Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Program Is It?

Walden University's Ph.D. in Human Services program with a specialization in Criminal Justice is an online degree program that explores a wide range of issues in criminal justice. The program is offered in a self-directed and a course-based learning format. The course-based format is a structured program that provides opportunities for collaboration. Students in the self-directed program conduct independent research in a focus area of their choosing, with mentoring from faculty members. Topics of study in both formats could include juvenile justice, intervention strategies, restorative justice, and victimology.

What Are the Prerequisites?

The program is designed for professionals with at least three years of experience in the criminal justice field and a master's degree or higher. You may have experience with law enforcement, judicial systems, or corrections facilities.

What Are the Program Requirements?

The program requirements vary depending on the learning format that you choose. The course-based option comprises 101-102 quarter credits and is completed through online coursework. The self-directed option requires 102 quarter credits and combines online coursework with faculty-guided independent study projects called Knowledge Area Modules (KAMs). Both formats also require four Ph.D. residencies and a dissertation. Required coursework for both learning formats is listed below.

Course Requirements: Course-Based Format

• Foundations of Human Services
• Organizational Management and Leadership
• Research Theory, Design, and Methods
• Social Change, Leadership, and Advocacy for Counseling and Human Services Professionals
• History and Development of Human Services
• Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis
• Human Services Theory, Research, and Practice
• Ethics and Social Justice
• Culture and Psychology
• Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis
• Human Services Administration
• Writing a Quality Prospectus
• One advanced research course (choose one):
  • Advanced Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis
  • Advanced Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis
  • Advanced Mixed-Methods Reasoning and Analysis
• Finance and Budgeting for the Public Sector
• Historical and Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice
• One elective course from any Ph.D. in Human Services specialization

Students also must choose two of the following specialization courses:

• Treatment of Forensic Populations
• Juvenile Justice, Delinquency, and Development
• Forensic Applications in Community Settings
• Policy Analysis in the Criminal Justice System
• Leadership: Putting Theory Into Practice in Criminal Justice Administration
• Terrorism: A Systemic Approach for Emergency Preparedness

Course Requirements: Self-Directed Format

• Foundations for Doctoral Study
• KAM I: Principles of Societal Development
  • Breadth: Theories of Social Change
  • Depth: Current Research in Social Change
  • Application: Professional Practice and Social Change
• KAM II: Principles of Human Development
  • Breadth: Theories of Human Development
  • Depth: Current Research in Human Development
  • Application: Professional Practice and Human Development
• KAM III: Principles of Organizational and Social Systems
  • Breadth: Theories of Organizational and Social Systems
  • Depth: Current Research in Organizational and Social Systems
  • Application: Professional Practice and Organizational and Social Systems
• KAM V: Advanced Theory and Practice in Human Services
  • Breadth: Theories and Models of Human Behavior for Professional Practice: Counseling
  • Contemporary Theories and Models in Human Services: Counseling
  • Application: Integrating Theory and Practice in Human Services: Counseling
• KAM VI: Intervention Strategies in Human Services
  • Breadth: Advanced Theories of Intervention in Human Services: Counseling
  • Depth: Human Services Delivery Systems and Ethical Considerations: Counseling
  • Application: Integrating Intervention Strategies and Ethical Practice: Counseling
• Foundation Research Sequence
  • Research Theory, Design, and Methods
  • Quantitative Reasoning
  • Qualitative Reasoning
• Advanced Research Sequence (choose one of the following):
  • Advanced Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis
  • Advanced Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis
  • Advanced Mixed-Methods Reasoning and Analysis

What Could I Do After I Graduate?

Career Opportunities

After completing Walden University's Ph.D. in Human Services program with a specialization in Criminal Justice, you could continue working in the criminal justice field. A doctoral degree can help qualify you for positions of greater responsibility, including leadership and management positions. Students who earn doctoral degrees are also eligible to apply for college and university teaching positions. Positions you could pursue include:

• Criminal justice professor
• Chief of police
• Disaster management supervisor
• Border patrol agent

Career opportunities may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.