Looking for a Doctorate Degree in Criminal Justice in Pennsylvania? You should consider these top-tier PhD programs and jobs in the Criminal Justice field.
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Doctoral Degrees in Criminal Justice in Pennsylvania
The best degrees in Pennsylvania for criminal justice help students learn how to solve problems, improve their education, and get a job. Doctorate degree-holders can prepare for the workforce and pursue diverse career paths. A doctorate can open doors for employment in all fields.
Doctoral degree-holders earn an average of $7,636 per month and $99,268 annually.
Criminal Justice Doctorate Programs for You
Working and Living in Pennsylvania in the Criminal Justice Profession
A criminal justice degree can be obtained at many different colleges and universities, and the coursework for these degrees can vary somewhat. However, most programs cover some common topics, including criminal law, criminology, corrections, and police science. In addition to these core courses, many criminal justice programs also offer electives that let students specialize in a particular area. Criminal justice degree-holders can pursue many different careers. Some of the most common jobs include positions in law enforcement, corrections, and private security. Many criminal justice graduates also go on to work as paralegals, private investigators, and probation officers. When you are earning a criminal justice degree, you will likely get to interact with professors with real-world experience in the field. This can be a great way to learn about the criminal justice system and to get insights into the different career paths that are available to you.
The median salary in Pennsylvania is $44,900 a year, or $21.59 an hour. This holds true for the state's 5,583,410 total employees. A study conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicated that the state's lowest 10% of earners receive an average of $23,120 per year, and the highest 10% make $99,330. The following shows the earnings for detectives and criminal investigators in Pennsylvania compared to other states.
Key
Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Pennsylvania
Detectives and Criminal Investigators Nationally
All Occupations in Pennsylvania
All Occupations Nationally
Salaries for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Pennsylvania and Nationwide
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Based on the MERIC cost of living index, Pennsylvania ranks number 27 out of 51 states (including Washington, D.C.). According to the cost of living index, the average cost of living in the United States is compared with the cost of living in specific locations in the country. All locations in the United States are either above (more expensive) or below (less expensive) the U.S. average. Pennsylvania's cost of living is 97.9, which is -2.1% lower than the national average. Determine whether Pennsylvania is the right place for you with our cost of living comparison.
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Jobs for detectives and criminal investigators are projected to grow 2.5% from 2020-2030. The BLS projects that the occupation's total employment will change from 112,500 in 2020 to 115,300 in 2030. It is typically necessary to have a high school diploma or equivalent in order to qualify for these positions. Some common job titles include:
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 Pennsylvania
#1 Doctoral Degrees in Criminal Justice in Pennsylvania
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA
4 years
Online + Campus
The Ph.D. in criminology at Temple University appeals to learners seeking an online doctorate. The public university helps degree-seekers complete a doctorate in a flexible format. Doctoral students participate in career advising and gain research skills.
Doctoral candidates advance in the program by passing comprehensive exams and writing an original dissertation. With a doctorate in criminal justice, professionals work in academia, research, and leadership roles.
Online doctoral students at the accredited institution pay for their degree with scholarships, fellowships, and loans. Reach out to the program to learn more about the application process and start dates.
Temple University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 34,137
Online Master's Programs: 11
Online Doctoral Programs: 2
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $16,956
Average Tuition
In-state
$16,080
Out-of-state
$28,992
Retention Rate
87%
Admission Rate
71%
Students Enrolled
37,236
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
92%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#2 Doctoral Degrees in Criminal Justice in Pennsylvania
California University of Pennsylvania
California, PA
4 years
Online + Campus
The online doctorate in criminal justice program at California University of Pennsylvania ranks among the best in its field. At the public university, degree-seekers engage in online classes to earn a doctorate. Doctoral students engage in advanced research and benefit from support services.
After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates conduct research for their dissertation. Graduates with a doctorate pursue roles in research, academia, and leadership.
Doctoral students qualify for several forms of financial aid at the accredited institution. Reach out to the program to learn more about financial aid opportunities, admissions requirements, and start dates.
California University of Pennsylvania at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 4,979
Online Master's Programs: 17
Online Doctoral Programs: 3
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $9,288
Average Tuition
In-state
$7,716
Out-of-state
$11,574
Retention Rate
70%
Admission Rate
94%
Students Enrolled
6,885
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
72%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Financing a Doctorate in Criminal Justice
In order to help pay for college, there are many opportunities to receive financial aid. You can explore scholarships and fellowships. It is also common for students to pay for their college education with federal and private loans. You should research your desired colleges to learn what kind of financial aid they offer.
Checklist for Maximizing Your Financial Aid:
Apply for federal student aid by completing the FAFSA.
If you are interested in scholarship, grant, or work-study programs, please contact the school's financial aid department.
Average Cost of Attending College in Pennsylvania
Depending on which college you attend, the cost of education in Pennsylvania will vary. Public and private institutions, however, share some common characteristics. Learn whether attending a public institution is the right choice for you by reviewing the information below.
Public 4-Year School Tuition Rates: Pennsylvania vs. National Average
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National Average
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How about attending a private university? Private colleges often cost students more overall. You will find information about attending private colleges in Pennsylvania below.
Private 4-Year School Tuition Rates: Pennsylvania vs. National Average
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Pennsylvania
National Average
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Federal Student Loan Information
Are you considering taking out student loans to pay for your education? Prior to taking out a loan, you should take certain factors into consideration.
You must ensure that you can repay the loan on time.
In order to succeed in your career goals, it is important to consider whether obtaining a degree from a particular school will provide you with the expertise you need.
If you are considering taking out a loan, make sure you understand the type of repayment schedule that will apply.
To learn more about what students typically borrow, please review the data below.
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 primary differences between online and on-campus programs include cost and class size. In addition to providing flexibility, affordability, and convenience, online programs also offer other advantages. On-campus programs typically cost more due to student fees. These fees are not required for distance students. Attending classes, however, has certain advantages.
Top Criminal Justice Degree Options Available by State
Private colleges and public colleges differ in many respects. Generally, private schools charge higher tuition than public schools. The government determines the costs for public institutions, which are therefore covered by scholarships and grants from the government. Private institutions charge their students tuition, but there are usually merit scholarships available for those with high GPAs or SAT scores.
Private universities usually feature smaller class sizes. This benefits students who want more individualized attention from professors. In this article, we highlight some of the pros and cons of attending a private institution versus a public institution.
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 Pennsylvania, what is the salary for detectives and criminal investigators?
In-state detectives and criminal investigators make a mean annual salary of $92,760.
In today's environment, are graduates with criminal justice degrees in demand?
The total number of detectives and criminal investigators is projected to change by 2.5% from 2020-2030.
Can I earn a doctorate in criminal justice online?
There are many options for earning an online doctoral degree in criminal justice. Most schools today offer some form of online education.
For those who wish to complete a doctorate, how long does it take?
A full-time student typically takes 4-6 years to complete their doctoral degree. Some students complete the program faster than others.
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