The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) is designed to produce graduates who can apply interdisciplinary theory and a variety of research methodologies to the study of crime causation, societal responses to crime, and the administration of justice. The Ph.D. in Criminal Justice permits students to focus on various substantive crime-related issues while simultaneously developing a strong foundation in theory and research methods. The program prepares students for careers in college and university teaching and research, as well as advanced public-policy positions in government and private sectors.
Our faculty are trained in a variety of disciplines such as criminology, criminal justice, sociology, psychology, political science, public health, and public policy. Accordingly, doctoral student training is based on a multidisciplinary approach to the study of crime, responses to criminal behavior, and justice administration. Furthermore, students complete a sequence of advanced courses in research methods and statistics that prepares them to independently design, implement, and interpret research. Throughout the program there is an emphasis on the relationship between theory and practice, as well as the interconnected activities of the many agencies and professions involved in the criminal justice system. The program is individualized to allow students, working with a guidance committee, to shape a program of study that is broad in scope yet consistent with their specific interests. Through their research, teaching, and practice, graduates will be prepared to contribute to the prevention and control of crime and delinquency, and improvements in the efficacy of the criminal justice system and the fairness of outcomes it delivers to the public.
For further information regarding the doctoral program, please contact Graduate Program Coordinator, Mike Chapko.
In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Social Science, students must complete a minimum of 36 semester credits of course work and 24 credits of dissertation research, totaling a minimum of 60 semester credits. The program must be developed in consultation with a guidance committee and approved by the College of Social Science.
Students admitted directly from an undergraduate degree program must take CJ 811 (Design and Analysis of CJ Research) and CJ 887 (Quantitative Methods) as prerequisites to CJ 906, 907, 909, and 910. CJ 811 and CJ 887 may not be counted toward doctoral program requirements.
Students must complete 12 credits of additional courses at the 800-level or above, as approved by the student’s guidance committee. Three of the core master’s courses in criminal justice taught at MSU may not be used toward doctoral program requirements (CJ 811, CJ 812, CJ 887).
Students must complete two 3-credit doctoral-level research methods courses in the College of Social Science as approved by the student’s guidance committee. CJ 907 and CJ 909 may be repeated for credit and count toward this requirement when topics have changed.
Students will complete two qualifying papers (this is the program’s comprehensive exam requirement). Qualifying papers allow for the assessment of adequate student learning in criminological or criminal justice theory and research methods in criminology and criminal justice. Students will be expected to address unique research questions in their areas of study using the appropriate methods of analysis and should be able to contribute to the literature in ways consistent with high-quality peer-reviewed publications.
Students must submit and defend a dissertation reflecting original research focusing on a significant problem or issue in criminal justice. The guidance committee is responsible for providing direction for the student’s research. All program requirements, including oral defense and submission of the dissertation, must be completed within 8 years from the time of the first enrollment as a doctoral student.
MSU’s Graduate School has developed minimum education requirements for all graduate students regarding the Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research (RECR for short). RECR training is also a federal requirement for all graduate students and completion of the training must be tracked. The RECR requirements are outlined by The Graduate School at the following LINK.
Visit the Office of the Registrar for details about the requirements for this program.
Applications for the Criminal Justice doctoral program at MSU are screened for fall semester entry only. All application materials must be received by December 15th for consideration for the following fall semester. Applicants are typically notified of admission decisions within 6-8 weeks of the deadline. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
The graduate admissions committee takes a holistic approach to reviewing application materials. Committee members take into consideration all pieces of a student’s application rather than evaluating individual components. A deficiency in one aspect of a student’s application will not necessarily lead to a denial of admission.
An application for Graduate Study at Michigan State University may be submitted online here. The major code for the Criminal Justice doctoral program is 4725. After you begin your application, you will receive an email with a login and password. You will be prompted to upload the following documents and request letters of recommendation:
Please note: Applicants must have achieved a GPA of at least 3.0 in prior undergraduate and/or graduate work. While formal admission to the program does not require completion of a master's degree, the screening committee looks for a strong methodological and statistical background.
Program Information