PhD in Criminal Justice Programs in New York

Learn more about the educational options available to you by requesting information from criminal justice PhD programs in New York.

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

Collaboration is a significant part of ongoing change in this field. The Independent Commission on New York City Criminal Justice and Incarceration Reform has been working for several years to strengthen this field (Capital New York, 2016). Current goals include closing Riker’s Island and freeing up funds to start reform in other areas.

New York, like many other states, struggles with extremely high incarceration rates (BK Reader, 2016). The state has made strides in recent years, leading to the closing of some state prisons, a reduced prison population, and better opportunities for formerly incarcerated offenders. These positive changes often come from those with doctoral-level degrees.

Overall, the job outlook for PhD graduates is stable in New York. CareerOneStop anticipates a 14% increase in job openings for magistrate judges through 2030 (2022). Currently, New York judges bring in a median income of $1175,690 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022). The average salary for a judicial law clerk is $119,120 annually (BLS, 2022).

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

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

With a PhD in criminal justice, you may establish yourself as a leader in this industry and influence legislative changes for years. Since this position comes with so much authority and responsibility, it’s very important to meet a rigorous set of academic explanations.

There are two types of criminal justice doctorate programs to consider. The first is open to those with Bachelor’s degrees. Over a period of six to seven years, you earn about 80 credits in classroom courses, practical experience courses, and dissertation classes. The second option is designed for Master’s degree graduates; this program tends to require between 45 and 55 credits, which works out to about four years of education. In both options, the courses you take should build your critical thinking skills and equip you with the skills you need for administration, leadership, and legislation.

Look at each school’s curriculum to find courses like:

• Theories of Crime
• Statistical Techniques in CJ Research
• Psychological Factors of Crime
• Structural Factors in Crime
• Gender and Crime in American Culture
• Ideology and Crime
• Comparative Crime
• Issues in Polisive
• Treatment of Convicted Persons

Throughout your training, you may have to prove your growth and knowledge in various ways. New York colleges and universities often include assessments like a comprehensive exam, teaching experiences, research experiences, and a dissertation.

Your dissertation is, by far, the most significant assessment of your skills and knowledge. Before you enroll in a PhD program, you should have a fairly solid idea of where you would like to focus your efforts. As you contact schools and get more information, consider which school has faculty members that best align with your research interests.

On top of academic experience in research and teaching, you may be expected to gain practical experience in a practicum or internship. Use this opportunity to explore potential career options and tailor your experience to your post-PhD plans.

Once you have completed your PhD, you can improve the world of criminal justice in lots of ways. Take the first step today by requesting information from the criminal justice schools in New York listed below.