Phd in Criminal Justice Programs in Louisiana

What Can I Do With My PhD in Criminal Justice in Louisiana?

If you feel like you have what it takes to make a more significant change in this industry, a PhD in criminal justice may be the stepping stone you need.

Louisiana is a state that has been working to improve their criminal justice reform in many ways. In November 2017 they implemented the Justice Reinvestment Initiative (JRI). One piece of this reform is meant to help ensure that Louisiana’s resources are focused on those that truly pose a threat to public safety. Reforms are already starting to make an impact. (The Hill, 2018)

You may continue improvements to the state of this system from many different positions. By the year 2030, Louisiana’s demand for judges should remain steady (CareerOneStop, 2022). The average annual salary for a judge is $110,800 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022). Criminal justice professors bring in a median salary of $75,690 per year (BLS, 2022), and a job openings should remain steady through 2030 (CareerOneStop, 2022).

2022 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Louisiana contained here reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed November 2023.

People like you are the only means by which criminal justice reform can occur. Learn more by contacting Louisiana criminal justice schools.

What Will It Take to Earn My Criminal Justice Graduate Degree in Louisiana?

As you start combing through PhD programs in Louisiana, you should always keep your previous education and work experience in the back of your mind. Depending on the experience and education you have, you may find that your options are limited or expanded.

If you have a master’s degree in criminal justice, you may be able to complete your degree approximately two years sooner than those who only have an undergraduate degree. With an undergraduate degree, expect to earn approximately 90 credits over a period of five to seven years.

Each criminal justice school in Louisiana has its own unique offerings and benefits. Some schools offer specialized areas of study, such as juvenile justice. Specializing in this field may give you the background you need to work toward the prevention of juvenile crime, intervention in risk factors, and rehabilitation of juvenile offenders.

Even if you choose an area of concentration, you may need to complete a set of core courses that are required of all PhD students. Learn more about some of those courses below:

• Theories of Crime and Delinquency: A look at the complex causes and contributing factors in crime
• Inequality, Crime, and Justice: How inequality in society and the world may affect crime rates in different communities
• Criminal Justice Administration and Operations: Skills and theories necessary for leadership in criminal justice
• Collaborative Models for Change in Juvenile Justice: Comprehensive overview of ways to work with professionals in other industries for better outcomes
• Program Assessment: Assessing and making recommendations for justice agencies and programs
• Seminar in Juvenile Justice: An extensive look at current research, policies, and the future of this field

You may want to compare financial aid packages at different schools. PhD programs tend to have much more funding than master’s degree programs, so you may receive a discount on your tuition in exchange for part-time work in teaching or research. If you demonstrate financial need, you may receive federal grants, scholarships, or loans by filling out the FAFSA.

A stronger, more unified justice system may do wonders for society. Start learning how to make that happen by reaching out to graduate criminal justice programs on this page.