7 Most Affordable Online PhD in Criminal Justice Degrees 2025

A career in criminal justice offers a range of job opportunities in law enforcement, homeland security, legal services, and corrections. A graduate degree, such as a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in criminal justice, is a pathway to advancing your professional goals in this industry.

This article explores various affordable degree programs that offer an online PhD in criminal justice. We also answer questions related to program curricula, degree costs, and job outlooks. Read on to learn how you can achieve your criminal justice professional goals.

What Is a PhD in Criminal Justice?

A PhD in criminal justice is a graduate degree program that offers advanced studies in subjects such as criminology theory, policy analysis, forensic science, and criminal law. Doctoral students who earn a PhD in criminal justice online are prepared to teach, research, and assume leadership roles in the criminal justice field. PhD programs typically include a dissertation.

Can I Earn a PhD in Criminal Justice Online?

Yes, you can earn your PhD in criminal justice online. Some online PhD programs in criminal justice conduct coursework entirely through distance learning, while others have in-person components like residencies.

You can also earn your Doctor of Criminal Justice (DCJ) online. While DCJ and PhD programs share similar core curricula, a PhD program has an advanced research-oriented approach to studies. Online DCJ programs typically emphasize real-world applications to the criminal justice system.

How Much Does an Online Criminal Justice PhD Cost?

The cost for online criminal justice PhD programs can range from $16,800 to more than $140,000. Factors that affect degree costs include your choice of school, program length, any eligible transfer credits, and financial aid opportunities, such as scholarships and grants.

Public colleges and universities are generally less expensive than private schools. Some public schools offer reduced tuition rates for in-state students, while others offer the same affordable online tuition to all students.

Cheapest Online Criminal Justice Doctoral Programs

The following schools offer some of the cheapest criminal justice doctoral programs online. We highlight PhD in criminal justice and DCJ programs.

1. University of North Georgia

The University of North Georgia (UNG) is a mid-sized public school in Dahlonega, GA. Graduate students who already hold a master's degree can pursue their PhD in criminal justice through UNG's online platform. Graduates move on to become researchers, criminologists, teachers, and criminal justice professionals.

The 54-credit program consists of 30 core course credits, nine elective credits, and 15 dissertation credits. Coursework is conducted asynchronously, which means students can work at their own pace. Graduate students may enroll on a full-time or part-time basis.

• Estimated tuition cost: $311 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students at UNG can apply for grants, scholarships, and loans to help with tuition costs.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. Florida International University

Located in Miami, FL, Florida International University (FIU) is a large public school that offers an online PhD in international crime and justice. FIU's PhD program heavily emphasizes original research, and its curriculum provides students with an in-depth understanding of criminal justice theory, statistics, and research methods.

The online program is 75 credits and consists of core courses, electives, research tools, and a comprehensive exam and dissertation. Core courses include criminology theory, geospatial crime analysis, and research methods in criminal justice.

• Estimated tuition cost: $456 per credit hour (in-state); $1,002 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Grants, loans, scholarships, assistantships, and fellowships are available financial resources.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. PennWest Global Campus

Students at PennWest Global Campus can pursue their DCJ entirely online. The doctoral program focuses on real-world evaluation and implementation of criminal justice policies.

PennWest Global Campus's program begins with a five-day virtual residency followed by two years of part-time online coursework. Students take courses such as improving juvenile justice, applied research methods, and advanced criminal law and procedure. Admission requirements include two letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and your master's degree official transcripts.

• Estimated tuition cost: $587 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students may receive financial assistance through grants, scholarships, and loans.
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

4. Liberty University

Liberty University (LU) is a large private school based in Lynchburg, VA. LU offers a PhD in criminal justice that is 60 credits and delivered 100% online. The online program has multiple start dates throughout the year.

You may follow a generalized PhD track or choose one of two specializations: leadership or homeland security. Graduate students take courses in advanced terrorism and intelligence, transnational organized crime, and stress management in criminal justice.

