equip students to advance the field by conducting rigorous, evidence-based research to identify, analyze, and address systemic gaps or deficiencies in criminal justice and criminology services.
• Prepare students for employment in research and academic positions in the field of criminal justice and criminology.

Applicants desiring to enter Keiser University must submit an application to the Admissions Office well in advance of the start date. This permits proper scheduling and ensures availability of classroom space. Applications for Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall semesters should be made as early as possible, as these entry dates are normally the time of greatest enrollment.

Keiser University may accept transfer credits from a college or university recognized by the by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE). Coursework must be equivalent in content, level, and credit hours to the corresponding Keiser University course/s.

Qualified, accepted doctoral degree seeking students may transfer a maximum of 18 graduate level credits, but no more than two-thirds of the total credit hours (whichever is less), required for the program unless otherwise specified by a programmatic accreditor.

Acceptable courses will be equivalent to a B grade or higher unless otherwise specified by programmatic requirements.

Keiser University requires that, at a minimum, a student complete at least one third of the credit hours required for any graduate or post-baccalaureate professional degree through instruction offered by Keiser University.

Courses in the PhD program are eight weeks in length, and students are scheduled for one course at a time.

Keiser University publishes this program as 54.0 graduate semester credit hours, approximately 40 months in length (this will vary if a student transfers in credits).

Keiser University’s Graduate School Academic Calendar runs three semesters a year, beginning in January, May and August, and each semester is made up of two eight-week terms — six start dates a year.

Keiser University charges tuition and education fees per semester, based on scheduled credit hours. Each semester is 16 weeks. The rates below are the university’s published Tuition and Fee Disclosure for the Graduate School, effective Fall Semester 2026, and are subject to annual review.

This program is charged at the rate for Doctoral degree programs.

An education fee of $750.00 per semester is charged for all graduate-level programs. One-time charges on enrolment are an application fee of $55.00 and a registration fee of $145.00.

Doctoral students are charged $8,628.00 for the four-credit dissertation and $1,000.00 for each of the two on-campus residencies. Students are responsible for travel, accommodation and other costs associated with their residencies.

Keiser University’s graduate criminal justice programs are designed for experienced professionals ready to advance their careers through doctoral study. With flexible online options, our programs are built to align with your leadership goals in law enforcement agencies, federal agencies, or academic institutions. Whether you’re looking to move into research positions, influence criminal justice policy, or contribute to academic research, Keiser provides the advanced education needed to make a lasting impact in the criminal justice field.