The sequence for completing the doctoral program in criminal justice covers a four-year period. In the first two semesters, the student takes the required courses and two electives. In the third semester, the student takes additional electives and the qualifying examination. In the semester 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 coursework 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 72 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 48 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. Up to 18 graded credits may be transferred from other graduate degree-granting institutions. (See Transfer of Credit.)

7. A full-time, one-year residency (9 credits per semester for the first two semesters) is required for the first year of the program.  After the first year of the program, students may enroll part or full time for the remainder of the program.

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