Share | Print

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Safety

School of Public Service Leadership

Criminal Justice specialization

Make a difference in your career and your community through this Criminal Justice PhD specialization designed to prepare you to initiate positive change in the criminal justice system. The intensive program includes online course work, residencies, and research that address the complex issues surrounding criminal behavior, prevention and intervention, the penal system, and the development of public policy strategies at the community, state, and national levels. People who choose this doctoral specialization are often pursuing high-level positions in higher education, a research or consulting agency, a public policy group, or other criminal justice-related organizations.

View or post comments

Read what others have to say about this specialization, or leave your own comment, and be sure to check back often to converse with others about their Capella experiences.

Total Program: 120 quarter credits
Up to 48 quarter credits may be transferred into this specialization
Admission Requirements Icon indicating PDF
Next Start Date: June 4, 2012
Quarter - Coursework: $4,596 §
Up to 3 courses per quarter
Quarter - Comps/Diss: $4,125 §

Many of our learners receive aid.

Estimate your cost and aid now.

§ New prices may apply July 9, 2012. Icon indicating PDF

Course Demonstration
Sign-up for Free Course
Image of Charles Tiffin, Capella University faculty chair in Public Safety which offers online public safety courses Image of Charles Tiffin, Capella University faculty chair in Public Safety which offers online public safety courses

Meet the faculty & staff who will support your academic success.»


Residency requirements: Three 4-day weekend experiences

Learn about the residential colloquia experience.
In addition to your online courses, you will complete 3 residential colloquia, each of which includes a 4-day weekend experience, at specific stages in your program. These energizing residencies provide you with insights and knowledge that will be valuable during your PhD studies and beyond.

Doctoral colloquia each have 3 steps:

Step 1: Colloquium Courseroom (opens approximately 2 weeks prior to Weekend Experience)
Step 2: Weekend Experience (4-day residency)
Step 3: Colloquium CourseroomAssessment and evaluation (completed the week after the Weekend Experience)

What is the cost to attend?

The price for each colloquium is $1,495 (pricing is subject to periodic adjustment), but doesn't include costs for evening meals or travel. You'll be responsible for making your hotel reservations and travel arrangements.
  • Learn more about residency requirements.
  • Get more detailed information and learn how the residency experiences will enrich your learning at Capella University. Speak with an enrollment counselor at 1.877.269.7780.
Visit Capella's Leadership in Public Service Site

Connect. Collaborate. Lead.

Gain more value from your degree

Expand your educational and career opportunities by choosing one of Capella's degree enrichment options.

  • Add a concentration to gain deeper expertise

    Delve more deeply into a specific knowledge area by earning a concentration that will be included on your transcript and can enhance your career opportunities. If you have elective courses in your degree program, you may be able to use them to fulfill both your degree and concentration requirements at the same time. However, completing a concentration may extend your total credits beyond the requirements of your degree.

    Concentrations available as part of this specialization include:
    • Fire Service Administration
    • Forensics
    • Health Policy and Management
    • Homeland Security
    • Public Administration
    • Public Health
    • Public Policy and Management
    • Nonprofit Management and Leadership

Core Courses (each course 4 quarter credits unless noted)

  • PSF8002 - Advanced Research in Public Safety Issues, Theories, and Concepts
  • PSF8601 - Contemporary Public Safety Leadership
  • PSF8603 - Management and Leadership Theory
  • PSF8634 - Public Safety Incident Command Paradigms
  • PSF8606 - Diversity Issues in Public Safety
  • PSF8106 - Epistemology of Practice Knowledge
  • PSF8100 - Fundamentals of Social Science Research*
  • HS8122 - Quantitative Research Methods in Public Service*
  • HS8123 - Advanced Qualitative Research Methods in Public Service*
  • HS8124 - Advanced Study in Research Methods in Public Service*

Specialization Courses (each course 4 quarter credits unless noted)

  • PSF8350 - Sociological Theories of Crime
  • PSF8354 - Psychological and Biological Theories of Criminal Behavior
  • PSF8358 - Law and Legal Foundations
  • PSF8362 - Criminal Justice Policy Analysis
  • PSF8374 - Current Research on Violent Behavior
  • PSF8376 - Correlates of Crime
  • PSF8377 - The Penal System: Its Role in the U.S. Society
  • PSF9919 - Doctoral Comprehensive Examination*
  • PSF9920 - Dissertation Courseroom* - non-credit
  • PSF9921 - Dissertation Research 1* - 5 quarter credits
  • PSF9922 - Dissertation Research 2* - 5 quarter credits
  • PSF9923 - Dissertation Research 3* - 5 quarter credits
  • PSF9924 - Dissertation Research 4* - 5 quarter credits

Seven Elective Courses

  • Choose any graduate course(s).
* This course has a prerequisite. Contact an enrollment counselor for more information.

