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Students entering the Doctor of Philosophy program in Criminology & Criminal Justice should meet the minimum university admission requirements (Graduate Admission)

• A completed master’s degree (or its equivalent) in criminology, criminal justice, or in an appropriate field (e.g., administration of justice, sociology, or political science) from a regionally accredited institution of higher education – a thesis is generally expected; 

• The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required of all applicants; 

• Successful completion of prior coursework in research methods and statistics at least equivalent to that required by the ODU B.A. in sociology/criminal justice and M.A. degree in applied sociology (research methods, statistics, computer and data analysis); 

• Three letters of reference from sources capable of commenting on the applicant’s readiness for advanced graduate study in criminology & criminal justice; 

• A writing sample of at least 20 double-spaced pages on a topic related to the applicant’s expertise or area of interest; 

• A typed statement of approximately 1,000 words summarizing the individual's motivation for applying to the program as well as the professional contributions s/he intends to make assuming successful completion of the degree; 

• If the applicant’s native language is not English, a current score for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) of at least 540 and/or an interview in which the applicant’s comprehension and fluency in English can be assessed.