PhD in Criminal Justice Programs in New Mexico

One of the most significant issues in New Mexico is the range of extremely high crime rates found in large cities (KUNM, 2016). Experts note that New Mexico may need to adjust the way it responds to and treats victims and serious offenders, a task that may require doctoral-level thinking.

Are you ready to find out how your education may help you change criminal justice on a systemic level? Learn more now by contacting criminal justice programs in New Mexico.

What Can I Do With My PhD in Criminal Justice in New Mexico?

With a PhD criminal justice, you may contribute to and analyze research that influences policy. A recent UNM study looked at the correlation between childhood trauma and delinquency (UNM, 2016). This has long-term effects on crime rates. You may use information like this to shape policies and establish prevention programs.

Your degree may pave the way to new career options. Between 2012 and 2022, demand for judges is expected to jump 4% in New Mexico (O*Net, 2016). The average salary for a New Mexico judge is $30,000 annually (O*Net, 2016). Job openings for criminal justice professors may increase 21% by 2022, and the average salary for a criminal justice professor is $55,200 per year (O*Net, 2016).

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

As you learn about PhD programs in New Mexico, you may wonder if this degree choice is right for you. Although a doctoral degree can take a significant amount of time, it is required for some of the most advanced criminal justice careers currently available. If you select a program that combines your Master’s degree and PhD, you may spend up to seven years in school. If you move to a PhD program after earning a Master’s degree, you may graduate in as little as three years. Between these two options, programs range from 30 to 80 credits.

The curriculum for your chosen program should provide you with plenty of background in research, administration, policy creation, and theory. At this level of education, you may enroll in courses like:

• Research Methods in Criminal Justice
• Criminal Justice Statistics
• Research Methods in Government
• Qualitative Research Methods
• Advanced Criminal Justice Administrative Systems
• Criminal Justice Policy Analysis and Planning
• Nature of Crime
• Race, Crime, and Justice
• Law & Social Control

In the classroom, you explore the theory of criminal justice. You put that theory to work in a variety of settings. In some of your courses, you contribute to ongoing criminal justice research and design your own research. You may be expected to complete a semester-long or year-long internship at an agency or organization that matches your professional interests. Furthermore, PhD students are generally required to work as research and teaching assistants.

At the conclusion of your degree, you’ll complete your dissertation. Although this may only make up 12 credits of your entire curriculum, it may involve at least two years of full-time work. The subject you choose should fall in line with your areas of research interest and further your post-graduation career goals. While writing your dissertation, you work closely with an advisor or dissertation committee. Whichever option your school provides, it’s important that you work with an advisor who truly understands your research and what you want to accomplish.

When it comes to criminal justice degrees, New Mexico schools can provide you with several options. Discover how a doctoral program can help you reach your goals by requesting information below.