Unlock Your Future with a Leading-Edge PhD in Criminology at TROY
Do you want to inspire the next generation of criminologists? Are you interested in
conducting groundbreaking research and shaping public policy that makes a meaningful
contribution to the criminal justice field? At Troy University, our PhD in Criminology
will help you better understand the complexities of crime and justice in society.
Whether you want to pursue research, policy or teach, our online PhD in Criminology
will prepare you to address complex issues within our criminal justice system.
“If you are planning to pursue a PhD in Criminology, our program provides excellent
opportunities for you to deepen your knowledge in the field. Our program is designed
to help you achieve your professional goals, such as teaching at higher education
institutions and advancing your career. The faculty members will help you develop
strong research and statistical skills, as well as theoretical knowledge. With the
in-depth knowledge you gain, you will be equipped to address complex issues of crime
and justice and conduct research in the area of criminology that contributes to positive
change in the field.”
Dr. Halil Akbas | Associate Professor | Associate Chair / Graduate Director | Department of Anthropology,
Sociology and Criminology
Learn from Top-Notch Faculty Who Are Experts and Mentors
At TROY, our faculty members are leaders in the field. They've held high-level criminology jobs and have research interests spanning the profession — from policing strategies and
human trafficking to cybercrime and digital forensics. They bring a wealth of experience
from their own careers in criminology and are dedicated to supporting you throughout your studies. You'll learn from these
distinguished scholars in online PhD in criminology courses. You'll also join them in research efforts and receive invaluable mentorship
as they prepare you for criminology careers as an educator, researcher or public servant.
Take Your Learning into the Field with TROY's PhD in Criminology
As you pursue careers in criminology, experience matters. At TROY, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of advanced criminology and criminal justice system practices as you put your studies in motion. You'll have
the chance to conduct research that addresses areas such as crime prevention or justice
reform. You'll enhance your expertise through practicums or leading lectures as you
prepare to shape the next generation. These opportunities are instrumental in preparing
you for criminology career opportunities wherever you call home.
At TROY, you'll gain a deep understanding of criminal justice theories, research
methodologies and policy applications through our online PhD programs. The program
requires 60 credit hours with 24 hours of required program and research courses. Complete
your core courses and then chart your own path — choosing specialized PhD in Criminology
courses that fit your interests and needs. You might take courses such as:
Are you looking for online PhD programs in criminology? Get the flexibility you need at TROY, where you can take classes completely online
and on your schedule. For more information about program availability and delivery options, call 1-800-414-5756.
Drive Change as You Tackle a PhD in Criminology Research Project
At TROY, you'll gain valuable expertise as you work alongside a faculty member on
an advanced criminology research thesis.
As a PhD in criminology online student, you'll take a deep dive into an area of criminology and justice policy,
building valuable experience. This allows you to explore and generate new research
ideas, gain added expertise with research methods and share your findings — whether
in leading journals or at conferences. These experiences will help you stand out for
criminology jobs in academia, research and beyond.
What Can You Do with a PhD in Criminal Justice or Criminology?
Unlike some PhD programs in criminology, we offer a flexible program tailored to your professional aspirations. With our
PhD in Criminology, you'll have the knowledge, skills, tools and techniques to make positive change
in the field. You'll be able to apply critical knowledge about criminology and crime
prevention perspectives to real-world events. You'll also find a growing job market
in both the public and private sectors, including with community agencies, government,
nonprofits or higher education institutions.
TROY's PhD in Criminology will open doors to many criminology career opportunities, including in roles such as:
Criminal justice administrator
Criminology professor
Forensic research specialist
Law enforcement consultant
Policy advisor
Public policy analyst
Research director
Faculty Profiles
Dr. Halil Akbas
Dr. Halil Akbas is the Graduate Director and Associate Professor of criminal justice
and criminology. His main research interests include the study of policing strategies,
immigration, human trafficking and terrorism. Dr. Akbas teaches graduate courses in
law enforcement, criminal justice policy, homeland security and more.
Dr. Andrew Tatch is the Associate Chair and Assistant Professor of Sociology. His
main research interests focus on social stratification, substance use, impaired driving,
and health disparities. He has published work on topics such as college student drinking,
impaired driving predictors by gender, mental illness, and employment outcomes for
those with visual impairments.
Dr. Soheil Sabriseilabi is an Assistant Professor of Sociology and Criminology. His
interests include the role of public opinion, especially in regard to religious forces,
on the legalization of unnatural death. He has published papers about the effect of
religious beliefs on attitudes toward capital punishment, abortion and euthanasia.
Dr. Jolene Vincent is an Assistant Professor of Sociology and Criminology. Her main
research includes lethal and non-lethal violence using quantitative and qualitative methods.
She also researches deviant leisure, homicide, human trafficking, racial disparities
in crime, opioid misuse and domestic violence.
Dr. Amanda Heitkamp is an Assistant Professor of Sociology and Criminology. She is
interested in exploring social norm violations, the effects of stigma, and deviant
behaviors and beliefs. She has led or co-led manuscripts related to criminological
theory, paranormal beliefs, conspiracy beliefs, stigma surrounding appearance, and
legal cynicism among those with criminal justice contact.
Dr. Gary Daniel is a Professor of Practice in Digital Forensics. Dr. Daniel currently
manages a digital forensics lab at Troy University and performs forensic examinations
and consults with various law enforcement agencies nationwide. Dr. Daniel has been
court-qualified as an expert in digital forensics and has testified as an expert witness
in cases ranging from fraud to murder.
Learn more about TROY's criminology PhD programs and what sets us apart.
How long does a PhD in Criminology take?
“It depends” is the answer to, “How long does a PhD in Criminologytake?” The time it will take is contingent on how many courses you enroll in each semester
and the amount of time you spend on your research thesis. You can complete a PhD in Criminology in as little as four years, but you have up to eight years to finish your degree.
What can you do with a PhD in Criminal Justice compared to a PhD in Criminology?
Both degrees offer opportunities in academia, research and policy, but the focus of
the work you'll do and the career paths you'll explore can vary significantly depending
on your specialization. A PhD in Criminal Justice is often geared toward the application of law enforcement practices, policy analysis
and criminal justice system management, leading to roles such as university professor,
policy analyst, or senior administrator within justice agencies. In contrast, a PhD in Criminology dives into the sociological and psychological aspects of crime, focusing on understanding
criminal behavior, which is ideal for careers in academic research, criminology theory,
policy advising or forensic analysis. While both paths intersect in their aim to understand
and address crime, criminal justice is more systems-oriented, whereas criminology
delves into the root causes and societal impacts of crime.
Can you get a PhD in Criminology entirely online?
Absolutely! At TROY, you can pursue a PhD in Criminology online from wherever you call home.
What is the job outlook for criminology careers?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers in criminology, which fall
under the category of sociologists, are projected to grow by 7% through 2033. This
rate is faster than the average for all occupations, reflecting a steady demand for
expertise in sociological research, including areas related to crime and criminal
behavior.
What are the admissions requirements for TROY's PhD programs in criminology?
To apply for the criminology PhD programs, you must hold a master's degree in criminal justice, criminology or sociology from
a regionally accredited university. Additionally, you need a minimum cumulative GPA
of 3.6 in all of your graduate coursework. The application process also includes submitting
a writing sample, a statement of intent, and providing three letters of recommendation.
