Find your degree of interest from one of our many programs of study offered 100% online.
Liberty University's online programs offer you the flexibility to study at your own pace, from your home or office, while retaining a level of structure that will help you stay on track toward achieving your educational goals. You'll receive a quality education - that is both flexible and affordable - from an accredited institution.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Criminal Justice
Unlock Your Potential in the Criminal Justice Field with a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice from Liberty University
If you are an experienced law enforcement professional, Liberty’s online Ph.D. in Criminal Justice can prepare you for senior leadership roles in criminal justice organizations at all levels of government. Through advanced research and analysis of criminal justice practices, you can learn how to assess and improve government and law enforcement organizations while mastering techniques in teaching and leadership. With training from experienced criminal justice scholars founded in a Christian worldview, Liberty’s Ph.D. in Criminal Justice can provide you with biblically-based training to lead effectively in your field with integrity.
With our general track and specializations in homeland security and leadership, you can diversify your opportunities for career advancement. You will be taught by professors who integrate biblical values into each course, providing a well-rounded education based on the principle of integrity, which is highly regarded in the field of criminal justice.
What Will You Study in the Ph.D. in Criminal Justice Online Degree?
- Transnational organized crime
- Advanced topics in terrorism and intelligence
- Criminal justice organizational conflict
- Stress management in criminal justice
Our flexible and affordable Ph.D. in Criminal Justice offers a general track as well as two specializations: homeland security and leadership. The core courses within the program provide training in crime causation, international crime rings, advanced juvenile justice and corrections policy, and terrorism.
- Our homeland security specialization provides advanced training in cybersecurity, counterterrorism, and counterintelligence strategies.
- Our leadership specialization provides an advanced study of criminal justice leadership techniques, strategic planning, and advanced HR development.
Potential Career Options
- Administration/management (federal, state, or local)
- Administrator (department chair, dean, chancellor)
- Crime scene investigation unit manager
- Criminal investigator
- Forensics investigator
- Police chief
- Polygraph examiner/operator
- Prison warden
- Professor/instructor
- Researcher
- Sheriff
- Writer (textbooks, criminal justice theory)
Benefits of Earning Our Ph.D. in Criminal Justice Online
As a leader in distance education since 1985, we understand what it takes to create a flexible and affordable education for busy people. Since we have been investing in distance and online learning for decades, our experience has taught us how to streamline our degree options so you can focus on what really matters to you. While many schools offer online degrees, we believe Liberty stands out.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Our online programs are backed by our brick-and-mortar campus – ranked among Niche.com’s Top 5 College Campuses in America – and that commitment to excellence extends to our online students as well. Earning your online Ph.D. in Criminal Justice degree from a nonprofit university with this kind of recognition can help set you apart from others in your field.
- The majority of tuition for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs has not increased in 9 years. While many other online colleges have raised tuition, Liberty has been able to keep costs low as a nonprofit university.
Military Tuition Discount
We want to help you find the doctoral degree you want — at a price you’ve earned. As a thank-you for your military service, Liberty University offers eligible current and former service members like you or your spouse multiple pathways to earn a doctoral degree for only $300/credit hour. Here’s how:
- If you’re earning or have earned a master’s degree through Liberty, you automatically qualify for the low price (when you begin within 2 years of your master’s completion).
- If you haven’t earned a graduate degree through Liberty, our Executive Certificate program allows you to pay only $300/credit hour for a postgraduate certificate that can stand alone or potentially count as the first 21 hours of a related doctoral degree. Then pay just $300/credit hour for your doctorate. Learn more!
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Credit Hours
Class Type
100% online, 8-week courses
Transfer Credits
Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total
Next Start Date
Jun 23, 2025
Accreditation
Liberty University is accredited by SACSCOC
Maximize Your Time
- 100% online programs at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral level.*
- Earn credit for prior learning.
- Transfer in up to 75% of a bachelor’s degree.
- Transfer in up to 50% of a master’s degree.
* excludes licensure, certification, and some doctoral programs
Your goals on your time
We are committed to helping you achieve your goals and complete your degree as quickly as possible. One of our admissions counselors is ready to assist you with starting the process.
Contact Us: (800) 424-9595
Why Choose Liberty University?
Prepare for a Career
Go from merely surviving in your current job to thriving in the career of your dreams.
Enjoy Flexible Courses
Complete assignments at your own pace, at a time convenient to you within each week.
Access Academic Support
Access our electronic and print resources through the Jerry Falwell Library, writing resources, study aids, and IT support.
Grow in Your Faith
Each of our programs is grounded in biblical principles, and our professors consider teaching to be more than a job – it’s their calling.
Liberty’s online courses give you the ability to choose when and where you study.
Financing Options
Financial Aid
87% of all Liberty students in an online program are awarded financial aid.
Tuition Discounts
Available for military service members, including active duty, reserve, veterans, and their spouses, as well as emergency response personnel.
Corporate Tuition Assistance
Deferred – If your company reimburses you for the cost of your education, you submit your grades to your employer who pays you, and then you pay for your classes.
Other Payment Options are Available
Contact one of our admissions counselors for more information by calling (800) 424-9595.
An Accredited Private Education Made for You
As a nonprofit university, we have been pioneering distance education since 1985 and offer a unique and proven approach to online education.
Along with our advanced accreditations, we also have been recognized by the following organizations for our excellence in education.
Our online programs are backed by our brick-and-mortar campus – ranked among Niche.com’s Top 5 College Campuses in America – and that commitment to excellence extends to our online students as well.