Why Earn Your Doctor of Criminal Justice Degree in Human Services at Saint Leo University?
The Doctor of Criminal Justice at Saint Leo University prepares students to make important contributions within an increasingly dynamic and complex domain. The program enables students to critically assess theoretical concepts, intervention modalities, public policy, social order issues, as well as a broad range of criminal justice practices that impact law enforcement, corrections, and the courts. The curriculum prepares learners for careers in teaching, homeland security, human services, and criminal justice while allowing them to achieve proficiency in research, leadership, and the ethical application of processes so they can have the greatest influence on this profession.
The Human Services specialization receive (18) credits hours, providing the student with a terminal degree in Criminal Justice & Human Services.
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Doctor of Criminal Justice Degree in Human Services Program Details
The online Doctorate in Criminal Justice with a specialization in Human Services at Saint Leo University is designed for individuals aiming to advance their careers in the criminal justice field by developing expertise in human services. The program focuses on the integration of criminal justice and human services principles to enhance leadership and administrative roles in various criminal justice settings.
Classes in Program
This course will introduce the human services discipline by providing the historical context and the evolution of the human services profession. Theoretical models and the discipline’s professional ethical standards and codes of conduct that today’s professional apply in everyday practice will be examined. The origins of the profession and ways in which philosophical and ideological perspectives have defined the fields of practice in numerous settings and serving various populations will be studied.
This course will employ a hands-on approach ultimately culminating in a hypothetical program evaluation and service-level improvement by completing weekly process goals, to include analysis of a completed needs assessment survey. In the process of learning evaluation techniques and skills, students will become proficient at critically analyzing evaluation studies conducted by others. The course will provide students with all materials needed in order to evaluate the complex program presented and complete tasks to ultimately modify it by the end of the term.
This course examines public policy analysis and covers key theoretical dimensions of policy analysis. The topics will include a range of policy tools that decision makers draw from to achieve policy objectives and various forms of policy evaluation methods in the execution of public policy. This course provides opportunities to interpret complex and conflicting data, evaluate alternative courses of action and discover the consequences of policy choices. Students will develop a policy research and modeling skillset in considering complex, real-world issues involving multiple actors with diverse interests, information uncertainty, institutional complexity, and ethical controversy.
This course will provide a systematic review of the wide range of cultures and individual differences and the ways in which cultural mores, ethnocentrism, and factors such as matters of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, customs and cultures impact behavior of the individual themselves and of those around them. Concepts, models, frameworks, and communication that occur in cross-cultural situations will be discussed and applied. This course will examine both analytical and practical approaches to cultural competency.
This course examines the theories and research underlying the political, economic, and social structures related to community organizations within contemporary society. Students analyze methods of creating engaging communities and social justice organizations that empower and support individuals to work together to initiate social justice change. The course presents a framework for how community engagement organizations can advance their social justice mission through strategic partnerships that utilize their core competencies.
This course introduces to the process of grantsmanship using a step-by-step approach.
Strategic use of research skills to match need to proposed program and program to funding foundation will be discussed. This course will cover the key components in grant proposal writing
Learn Your Way:
Online
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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.
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
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.