About this Program
Old Dominion University offers a Doctor of Philosophy degree in criminology and criminal justice, a sociological criminology program that highlights social inequality and public policy in the study of crime and justice issues. The program produces scholars with strong backgrounds in the substantive areas of criminology, criminal justice, theory, inequality, and policy as well as in research methods and statistics. Designed primarily for students who are interested in pursuing careers in higher education, the course offerings also provide students the education and skills needed to be employed as researchers in public and private agencies. Graduates are prepared as scholars able to conduct research, teach college and university courses in their areas of specialization, and to provide service to the discipline and community.
Program Highlights
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UNDERGRADUATE MAJORS 1000+
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FULL-TIME FACULTY 23
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PH.D STUDENTS CURRENTLY ENROLLED 12
Featured Courses
Requirements
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A completed master’s degree (or its equivalent) in criminology, criminal justice, or in an appropriate field (e.g., administration of justice, sociology, or political science) from a regionally accredited institution of higher education – a thesis is generally expected;
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The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required of all applicants;
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Successful completion of prior coursework in research methods and statistics at least equivalent to that required by the ODU B.A. in sociology/criminal justice and M.A. degree in applied sociology (research methods, statistics, computer and data analysis);
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Three letters of reference from sources capable of commenting on the applicant’s readiness for advanced graduate study in criminology & criminal justice;
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A writing sample of at least 20 double-spaced pages on a topic related to the applicant’s expertise or area of interest;
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A typed statement of approximately 1,000 words summarizing the individual's motivation for applying to the program as well as the professional contributions s/he intends to make assuming successful completion of the degree;
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If the applicant’s native language is not English, a current score for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) of at least 540 and/or an interview in which the applicant’s comprehension and fluency in English can be assessed.
For Admission to the Criminology & Criminal Justice Program
A minimum of 3.25 (on a 4.0 scale) overall for the master’s degree;
At least 540 and/or an interview in which the applicant’s comprehension and fluency in English can be assessed.
Transfer
At ODU, we understand that as a transfer student you have unique needs that require a wide array of campus resources. The Center for Advising Administration and Academic Partnerships aims to create a transfer inclusive culture that supports the successful...
Careers
Check out these ideas from ODU's Center for Career & Leadership Development and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.
Directly supervise and coordinate activities of members of police force.
Teach courses in criminal justice, corrections, and law enforcement administration. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
All social scientists and related workers not listed separately.
All postsecondary social sciences teachers not listed separately.
Alumni Careers
Cost of Attendance
Tuition is charged per credit hour. Amounts shown are tuition only and do not include mandatory fees, technology-delivered course fees, course-specific fees, books, housing, meal plans, or other costs. Campus-based students may take technology-delivered or online courses. Tuition is based on student classification. Fees for technology-delivered courses and other costs are listed on the ODU tuition and fees page.
Ways to Fund Your Degree
There are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending Old Dominion University, including scholarships, assistantships, and student loans. For more details about financial aid at Old Dominion, visit the Financial Aid Office page.
We offer competitive assistant-ships to qualified applicants
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