Walden University | PhD in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security Policy & Coordination
Potential leaders looking to oversee national security policies, crisis management, and terrorism responses could benefit from the studies offered in Walden University's PhD in Criminal Justice with a specialization in Homeland Security Policy and Coordination program. Read more about this program here.
Official Program Name:
Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice with a specialization in Homeland Security Policy and Coordination
School Offering Program:
Walden University
Degree Level:
Doctoral
Program Prerequisites:
All candidates seeking to enroll in this PhD in Criminal Justice program must hold a master's degree; those applying for the Track I curriculum must hold a master's in criminal justice or a similar area, while prospective Track II students may have a master's in any area. All applicants to Walden University should have a high school diploma or equivalent; some programs may have additional requirements.
Program Description:
What are the implications of laws and policies focused on terrorism? Which approaches are best to confront various types of terroristic acts? How are critical incident plans developed? These are among the main topics explored in the online PhD in Criminal Justice with a specialization in Homeland Security Policy and Coordination program at Walden University. Specialization courses may address leadership theories, components of emergency preparedness, and the history of federal terroristic policies and legislation. The Track I core curriculum offers studies in criminal justice policies in policing, corrections, and juvenile justice; crime control; leadership in criminal justice administration; and the evolution of crime. Track II core classes focus on these topics as well as criminal behavior theories, events impacting changes in criminal justice legislation, cyber crimes, and the use of technology in criminal apprehension. In both tracks, students take research-focused classes and complete a dissertation. Fast track options are also offered in both tracks.
Learning Format:
Online
Program Length:
83 credits for Track I, 98 credits for Track II.
Financial Aid Available:
Eligible students could be able to receive financial aid in the forms of grants, loans, and scholarships. Contact Walden University's financial aid office for more information.
Tuition, Financial Aid & Start Dates
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Required Courses for a PhD in Criminal Justice with a specialization in Homeland Security Policy and Coordination:
A total of 83 credits are required for Track I students and 98 credits are required for Track II student. In both tracks, students must complete 15 credits in specialization courses, 20 credits in research classes, a 3-credit foundation course, and a 25-credit dissertation. In Track I, 20 core credits must be taken, while the Track II format requires the completion of 35 credits. Degree program and course requirements are subject to change. Contact Walden University to confirm the most accurate information before enrolling in a program.
Track I (for students with a master's degree in criminal justice)
Foundation Course (3 credits)
- Foundations of Doctoral Study
Core Courses (20 credits)
- History and Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice
- Policy and Analysis in Criminal Justice Systems
- Leadership: Putting Theory into Practice in Criminal Justice Administration
- Program Evaluation
Specialization Courses: Homeland Security Policy and Coordination (15 credits)
- Public Policy Implications of Terrorism Legislation and Policies
- Terrorism: A Systemic Approach for Emergency Management
- Critical Incident Planning and Leadership
Research Courses (20 credits)
- Research Theory, Design, and Methods
- Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis
- Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis
- Students choose one of the following:
- Advanced Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis
- Advanced Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis
- Advanced Mixed-Methods Reasoning and Analysis
Doctoral Dissertation (25 credits)
- Writing a Quality Prospectus
- Dissertation (5 credits per term for a minimum of 4 terms)
Track II (for students with a master's degree in a discipline unrelated to criminal justice)
Foundation Course (3 credits)
- Foundations of Graduate Study in Psychology
Core Courses (35 credits)
- The Nature of Crime and Criminology
- Controversies in Criminal Justice
- Technological Solutions and 21st Century Crime
- History and Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice
- Policy and Analysis in Criminal Justice Systems
- Leadership: Putting Theory into Practice in Criminal Justice Administration
- Program Evaluation
Specialization Courses: Homeland Security Policy and Coordination (15 credits)
- Public Policy Implications of Terrorism Legislation and Policies
- Terrorism: A Systemic Approach for Emergency Management
- Critical Incident Planning and Leadership
Research Courses (20 credits)
- Research Theory, Design, and Methods
- Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis
- Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis
- Students choose one of the following:
- Advanced Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis
- Advanced Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis
- Advanced Mixed-Methods Reasoning and Analysis
Doctoral Dissertation (25 credits)
- Writing a Quality Prospectus
- Dissertation (5 credits per term for a minimum of 4 terms for writing courses)
Post-Graduation Opportunities
Career Paths:
Federal government agencies, security firms, and law enforcement organizations are among the possible employers for graduates of Walden University's PhD in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security Policy and Coordination program. Responsibilities could include terrorist risk assessment, crisis and disaster planning, public security policy development and implementation, and emergency management operations. Graduates could also explore academic positions in the criminal justice departments of colleges and universities.
Careers graduates could consider include:
- Criminal justice professor
- Director of homeland security
- Private security consultant
- Emergency management specialist
- Director of emergency management