Course Descriptions

Receive via email a full description of all Capella University courses.

Receive our newsletter

  • Average salary by degree
  • Tips to reduce your costs
  • How to make the most out of your education
Subscribe to our free e-Newsletter
Privacy Policy

If you're interested in overseeing emergency organizations, teaching or consulting on the effective management of complex emergency situations, consider our PhD specialization in Emergency Management. If you plan to lead, teach, or consult in public safety areas such as law enforcement, fire services, emergency management, criminal justice, or corrections, Capella offers a PhD specialization in Public Safety Leadership.


We also offer a Master of Public Health (MPH) with a General Public Health specialization to help you deepen your knowledge of public health concept, theories and practices for managerial roles in government, private, or community-based public health organizations.



a

Final Leg of the Journey

July 8, 2010Denny The road was long and the journey challenging but the end result will be worth the effort. The learning experience has been great, the faculty excellent. I strongly encourage dedicated lifelong learns to pursue advanced degrees.

Confused with PhD in Philosophy instead of Criminal Justice

May 8, 2011Tina Why is it that Capella offers a PhD in Philosophy instead of a PhD in Criminal Justice directly? Would your actual degree say doctorate of criminal justice of philosophy. I don't get it. If you earn a PhD in Philosophy and a job requires a PhD in criminal justice, you will not qualify for the job because the degree is not in the content. Could someone explain. Thank you.

Real?

July 14, 2010CJ Is this even a real degree?

Teaching

March 8, 2011Matthew I attended Capella and found the courses to be rewarding and valuable. I received my MA in Criminal Justice from American Military University, online, and am now happily teaching as a faculty member of Criminal Justice. I will be completing my JD in about two years and plan to return to Capella to complete my PhD. Capella is a great investment and wish all that attend the best of luck and congratulations on a wonderful choice.

Crminal Justice phd

February 20, 2011Katty I have a question for those of you that have completed the criminal justice PhD. How is the examination that you have to take before completing the PhD. What does it consist of....is it HARD?

Ph.D or not

June 9, 2011JF I have read through the blog and I received my BA in a traditional brick and mortar school and my MBA on-line. In some aspects the on-line program is more difficult because you don't have the classroom question and anser time or debate. On the other hand, you can do most of your work when you want to do it. I have been in the CJ fielf for 34 years and have been toying with getting a Ph.D. My challenge is that I am 56 years old and don't see a payback. It would have to be a personal goal, which my MBA was. To me, the cost is what is stopping me. I do not want to pay $4500.00 per quarter and can't take 3 classes per quarter because I do have a life and job. If the cost was per class, it may be different. But, don't let an on-line program stop you from doing it. I lok for accreditation first, then the school. Good luck.

PhD

October 14, 2011Anthony How long does each course per quarter take and what is the full amount of years to finish a PhD and how much does it cost for the entire PhD?

Phd inj crminal justice or social work

November 4, 2010Kesha It looks like Capella is an awesome school. I am torn between getting my phd in criminal justice or social work. Where would a job offer come from if i get my degree in criminal justice?

Criminal Justice Jobs

March 25, 2011Kim I am thinking about getting my Phd in criminal justice but i am not sure what kind of job i can when i have completed my phd..... After all of the hard work, I plan to land a GREAT JOB in the criminal justice field... I know I can become a professor but other than that what typen of job can i apply for with a phd in criminalo justice... If anyone know can i get some feedback please... Thanks Kim

Satisfaction

August 30, 2011Nikita I am completely satisfied with my current experience at Capella. The professors are courteous, advisors go the extra mile to assist me whenever I have a question or need. I am happy here and recommend Capella to others. Nikita Ziemer
Image of enrollment counselor from the team that specializes in Capella's human services degree programs
Image of enrollment counselor from the team that specializes in Capella's human services degree programs

1.866.933.5943 Call Hours

Request a university guide Start your admission application
Education pays off

Get the facts about the value of higher education

Last Viewed

Most Recent

Ready to Apply?
Apply for admission | Or call: 1.888.227.2736

Looking to take a single course?
Register for a single course | Or call: 1.877.295.6791