Why Earn Your Criminal Justice Degree at Saint Leo University?
Saint Leo University's online doctorate in criminal justice program will take your career to the next level. The College of Arts, Sciences, and Allied Services online doctor of criminal justice in education degree specialization provides an advanced study for those who are interested in advancing their criminal justice careers, growing their knowledge base, and enhancing their professional practice in this field. This curriculum is geared toward those wanting to pursue teaching positions and other higher-level roles within various educational systems.
Graduates of the online DCJ program with a specialization in education can expect to have acquired and honed the skills necessary to become expert educators in a variety of academic and professional environments. Saint Leo is excited and honored to take an active part in that growth, which is why this degree is now offered via the school’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 education center in Savannah, GA.
In this program, doctorate students learn the skills necessary 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.
Learning Experience:
Online
Est. Time to Complete:
3-4 years
Credit Hours:
60 hours
Doctorate of Criminal Justice Program Details
The online doctorate in criminal justice program offers a comprehensive curriculum with a focus on the most effective methods of educating students on criminal justice. The online program is 60 credit hours in length and can be completed within three and a half years by attending classes in fall, spring, and summer terms.
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 Doctor of 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 Doctor of 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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What can you do with a doctorate in criminal justice degree?
Criminal justice in the realm of education comes in many facets, including traditional academic environments in colleges and universities, as well as for training purposes in professional development. Graduates with this doctoral degree may find opportunities as: leaders within other training facilities, instructors at community colleges, instructors at state colleges, instructors at universities, leaders at police academies, or academic researchers at institutions of higher education.
What are the top criminal justice degree jobs?
| Career | Growth | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary Teacher | 12% (Faster than average) | $80,560 per year |
| Educational Coordinator | 10% (As fast as average) | $66,970 per year |
| Postsecondary Education Administrator | 8% (As fast as average) | $97,500 per year |
From the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020.
College of Arts, Sciences, and Allied Services
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Saint Leo’s College of Arts, Sciences, and Allied Services offers students a holistic education that lays a strong foundation for critical and independent thinking. The curriculum is designed to help students broaden their horizons and build valuable skills sought by employers. From biology to sociology, the College offers 17 high-quality and flexible programs on campus, online, and through our education centers.
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.