Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Program Is It?

Walden University's Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration program with a specialization in Criminal Justice is an online degree program designed to prepare administrative professionals to become leaders, researchers, and policy developers in the field of criminal justice. The Public Policy and Administration doctoral program is offered in both a course-based and a mixed-model format, and explores management of and leadership in criminal justice policy analysis. The curriculum focuses on public policy governance, public sector finance, strategic planning and collaboration, and organizational change. Walden University's course-based format is a structured, predetermined syllabus that allows for ample collaboration. The mixed-model format combines online coursework with research papers known as Knowledge Area Modules (KAMs). Students who pursue this format take online public policy and criminal justice courses while writing papers in conjunction with support from faculty advisors. Time to completion for this program may vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable.

What Are the Prerequisites?

The program is designed for public policy and criminal justice administrators, educators, and professionals. Most of Walden's doctoral programs require students to have a master's degree or higher. You should have at least three years of experience in law enforcement or corrections leadership, public policy, or in a related field or an academic setting. Applicants to Walden University's programs must be at least 24 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent; or be an active member of the military or a veteran; or have already earned at least 90 quarter hours of credit. Applicants may need to complete additional requirements for some programs.

What Are the Course Requirements?.

Degree program curriculum and credits are subject to change; contact Walden University for the most current information before enrolling in a program. The Walden University Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration program with a specialization in Criminal Justice requires completion of 82-101 total quarter credit hours (depending on format), incorporates online study as well as four brief academic residency periods for a total of 16 days, and culminates in a dissertation.

Course-Based Format

• Foundations for Doctoral Study
• Ethics and Social Justice
• Finance and Budgeting for the Public Sector
• Strategic Planning Collaboration, Cooperation, and Coordination
• Leadership and Organizational Change
• Writing a Quality Prospectus
• Governance and Public Policy
• Students choose one of the following:
  • Advanced Mixed-Methods Reasoning and Analysis
  • Advanced Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis
  • Advanced Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis

Specialization Courses

• Historical and Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice
• Policy Analysis in the Criminal Justice System
• Leadership: Putting Theory into Practice in Criminal Justice Administration

Foundation Research Sequence

• Research Theory, Design, and Methods
• Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis
• Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis
• Dissertation

Mixed-Model Format

• Foundations for Doctoral Study
• Ethics and Social Justice
• Finance and Budgeting for the Public Sector
• Strategic Planning Collaboration, Cooperation, and Coordination
• Writing a Quality Prospectus
• Students choose one of the following:
  • Advanced Mixed-Methods Reasoning and Analysis
  • Advanced Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis
  • Advanced Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis
• Research, Theory, Design, and Methods
• Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis
• Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis

Specialization Courses

• Historical and Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice
• Policy Analysis in the Criminal Justice System
• Leadership: Putting Theory into Practice in Criminal Justice Administration

Foundation Research Sequence

• Research Theory, Design, and Methods
• Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis
• Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis
• Dissertation

Specialized KAMs

• Knowledge Area Module V: Democratic Governance
  • Breadth: Theories of Democratic Governance
  • Depth: Contemporary Research and Issues in Democratic Governance
  • Application: Professional Practice Application of Democratic Governance
• Knowledge Area Module VI: Organizational Leadership and Change
  • Breadth: Classical and Emerging Paradigms of Leadership and Organizational Change
  • Depth: Current Research on Leadership and Organizational Change
  • Application: Professional Practice Application of a Theory of Leadership and Organizational Change
• Dissertation

What Could I Do After I Graduate?

Career Opportunities

Graduates of Walden University's Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration program with a specialization in Criminal Justice have the opportunity to prepare for careers in corrections management, police administration, criminal justice policy research, and public policy initiatives. Public policy administrators often work with post-secondary and criminal justice institutions to research administrative initiatives. Graduates may wish to pursue careers in criminal justice leadership, research, or upper-level corrections and security management.

Positions that graduates may seek include:

• Professor
• Police captain
• Corrections management
• Warden
• Security consultant
• Court magistrate