Liberty University

What you'll study

The curriculum begins with core doctoral-level criminal justice study and research methods and moves into advanced policy and organizational topics. Core and featured courses listed include:

• CJUS 700 – Theories of Crime
• CJUS 701 – Comparative Criminal Justice Systems
• CJUS 702 – Advanced Juvenile Justice Policy
• CJUS 703 – Advanced Corrections Policy

Research and applied topics in the program examine transnational crime, organizational conflict, terrorism and intelligence, and stress management in criminal justice. Students choosing the Homeland Security specialization study areas such as intelligence/counterintelligence, weapons of mass destruction and CBRNE, counterterrorism, and risk management. The Leadership specialization emphasizes strategic management and advanced human resources in criminal justice organizations. General-track students mix 700–900 level Helms School courses to tailor study to individual goals.

Entry requirements

The program is administered by the Helms School of Government and accepts transfer credit toward the doctorate (up to 50% of the degree total for graduate/doctoral transfer). Liberty notes no standardized testing requirement for admission; applicants should consult the school for specific application materials and any course approvals or prerequisites that some classes may require.

Career prospects

Graduates are positioned for senior and specialized roles across public safety, policy, academia, and security. Potential career paths identified by the program include:

• Compliance manager
• Crime scene investigation unit manager
• Criminal justice professor
• Federal agent
• Police chief or sheriff
• Police detective
• Prison warden
• Public policy advisor
• Threat assessment analyst

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Liberty highlights flexibility and affordability for online study and states many of its online tuition rates rank in the top 35% for affordability versus leading online competitors for 2026. Prospective students should review institutional aid pages and contact the university for details on scholarships, assistantships, and other funding options applicable to doctoral students.