An online doctoral degree in law and justice may prepare individuals to become scholars in areas such as criminal justice, criminology, and terrorism. In these three to five-year programs, students may develop strong foundations in research, criminology, homeland security, and theories of justice systems. Popular areas of concentration may include juvenile justice, law, policy, and social change, and behavioral science.

Upon graduation, students may seek employment in their chosen area of law and justice. Doctoral-graduates may gain employment in law firms, post-secondary education, and law enforcement.

Program Overview

• Prerequisite: Bachelor’s Degree at minimum
• Program Length: Three to five years to complete
• Post-Grad Options: Employment
• Projected Employment Growth: 18% (2010-2020)*

Program Concentrations

A doctoral-level law and justice degree may consist of dissertation research courses as well as a set of core classes geared towards the student’s area of concentration. Students may take courses such as justice research methodology, data analysis for justice research, and theoretical perspectives on justice. Possible areas of concentration for a doctoral law and justice degree may include the following:

• Criminal Justice
• Citizenship, Migration, and Human Rights
• Globalization, Sustainability, and Economic Justice
• Law, Policy, and Social Change
• Juvenile Justice
• Behavioral Science
• Criminology

Career Options

Doctoral-level graduates may gain employment in law enforcement, local government agencies, post-secondary education, emergency management, and law firms. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, sociologist employment opportunities are projected to increase by 18% from 2010-2020.*

Possible careers include:

• Sociologist
• Attorney
• Judge
• Emergency Management Director
• University Professor

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook