Looking for a Doctorate Degree in Criminal Justice in Virginia? You should consider these top-tier PhD programs and jobs in the Criminal Justice field.
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If you complete the best degree in Virginia for criminal justice, you can pursue diverse career paths. With a doctorate degree, graduates gain the skills needed to move forward in their careers.
An individual with a doctorate degree typically earns $1,909 per week, or about $7,636 a month and $99,268 per year. The rate of unemployment for those who graduate from a doctorate program is 1.5%, while those who hold only a high school diploma face a 6.2 unemployment rate.
Criminal Justice Doctorate Programs for You
Working and Living in Virginia in the Criminal Justice Profession
Criminal justice is a multifaceted field that focuses on different facets of criminal activity, including the prevention and detection of crime, the arrest and prosecution of criminals, the supervision of criminal offenders, or the administration of justice. It includes working with police officers, judges, and attorneys to investigate crimes, as well as law enforcement agents who investigate crimes committed on federal land.
The average annual salary in Virginia is $47,200, or $22.69 per hour. This fact applies to all of the nearly 3.8 million employees working in Virginia. In the state, the lowest 10% of earners receive an average of $23,190 per year, whereas the highest 10% receive approximately $125,820 on average. For detectives and criminal investigators in Virginia, the following is a good comparison.
Key
Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Virginia
Detectives and Criminal Investigators Nationally
All Occupations in Virginia
All Occupations Nationally
Salaries for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Virginia and Nationwide
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In terms of cost of living, Virginia is ranked number 32 among 51 states (including Washington, D.C.). The cost-of-living index measures the average cost of living in specific states against the cost of living nationwide. As a whole, the U.S. average is set at 100, and every location in the U.S. has either a cost above (higher) or lower (lower) than that average. Virginia's cost-of-living index is 103.2, which is 3.2% higher than the national average. Prospective students interested in relocating to Virginia can use the cost-of-living comparison to find the right fit for their budget.
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There is a projected growth of 2.5% in the detectives and criminal investigators profession over the next decade. Currently, employment in occupation is projected to change from 112,500 in 2020 to 115,300 by 2030. You need a doctorate to qualify for these positions. The following are typical job titles:
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 Virginia
#1 Doctoral Degrees in Criminal Justice in Virginia
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA
4 years
Online + Campus
The program at George Mason University offers an online option for doctoral students. Thanks to a flexible format, the public institution makes it easier to complete a doctorate. Doctoral students participate in career advising and gain research skills.
After meeting coursework requirements, doctoral candidates conduct research and defend an original dissertation that contributes to the field. With a doctorate in criminology, law, and society, graduates pursue academic, research, and industry roles.
Online doctoral students at the accredited institution qualify for several forms of financial aid. Reach out to the program to learn more about transfer credit policies, research support, and admission requirements.
George Mason University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 36,902
Online Master's Programs: 25
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $12,594
Average Tuition
In-state
$9,510
Out-of-state
$32,970
Retention Rate
86%
Admission Rate
89%
Students Enrolled
38,541
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
96%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Financing a Doctorate Degree in Criminal Justice
A number of financial aid options can assist with the cost of attending college. Scholarships, grants, fellowships, and work-study programs are all ways to get financial aid. Some students qualify for federal and private student loans to pay for college. Do your research ahead of time and find out what kinds of financial aid can be offered by the colleges you choose.
Checklist for Maximizing Your Financial Aid:
The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) helps many students cover costs.
For scholarship and grant opportunities, students should contact the school's financial aid department.
Average Cost of Attending College in Virginia
In Virginia, college tuition varies by institution. A number of similarities exist among institutions of both the public and private sectors. Find out whether attending a public institution is right for you by reviewing the information below.
Public 4-Year School Tuition Rates: Virginia vs. National Average
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Virginia
National Average
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What about attending a private college? In general, private colleges charge more. You can find information regarding private colleges in Virginia below.
Private 4-Year School Tuition Rates: Virginia vs. National Average
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National Average
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Federal Student Loan Information
Have you considered borrowing student loans to pay for your education? You should take certain things into consideration before applying for student loans.
In order to successfully repay the loan on time, you must ensure that you will be able to make all payments.
Think about whether earning a degree from a particular school will help you in your career goals.
As soon as you have entered the workforce, make certain that you understand your repayment schedule so that your finances will not be adversely affected once you have started earning a living.
Here is some data to help you understand what students typically borrow.
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
Among the main differences between an online degree and a degree completed on campus are the cost and class size. Being flexible, affordable, and convenient are advantages of online degree programs. On-campus degrees tend to be more expensive, and distance learners pay less in student fees. Attending classes has its advantages as well as disadvantages.
Top Criminal Justice Degree Options Available by State
Public and private colleges differ in many ways. First, the cost varies based on whether you select a public or private school. Generally, the costs of education at public institutions are covered by grants and scholarships sponsored by the government. Students at private schools are often eligible for merit scholarships based on their academic performance.
Students attending private colleges are often able to have more one-on-one time with professors. Here are some benefits and disadvantages of attending a private institution as opposed to 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
How much do detectives and criminal investigators make in Virginia?
The mean annual wage for in-state detectives and criminal investigators is $99,390.
Are criminal justice graduates in high demand?
The total number of detectives and criminal investigators is expected to change by 2.5% from 2020 to 2030.
Can you get an online doctorate degree in criminal justice?
It is possible to obtain an online doctorate degree in criminal justice. Almost all schools in today's environment provide some form of online education.
How much time will you spend earning a doctorate degree?
It takes 4-6 years for full-time students to complete a doctorate degree. Some students complete the program faster than others.
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