Keiser University

What you'll study

The program totals 44 credit hours delivered across 16 courses in 8‑week terms; Keiser estimates a time to completion of 20–32 months and permits up to 18 transfer credits in some cases. Students must complete one Doctoral Residency before beginning the Applied Doctoral Project sequence. The course groupings and listed courses are:

• Foundation courses (3.0 credit hours each): Proseminar in Criminal Justice and Criminology; Criminological Theory; Advanced Criminological Theory; Criminal Justice Policies and Practices; Police and Society; Criminal Justice Program Evaluation; Advanced Criminal Justice Leadership; Special Topics; Crime and Punishment.
• Research courses (3.0 credit hours each): Advanced Research Design; Quantitative Research I; Qualitative Research.
• Applied Doctoral Project: 8 credit hours delivered as four courses of 2 credits each.

Entry requirements

Applicants may enter the Doctor of Criminal Justice with a master’s degree from an accredited institution. Additional admission steps and state licensure disclosures are referenced by the program; prospective students are encouraged to consult admissions for specifics.

Career prospects

The program targets practitioners seeking advancement in law enforcement, courts, homeland security, military promotion pathways, local law enforcement leadership, agency executive roles, policy analysis and applied research. Graduates are prepared to lead organizational reform, shape evidence‑based policy and conduct applied scholarship that informs practice.

Scholarships & funding angle

Keiser notes that financial aid is available for those who qualify and advises applicants to speak with a dedicated financial aid counselor to explore funding options. Time-to-degree and transfer credit allowances are estimates and can vary by individual circumstances.