Doctoral programs will appeal to individuals who already hold graduate degrees in such topics as police science, sociology and law. Students look to the curriculum to focus skills in a particular area of crime, criminals and law enforcement. A Ph.D. provides qualifications for a number of careers, such as working at the highest levels in the FBI or the DEA. It applies to evidence experts and criminal theorists who examine evidence and provide trial testimony. It also qualifies graduates for numerous other careers, such as managerial positions in police departments and correctional institutions as well as university faculty positions.
Criminal justice doctoral programs are designed for students who desire in-depth knowledge of crime, criminals, justice and law enforcement. They also promote strong analytic and research skills required to solve problems related to these subjects. Individuals interested in this program may be police officers , attorneys, judges or employees of criminal justice organizations. Washington State University offers what is among the oldest criminal justice programs in the U.S. Students working toward their Ph.D. must complete requirements that include classes, teaching, a dissertation and a number of examinations. Completion of the program takes between three and four years.
The study of criminology emphasizes knowledge of crime and criminals, including their nature, origin and control. It's a behavioral science considered to be a subset of sociology, and the focus is on criminal behavior. One of the best doctoral programs in criminology is offered by Florida State University. The curriculum comprises criminology theory, research methods and statistics. Requirements of the program include classes, preliminary examinations a dissertation as well as residency, which involves completing 24 credit hours within 12 months. No more than five years are allotted for students to complete the program. Criminologists are often dramatized on shows such as "CSI: Miami," but there are many career opportunities for those who attain a Ph.D. Graduates may work for insurance companies, as university professors and as psychologists.
Doctoral programs in forensic science are typically interdisciplinary, involving another science, such as chemistry. For example, graduates may attain a Ph.D. in chemistry with an emphasis on forensic studies. Florida International University considers applicants for such a program. Accepted students undertake intense coursework to achieve the degree. This includes classes on topics such as DNA typing and toxicology, as well as biology and biochemistry. Cumulative examinations and a dissertation are also major components of this program. Graduates can expect to work directly at a crime scene sampling evidence, as well as in a laboratory where evidence is analyzed.