• Estimated tuition cost: $610 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Eligible students can apply for grants, scholarships, and loans to help with education costs. LU offers reduced tuition rates for military members.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. Walden University

Based in Minneapolis, MN, Walden University has an online PhD in criminal justice program with four specialization options. Graduate students can choose to concentrate their studies in:

• criminal justice leadership
• behavioral sciences
• law and justice administration
• self-designed

Core courses include the language of leadership, research design theory, and policy in criminal justice systems. Full-time students can earn their doctorate in two and a half years.

• Estimated tuition cost: $690 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Financial assistance is available via grants, loans, and scholarships; military members, first responders, and other public officials may receive tuition discounts.
• Accreditation: HLC

6. Saint Leo University

Saint Leo University is a mid-sized public school in Saint Leo, FL. Saint Leo University offers an online DCJ program that prepares students for careers in homeland security, human services, teaching, and other criminal justice professions.

The DCJ program is 60 credits and can be completed in three to four years. You can choose a specialization track, such as education or homeland security. The curriculum includes courses such as public policy analysis, program evaluation, and social justice and community engagement.

• Estimated tuition cost: $850 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, loans, and military benefits are available forms of financial support.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. Tiffin University

Tiffin University is a private school located in Tiffin, OH, with an online DCJ program. All of the program's coursework is conducted online; doctoral students must complete three in-person residencies during their studies. Full-time students can earn their degree in two years.

Students can choose from one of three concentrations for their online doctorate in criminal justice: forensic psychology, criminal justice leadership and administration, and teaching criminal justice in higher education.

• Estimated tuition cost: $860 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Graduate students utilize grants, scholarships, and loans to offset education costs. Tiffin University offers discounted tuition rates for military members, alumni, and employees of many outside organizations.
• Accreditation: HLC

How We Rank Schools

We consider factors like tuition rates, accreditation status, and program reputation when deciding which schools to feature.

• Accreditation: All of the schools listed are regionally accredited institutions.
• Affordability: Program tuition rates are $1,000 or less per credit hour; all schools offer financial aid to graduate students.
• Program reputation: A doctorate program's reputation is determined by its accreditation status, experienced faculty members, and any special recognition or awards.

What To Expect From an Online PhD in Criminal Justice

The curriculum for an online PhD in criminal justice includes advanced criminal justice theory courses like criminology, research methodologies, policymaking, and public safety. PhD programs often require dissertation projects, and some programs require students to complete in-person residencies to get real-world experience.

A typical online PhD in criminal justice can range between 54 and 75 credits. Most students can complete their graduate programs in three to four years. Depending on your chosen program's length and any applicable transfer credits, you may be able to earn your degree at a faster pace.

FAQs About Low-Cost Criminal Justice PhD Programs Online

We'll answer commonly asked questions about criminal justice degree programs, from online degree reputations to job outlooks.

Is an Online PhD in Criminal Justice Worth It?

A PhD in criminal justice provides the pathway to leadership positions, job market flexibility, and higher salaries. However, deciding to pursue your PhD is a highly personal process. You must consider your budget, family, and work commitments before committing to a graduate degree program.

Are Online Criminal Justice PhDs Respected?

Yes, online criminal justice PhDs are respected. Online PhD programs offered by accredited institutions must uphold the same quality education standards as their on-campus program counterparts. Many online classes are also taught by in-person faculty members, allowing students to gain the comprehensive skills and knowledge necessary to become leaders in the criminal justice field.

What Can You Do With a Doctorate in Criminal Justice Degree?

There are many career opportunities for DCJ and PhD in criminal justice graduates. You can work in law enforcement, legal services, security, forensic science, and corrections. With an advanced degree, you can take on leadership roles. Many PhD graduates move on to roles in academia and data analysis.

What Are the Top Criminal Justice Degree Jobs?

You can work in a range of settings with a criminal justice degree. Criminal justice jobs include:

• criminologist
• police officer
• organizational consultant
• intelligence analyst
• policy consultant
• FBI agent

Discover Online Doctoral Programs

If you're ready to advance your career in criminal justice, we invite you to connect with our partner schools at Learn.org. Request information about online doctoral programs and discover which pathway is best for your professional goals.