Doctorate Degree in Criminology

Criminology is the scientific study of crime as a social phenomenon, of criminals, and of penal treatment (Merriam-Webster Online). A degree in criminology prepares you for a plethora of job opportunities that revolves around criminal justice, law enforcement, sociology, political science, forensics, psychology, and more. There are several academic pathways to become a criminologist: a two-year associate’s degree, the traditional four-year bachelor’s degree, a three-year master’s degree, and the coveted doctorate degree. We will be focusing on the PhD studies.

What is a doctorate degree in criminology?

A doctorate degree is post-graduate program that enables students to achieve a PhD title as a criminologist. This entails more advanced and in-depth studies in specific areas in criminology. A PhD is considered as the highest form of study with regards to criminology.

One of the perks of pursuing a PhD program in criminology is the option to specialize in a particular area that you are interested in. Common areas of concentration include, but not limited to the following:

• Education in criminology – a good choice for students wishing to pursue a teaching job in the criminology academe.
• Applied statistics in criminal justice – this enables you to land a job in special federal intelligence agencies and the like.
• Victimology – this preps you for more in-depth psychological studies on victims, the science behind their behaviour and the social implications it causes.
• Forensic science – this is a highly advanced branch in criminology that is most sought after nowadays due to the increase need of solving crime more efficiently.

What are the requirements for admission?

One of the essential requirements to qualify for admission to a doctorate degree in criminology is completion of a master’s degree of the same course. For this, you must be able to present your diploma, as well as your transcript of records.

• Academic requirements also apply. Most doctorate program look for students that bear grades in major criminology subjects not less than C. A GPA of at least 2.0 is also most favourable if you wish to pursue a PhD in criminology.
• English proficiency examinations such as the TOEFL and IELTS in the US setting are also basic requirements for such program. Oral and written communication skills are a must for criminologists as the discipline entails much-needed interaction with people and the law.

How long does it take to finish?

For a traditional doctorate degree program, it takes about 4 to 5 years of full-time study to finish the course. A maxed-out, full-time schedule may save you 1 to 2 years of study. A part-time or online program may also entail an additional 1 year on top of the usual length of time for completion;however, some schools offer a condensed type of program that enables students to finish the coursework the same length as with a traditional program.

With a PhD in criminology, you are all set to take in higher job positions with better salary compensation. Completion of such degree also boosts up your self-esteem.