Looking for a Doctorate Degree in Criminal Justice in Georgia? You should consider these top-tier PhD programs and jobs in the Criminal Justice field.
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The completion of a degree in Georgia for criminal justice is one of the best options for advancing your career. Doctoral degrees can lead to diverse careers. With a doctorate, graduates possess the skills needed to move forward in their careers.
Doctoral degree-holders earn an average of about $1,909 per week.
Criminal Justice Doctorate Programs for You
Working and Living in Georgia in the Criminal Justice Profession
Criminal justice is the study of law enforcement, investigation, and crime. Students may earn an associate or bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, working toward becoming a police officer, probation or corrections officer, or detective. Criminal justice programs provide students with a background in psychology, sociology, and related fields that help them learn how to interact with people as well as understand the causes of crimes. In addition to general education courses, students may elect to take classes in human behavior and cultural diversity as well as crime scene processing, forensics, and sentencing theories.
The average annual wage in Georgia is $38,340, or $18.43 per hour. According to the BLS, the state's lowest 10% of earners take home $21,390, and the highest 10% make $99,700. A report on the earnings of detectives and criminal investigators in Georgia is shown below.
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Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Georgia
Detectives and Criminal Investigators Nationally
All Occupations in Georgia
All Occupations Nationally
Salaries for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Georgia and Nationwide
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Based on the MERIC cost of living index, Georgia ranks number five out of 51 states (including Washington, D.C.). A cost of living index measures the average cost of living in the United States against the cost of living in specific regions of the country. All locations in the United States are either above (more expensive) or below (less expensive) the U.S. average. According to a 100-point scale, Georgia's cost of living index is 87.8, which is -12.2% lower than the national average. Interested in relocating to Georgia? Use our cost of living comparison to see if it's right for you.
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From 2020-2030, jobs for detectives and criminal investigators are projected to grow by 2.5%. The BLS projects the occupation's total employment to change from 112,500 in 2020 to 115,300 in 2030. Some positions require a doctorate. These are some of the typical job titles that can be found in the industry:
Detectives and criminal investigators
Criminal Investigator
Deputy United States Marshal
FBI Investigator
Homicide Detective
Narcotics Detective
Narcotics Investigator
Police Detective
Doctoral Degrees in Criminal Justice in Georgia
#1 Doctoral Degrees in Criminal Justice in Georgia
Georgia State University
Atlanta, GA
4 years
Online + Campus
The online criminal justice Ph.D. program, offered by Georgia State University, ranks as a top program in the field. With its flexible format, the public university helps degree-seekers complete a doctorate. Doctoral students work closely with faculty mentors and career advisors.
In the criminal justice program, learners take doctoral-level coursework. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates propose a dissertation topic and conduct research in their specialty area. With a doctorate in criminal justice, graduates pursue academic, research, and industry roles.
Doctoral students qualify for fellowships, scholarships, and federal financial aid programs at the accredited institution. Prospective applicants can contact the program to learn more about the enrollment process and start dates.
Georgia State University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 33,558
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 27-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $7,164
Average Tuition
In-state
$7,158
Out-of-state
$22,389
Retention Rate
81%
Admission Rate
82%
Students Enrolled
36,360
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
92%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Financing a Doctoral Degree in Criminal Justice
Many degree-seekers rely on financial aid to cover costs. Scholarships, grants, fellowships, and work-study programs are all options available. Students may be eligible to pay for their college with federal and private student loans. It is a good idea to do your research ahead of time and find out what kind of financial aid can be offered by the colleges you are interested in.
For scholarship and grant opportunities, students can contact the school's financial aid office.
Average Cost of Attending College in Georgia
The cost of attending college in Georgia varies based on the institution you choose. There are some similarities that exist among institutions in both the public and private sectors. The information below can help you decide whether or not attending a public institution is right for you.
Public 4-Year School Tuition Rates: Georgia vs. National Average
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Georgia
National Average
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Are there any advantages to attending a private college or university? The cost of education at private schools is generally higher. A graph that provides information regarding attending private colleges in Georgia is shown below:
Private 4-Year School Tuition Rates: Georgia vs. National Average
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National Average
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Federal Student Loan Information
In order to pay for school, should you consider borrowing student loans? Prior to taking out a loan, you should consider a few important points.
When it comes time to repay the loan, you must ensure that you can make all the payments on time.
When considering your career goals, it is important to consider whether earning a degree from a particular school is going to help you.
You should ensure that you understand the type of repayment schedule that will apply after you graduate.
You can find out what students typically borrow by reviewing the following data.
Undergraduate Federal Loans
Demographic
Percent who borrowed
Amount borrowed
Total
66.6%
$27,400
Female
69.6%
$28,100
Male
62.5%
$26,500
White, not Hispanic or Latino
66.1%
$26,700
Black, not Hispanic or Latino
85.7%
$34,800
Hispanic or Latino/a, of any race
67.7%
$25,700
Asian, not Hispanic or Latino
43%
$22,700
Other or Two or more races,
not Hispanic or Latino
The major differences between online and on-campus programs include the cost and class size. Among the advantages of an online program include their flexibility, affordability, and convenience. Typically, on-campus degrees cost more because of student fees, which are optional for distance learners. Having a habit of attending classes has its benefits.
Top Criminal Justice Degree Options Available by State
A private college may feature some distinct advantages over a public college. A private school is generally more expensive than a public one. There are government-funded grants and scholarships that provide students with financial aid to pay for their education at public institutions. In private schools, merit scholarships are often available to students with high academic performance.
Students attending private colleges also benefit from smaller classes, which allows them to interact more closely with their professors and explore the possibilities of their chosen field. Consider the pros and cons of attending a private institution versus a public one.
Pros and Cons
Private
Unique program offerings
Cultural or religious options
Local prestige
Higher costs
Less regulatory oversight
Public
Government-issued tuition costs
Government funding, benefits, and regulation
Oftentimes large classrooms
Frequently Asked Questions
In Georgia, how much do detectives and criminal investigators make?
The mean annual salary for detectives and criminal investigators in Georgia is $73,720.
Are criminal justice graduates in high demand?
The total number of detectives and criminal investigators is projected to change by 2.5% from 2020-2030.
Are there any options for earning a doctorate in criminal justice online?
A doctoral degree in criminal justice is a great way to prepare for the workforce. Most schools today offer some form of online education.
How much time will you spend earning a doctorate?
Students who wish to complete a doctorate within 4-6 years can typically do so. In the case of part-time students, completion times will vary from student to student.
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