Criminology (PhD)

A graduate of our Ph.D. in the Criminology program will be able to:

Articulate and possess a critical analysis of the central theories, perspectives, principles, and concepts of the discipline.

Demonstrate a mastery of multiple methodologies to conduct research on complex questions and social problems.

Demonstrate a capacity to communicate research findings to academic, policy, and lay audiences.

Conduct independent and collaborative research that is publishable in the criminological discipline’s core peer-reviewed journals and/or as an academic book.

Establish competency in teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels and a commitment to advancing pedagogical knowledge within one’s own teaching.

Incorporate ethical principles and practices into their research and teaching.

Recognize the cultural basis of criminology and acknowledge their own standpoint, with respect for the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Employ social science research strategies to resolve challenges and empower people, and advocate for social justice and equity.

Appreciate the landscape and professional norms of pursuing an academic, government, or non-profit sector career in the criminology discipline.

Program Policy Document:

Please see the Program Policy Document for more information.

Requirements For The Degrees

Requirements:

All new students are required to take a non-credit one-hour pro-seminar.

Ph.D. Requirements

Students are encouraged to: take a broad array of courses, go beyond these minimum course requirements in order to pursue additional learning opportunities, and consider courses outside the department.

Core Requirements:

SOCI 605 - Data Collection and Analysis Credit(s): 3
SOCI 614 - Advanced Data Analysis Credit(s): 3
SOCI 606 - Qualitative Methodology Credit(s): 3
SOCI 612 - Development of Sociological Theory Credit(s): 3
SOCI 835 - Theoretical Criminology I Credit(s): 3
SOCI 836 - Application of Criminological Theory and Empirical Tests Credit(s): 3
SOCI 698 - Teaching in the Social Sciences Credit(s): 1

One of the following:

SOCI 625 - Advanced Social Statistics Credit(s): 3
SOCI 676 - Advanced Qualitative Methods Credit(s): 3
PSYC 878 - Hierarchical Linear Modeling Credit(s): 3
Another course approved by the department methods comprehensive exam committee.

Elective Courses:

Students will take at least five elective courses in which the student invokes: criminological, law and society, or criminal justice related work from at least two substantive areas to assure breadth in criminology. Substantive areas include: Race, Gender, Disasters and the Environment, Criminology, Law and Society, Health, Methods, and Theory.
- We encourage students to pursue courses outside of the department. However, no more than two of the elective courses outside of the department will count towards degree.
- It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that students take SOCI 837 - Criminology and Systems of Criminal Justice within their elective selections.
Independent studies do not count as elective courses.

Comprehensive exam in Criminology and one additional area, except Social Deviance

SOCI 969 - Doctoral Dissertation Credit(s): 1-12 (9 credits)