Why Earn Your Criminal Justice Degree at Saint Leo University?
Earning your doctorate degree in criminal justice online at Saint Leo University will provide greater opportunities for advancement in your career. The College of Arts, Sciences, and Allied Services online Doctor of Criminal Justice in Homeland Security provides an advanced study for those who are interested in furthering their criminal justice careers, growing their knowledge base, and enhancing their professional practice in this field.
Graduates of the DCJ program with a specialization in Homeland Security can expect to have acquired and honed the skills necessary to become top leaders within criminal justice organizations and private-sector firms. Saint Leo is excited and honored to take an active part in that growth, which is why this degree is now offered via the college’s convenient online format, along with three short residencies held on long weekends throughout the course of the program at University Campus in Florida, as well as at Saint Leo’s Education Center in Savannah, GA.
This online Doctor of Criminal Justice in homeland security degree offers a comprehensive curriculum on the ins-and-outs of homeland security best practices and strategic decision-making in terms of protecting the United States from ongoing and ever-increasing threats.
Learning Experience:
Online
Est. Time to Complete:
3-4 years
Credit Hours:
60 hours
Doctorate of Criminal Justice: Homeland Security Program Details
The online DCJ homeland security program is a cohort model, providing the flexibility of online courses with three short residencies held throughout the program. This enables students to customize the coursework to their home and work schedules, while still providing the opportunity to engage with one another, further actualizing their course, program, and professional goals.
Learn Your Way:
Online, On Campus, or Near You
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What are the on-campus facilities like?
Students who pursue their degrees at Saint Leo’s main campus near sunny Tampa Bay, Florida, join a community of enthusiastic learners just like them.
Criminal justice students enjoy plenty of engaging learning opportunities both inside and outside the classroom, as well as exciting departmental events.
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What are the benefits of earning your criminal justice degree online?
Saint Leo University’s online learning experience provides a well-rounded education with the flexibility to tailor your course of study to meet your individual needs. We know our students have lives outside school, and we seek to meet them where they are. Online students can count on receiving excellent academics as well as opportunities for hands-on learning.
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Taking online classes has afforded me the opportunity to learn while maintaining a job. They give me some flexibility to study at times that work more cohesively with my schedule and allow me to utilize resources such as the library 24 hours a day.
Bentley Streat | Hayes, VA
Are education centers near you offering criminal justice degree programs?
You may also choose to pursue your degree through one of our education centers, which merge a traditional in-person education with the flexibility to match your lifestyle. Education centers offer eight-week academic terms as well as evening and weekend classes.
Specialization Options
Saint Leo University offers specialization options for criminal justice students. You can customize your degree to match your passions by choosing one of the following concentrations.
The online PhD Criminal Justice Education track's curriculum prepares learners for careers in teaching and criminal justice while allowing them to achieve proficiency in research, leadership, and ethical application of processes so they can have the greatest influence on this profession.
- EDU 706 - Instructional Technology
- EDU 709 - Technology Innovation and Diffusion
- EDU 723 - Power of Teacher Leader Innovation
The online doctorate in Criminal Justice Homeland Security track's curriculum prepares learners for careers in homeland security and criminal justice while allowing them to achieve proficiency in research, leadership, and ethical application of processes.
- DCJ 707 - Systems Approach to Homeland Security
- DCJ 712 - Terrorism, Domestic Radicalization
- DCJ 722 - Organizational and Community Resilience
The Human Services specialization receive (18) credits hours, providing the student with a terminal degree in Criminal Justice & Human Services.
Career Outlook
No matter which learning experience you choose, you will receive plenty of professional development opportunities, industry knowledge from expert professors, and support from the Saint Leo community. All this together means that you will be ready for a successful career or continued studies upon graduation.
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How will you gain real experience?
Classroom learning is only part of the criminal justice degree program at Saint Leo University. We also know the value of hands-on experience. That is why internships and research projects are built into the curriculum. Saint Leo has a strong relationship with many internship organizations across the country, including Boys & Girls Club and Head Start.
Plus, our Career Services center is always available to help connect you with a variety of other experiential learning opportunities to fit your individual career goals.
What are the top criminal justice degree jobs?
| Career | Growth | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary Teacher | 12% (Faster than average) | $80,560 per year |
| Lawyer | 9% (As fast as average) | $126,930 per year |
| Executive | 8% (As fast as average) | $107,680 per year |
From the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020.
Student Stories
"Saint Leo's online MBA program in Supply Chain Management provided me the opportunity for flexible learning alongside other supply chain professionals in my industry. With this MBA, I expanded upon educational and professional abilities within the field of Supply Chain Operations."
Paige Holt- MBA Student specializing in Supply Chain Management
Paige is one of our MBA students who has taken full advantage of the opportunities offered by Saint Leo's online MBA program in Supply Chain Management.
“Learning ignites my passion to seek and find information that intrigues my soul, spirit, and mind. Education at Saint Leo University has had an extremely positive influence on my life and my development as a person. It has made me more confident and enabled me to steer into my destiny. Saint Leo University has provided me with different learning experiences that has enabled me to branch out and work with people effectively. It has helped me develop a great amount of self-discipline and, aside from teaching me some very important life skills, Saint Leo University has opened many doors for my future.”
Karen Sislava Reyes - MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ACCOUNTING
Karen came to Saint Leo from Flagler College where she earned her undergraduate accounting degree. Karen has worked as an intern for CliftonLarsonAllen. She plans on sitting for the CPA exam this year and will then pursue a doctorate degree.
''As a graduate now pursuing my masters of science in accounting, I’m even more thankful for how well Saint leo equipped me and not just educationally but as a leader, student, and even on a personal level. It is truly a privilege to have been taught by professors whose efforts go beyond the classroom.”
Tayhana Taylor - Undergrad Bachelor of Science- Accounting
Tayhana has completed four prestigious internships, including two with the BIG 4 CPA firms of Ernst & Young and Deloitte in New York City. These internships were highly competitive, and Tayhana engaged in both audit and tax while in these roles, gaining experience with leading-edge accounting protocols. She has been offered a full-time position with Deloitte in 2025. Tayhana has published three articles with faculty in the Tapia College of Business. The most recent titled, "The Impact of COVID-19 on the Airline Industry," was published in the Journal of Finance and Accountancy in Fall 2023
Saint Leo University has truly been a stepping stone for me. When I entered this university 4 years ago, I was unaware of what I’d be like when I left. Now, 3 weeks away from graduating, I am so thankful that I was a student here. Your time at Saint Leo University is what you make of it, and Saint Leo students are provided with so much opportunity to succeed.
O'shea Williams - Bachelor of Arts Developmental Psychology
“Saint Leo is not just an academic institution, it’s a formation institution. Saint Leo embraced me for who I am, showed faith that I could be my best, and solidified the light that was shining within me.”
Charles Onyeneke ’17
University Campus, Theology
“As a child, my great-grandmother taught me how to pray and to lean on God. Saint Leo inspired us all to learn with compassion and reminded me to keep the faith.”
Brent Patterson ’21
Center for Online Learning, Religious Studies
Accreditation
Saint Leo University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees.