A completed application includes:

1. Submitted Online Application. Online applications must be submitted by the deadline. Paper applications are not available.
2. Application Fee: A non-refundable fee of $50 is required for each application. This fee must be paid online by credit card.
3. Statement of Professional and Academic Goals: Two-to-three-page statement that should include the applicant’s fields of interest and how the program will contribute to your goals. Applicants should describe their relevant work and research experience and academic, research, and professional goals and how GSU’s Ph.D. in Criminal Justice & Criminology program will help them meet these goals.
4. Academic Paper/Writing Sample: Single-authored writing sample that demonstrates the applicant’s writing ability. Examples include a chapter from the applicant’s thesis or a paper written for course credit. The paper submitted should not be longer than 35 double-spaced pages.
5. Official GRE (Graduate Record Examination) Scores: Official scores must be reported to institution code 5251 and received by Georgia State by the application deadline. More information can be found at our Admissions FAQ page or, to schedule the test, at www.gre.org.
6. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing Systems) Academic scores (International applicants only): International applicants are required to submit official TOEFL or IELTS academic scores.
7. Three Letters of Recommendation: Three letters of recommendation should be submitted through the online application. At least two of these letters should be from current or former college instructors/professors who can describe the applicant’s academic ability and assess readiness for the Ph.D. in Criminal Justice and Criminology degree program at GSU.
8. Upload Transcripts from each Post-secondary College/University Attended:
   • Upload each transcript to the Academic History section of the online application before submitting your application or upload to your application status page under the Upload Materials section if your application has been submitted.
   • Review requirements for submitting transcripts here.
   • Failure to follow these requirements will delay your application processing.

The program is comprised of three primary components

• Required Courses (24 hours)
• Elective Courses (12 hours)
• Directed Work (18 hours)

View Curriculum Details

Students admitted to the doctoral program in criminal justice and criminology are typically offered a graduate assistantship that includes a yearly stipend of $18,000 and a full tuition waiver.

By completing the requirements of the doctoral program, students become knowledgeable of the substantive areas of criminology (knowledge about the extent and causes of crime) and the criminal justice system (society’s response to crime). In addition to general knowledge of these areas, they will also acquire advanced knowledge in one or more areas of specialization within criminology or criminal justice (e.g., policing, victimization, criminological theory). Students also learn to apply appropriate and sophisticated analytical techniques necessary to conduct original research in criminology and criminal justice. In addition, our doctoral students are socialized into the related roles of scholarship, teaching and service. At graduation, students who successfully complete the doctoral program will be able to:

1. Demonstrate  scholarly expertise in one or more specialty areas within the field of criminal justice or criminology.
2. Develop and apply advanced conceptual and technical skills to conduct high-quality, independent research.
3. Teach graduate and undergraduate courses in criminology and criminal justice.