The sequence for completing the doctoral program in criminal justice covers a four-year period. In the first two terms, the student takes the required courses and two electives. In the third term, the student takes additional electives and the qualifying examination. In the term in which the qualifying examination is completed, the student forms a Core Area Committee. The student and the Committee file a core area plan with the Ph.D. committee. During the third year, the student completes the course work for the Ph.D. and takes the core area examination. At the end of the third year, the student presents a dissertation prospectus. In the fourth year, the dissertation is defended.

Specific credit requirements include:

1. The Ph.D. in criminal justice requires a minimum of 84 credits for the doctorate.

2. A minimum of 24 credits in dissertation research must be taken toward the degree.

3. The minimum total requirement in nonresearch courses is 60 credits.

4. No more than 3 credits with a grade of C are allowed.

5. No credits for undergraduate courses may be used for the degree.

6. No more than 50 percent of a student`s formal course work, up to a maximum of 24 credits, may be taken in professional courses.

7. Up to 30 graded credits may be transferred from other graduate degree-granting institutions. (See Transfer of Credit.)

8. Both full- and part-time enrollment are permitted.

Courses taken to satisfy the requirements for the master`s degree may, with approval, be counted toward the doctorate.