About this Program

The Ph.D. in Criminology and Criminal Justice is a sociological criminology program that highlights social inequality and public policy in the study of crime and justice issues. The program produces scholars with strong backgrounds in the substantive areas of criminology, criminal justice, theory, inequality, and policy as well as in research methods and statistics. Designed primarily for students who are interested in pursuing careers in higher education, the course offerings also provide students the education and skills needed to be employed as researchers in public and private agencies. Graduates are prepared as scholars able to conduct research, teach college and university courses in their areas of specialization, and to provide service to the discipline and community.

Program Highlights

  • UNDERGRADUATE MAJORS 1000+

  • FULL-TIME FACULTY 23

  • PH.D STUDENTS CURRENTLY ENROLLED 12

AT A GLANCE
Degree Level
Graduate
Degree Earned
Doctor of Philosophy
Delivery Modes
On-Campus

Careers

Check out these ideas from ODU Career Development Services and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.

Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other

$79,050 Median Salary

All postsecondary social sciences teachers not listed separately.

Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary

$68,980 Median Salary

Teach courses in criminal justice, corrections, and law enforcement administration. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives

$91,590 Median Salary

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of members of police force.

Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other

$83,230 Median Salary

All social scientists and related workers not listed separately.

Alumni Careers

Kennesaw State University
Radford University
Columbus State University

Requirements

What are the requirements to apply for Criminology & Criminal Justice at ODU?
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.     

For Admission to the Criminology & Criminal Justice Program

GPA

A minimum of 3.25 (on a 4.0 scale) overall for the master’s degree;

TOEFL

At least 540 and/or an interview in which the applicant’s comprehension and fluency in English can be assessed.

Cost

Estimated rates for the 2023-24 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Anyone that is not a current Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.

Virginia Resident
Cost Per-Credit $599
Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States
Cost Per-Credit $623
Non-Resident
Cost Per-Credit $1,439

Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ODU. For more information visit University Student Financial aid

We offer competitive assistant-ships to qualified applicants

Contact

Associate Professor

6046 BATTEN ARTS & LETTERS
NORFOLK, 23523