Top 9 Online Doctor of Criminal Justice (No Dissertation) 2025

The process of earning a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in criminal justice is difficult, but there are ways to make it simpler. You can even earn an online PhD in criminal justice with no dissertation while working full-time. We'll help you explore reputable doctoral programs that allow you to complete more coursework online at your own convenience.

What Is a Doctor of Criminal Justice?

The two terminal degrees in this field are the PhD and the Doctor of Criminal Justice (DCJ). The former is more likely to require a dissertation, while the latter focuses more on field experience, leadership, criminal justice policy analysis, homeland security, and other specializations in the criminal justice field.

While the PhD may prepare graduates for a research career in academia, DCJ holders enjoy career opportunities in other sectors like public policy, juvenile justice, nonprofit leadership roles, criminal justice program evaluation, and employment with various criminal justice organizations.

No Dissertation vs. Dissertation Programs

Online doctorate degrees have fewer in-person requirements than traditional doctorates, but you may still need to complete other projects instead of a dissertation. If you enroll in a dissertation-free degree program, you can expect to complete alternative research projects and capstone assignments.

Other graduate programs require you to submit an applied research portfolio based on data analysis and criminology case studies. The rest of the program consists of core courses and electives in the field of criminal justice.

Are There Online PhDs in Criminal Justice With No Dissertation?

Yes, there are a few PhD degrees that do not require on-campus coursework or a dissertation, such as Tiffin University's doctoral degree program. There are also several DCJ programs that are dissertation-free.

Top Online Criminal Justice Doctoral Programs With No Dissertation

Check out these top online criminal justice doctoral programs, which do not require a dissertation for graduation. These programs are affordable, deliver a high-quality learning experience, and maintain academic accreditations.

1. Tiffin University

Tiffin University does not require a dissertation for its online DCJ program. The only on-campus requirements are two residencies, which last just a few days. This degree program helps students further their expertise in criminological theory through in-depth study covering course topics like civil liability, technology in criminal justice, media relations, public safety psychology, and a seminar on applied research.

• Estimated tuition cost: $860 per credit hour
• Financial aid: This university offers military discounts, scholarships, and other payment plans for graduate school.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. Florida International University

Florida International University has online and on-site versions of its PhD program for international crime and justice. This degree does not require a dissertation but still expects students to learn advanced research methods to produce original research. It features coursework in criminological theory, criminal justice data analysis, teaching methods, and geo-spatial crime analysis.

• Estimated tuition cost: $40,630 (total program costs)
• Financial aid: Students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to qualify for federal loans, grants, and scholarships.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

3. Liberty University

Liberty University offers both a DCJ and a PhD degree in criminal justice. The PhD option has three concentrations: general criminal justice, homeland security, and leadership. Program graduates can advance into careers like crime scene investigator, prison warden, federal agent, criminal justice professor, and public policy advisor.

• Estimated tuition cost: $610 per credit hour
• Financial aid: This online college offers tuition discounts for military personnel and their family members, along with other scholarship and grant resources.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. Texas State University

Texas State University does not mention a dissertation requirement for its PhD program in criminal justice. It serves students who wish to further their understanding of the field and/or enter academia as tenure-track college professors. Full-time students enroll in nine credit hours per semester, but the program also admits part-time students.

• Estimated tuition cost: $9,000 per year
• Financial aid: The university offers assured scholarships and other financial aid for qualified graduate students.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. Walden University

Walden University is an accredited online college that offers various online degrees, including a PhD in criminal justice. It has different curriculum tracks depending on whether students already hold a master's degree. The program features hands-on training in sophisticated research methodologies and in-depth study of advanced topics in criminology.

• Estimated tuition cost: $690 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Walden University has multiple cost-saving opportunities, such as grants and the option to test out of courses with experience-based credits.
• Accreditation: HLC

6. PennWest Global

PennWest Global is another institution dedicated to online students. Its PhD in criminal justice includes a five-day residency, but students can attend virtually.

This program requires 42 credit hours to graduate. Penn West Global also offers graduate certificates and a separate DCJ program.

• Estimated tuition cost: $10,566 per year.
• Financial aid: This university participates in several financial aid programs, including Federal Pell Grants, federal work study, and Federal Direct PLUS loans.
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

7. St. Leo University

St. Leo University has a 60-credit-hour program, which typically takes three to four years to finish if you enter without a master's degree. The university promotes this program as a way to become a teacher or professor, along with careers in homeland security and other government agencies.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), earning an advanced degree in criminal justice can earn college instructors a median annual salary of over $80,000.

• Estimated tuition cost: $965 per credit hour
• Financial aid: About 99% of full-time students at St. Leo University receive financial aid from resources like loans, grants, and scholarships.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

8. Troy University

Troy University does not require a traditional dissertation for its PhD program, but students must learn research methods and practice conducting original research in criminal justice. This program requires 60 credit hours, but it allows incoming students to transfer credits from other master's degree programs.

The curriculum features course topics like crime prevention, sentencing and punishment, criminology, and public policy.

• Estimated tuition cost: $550 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Troy University has funding resources for traveling abroad, military veterans, work study, and scholarships.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

9. Keiser University

Keiser University offers both a PhD and DCJ through fully online delivery. The dissertation component is optional, and part-time students can complete their coursework by taking one class at a time through eight-week sessions. This private, nonprofit university requires only a brief on-campus residency and capstone projects to satisfy the DCJ degree requirements.

• Estimated tuition cost: $37,544 (total program costs)
• Financial aid: Graduate students can apply for student loans, federal grants, and merit-based scholarships.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

How We Rank Schools

This is how we chose the programs featured on our list of criminal justice PhD programs. All universities must possess academic accreditation, affordable tuition rates, and a good program reputation.

• Accreditation: Each institution has an accreditation from a reviewer like HLC.
• Affordability: We selected universities with affordable tuition rates and application fees.
• Program reputation: These programs enjoy strong real-world and academic reputations thanks to their accredited programs, supportive faculty members, and contributions to academic research.

FAQs About Online Doctor of Criminal Justice Programs (No Dissertation)

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) for online doctoral programs in criminal justice. This section addresses whether these degrees are worthwhile, the admission requirements, employment prospects, and whether they help criminal justice professionals pursue their career goals.

Is a Doctor of Criminal Justice Worth It?

Yes, these degree programs are worth it for law enforcement officials and other criminal justice professionals seeking to advance their careers. You can use these degrees to enter academia, advanced positions in the criminal justice system, and even policymaking roles in the government.

Are No-Dissertation Doctoral Programs Respected?

Yes, these programs enjoy terrific respectability among employers, government agencies, and other higher education institutions. It has become more common for doctoral degree holders to earn their credentials and further their professional development by completing various non-dissertation assignments and research projects.

What Are the Admission Requirements for a DCJ Program?

Most accredited institutions have at least somewhat strict admission requirements for prospective doctoral students. You should aim to get the highest GPA and GRE scores possible to qualify for acceptance and full funding for graduate school. These degree programs often request letters of recommendation and personal statements for admission as well.

Can You Work While Completing a DCJ?

Yes, you can work while completing a DCJ. There are many full-time and part-time students who maintain outside employment while pursuing a doctorate. You can also apply for student work-study opportunities within your academic department, which makes paying for graduate school much easier.

Discover More Online Doctoral Programs

Learn.org welcomes you to explore all our resources to find online doctoral programs in criminal justice and nearly every other academic discipline. This also includes online programs for bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and any other criminal justice degree programs.