At a Glance

  • Flexibility
    Part Time | Full Time
  • Delivery Options
    On Campus
  • Degree
    PhD

PhD in Criminology and Criminal Justice Overview

The Ph.D. in Criminology and Criminal Justice at UMass Lowell is an interdisciplinary, research-focused program designed to equip you with advanced research, analytical and policy skills to address critical issues in crime, justice and security. 

UMass Lowell's School of Criminology and Justice Studies is recognized for its excellence in scholarship and commitment to applying knowledge to real-world social problems. Our faculty are leaders in conducting large-scale national and international research projects and work collaboratively with communities and agencies to assist with strategic problem-solving, crime analysis, evaluation research and policy analysis.

This 60-credit-hour doctoral program offers two tracks:

  • Ph.D. in Criminology and Criminal Justice: This track delves into the incidence, prevalence and correlates of crime, examining the characteristics of offenders and victims, and evaluating current strategies in crime prevention, policing, courts and corrections (both institutional and community-based).
  • Ph.D. in Criminology and Criminal Justice with Terrorism Option: This track focuses on the study of terrorism in all its forms, addressing current manifestations of terrorism and other forms of sub-state violence, security policy and practice, civil wars and the nexus of technology and security. 

For a complete list of academic requirements and courses, please visit the Academic Catalog.

Faculty Research Areas

Funding Opportunities

UMass Lowell strives to provide financial support for all admitted Ph.D. students. This includes funding through Teaching Assistantships (TA), Research Assistantships (RA) and summer research support. Assistantships are contingent upon availability and may be subject to change.

Admissions

The application deadline for the doctoral program is February 1. 

  • Application:
  • Application Fee: $50
  • Statement of Purpose: Outline goals, experience and achievements (max 2 pages).
  • Letters of Recommendation: Two (2) for master's, three (3) for doctoral applicants. Criminal Justice, Master of Arts (M.A.): Letters of recommendation are optional.
  • Transcripts: You may apply with unofficial transcripts, but official transcripts are required if accepted.
  • Test Scores: UMass Lowell’s school code is 3911. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required for Criminology and Criminal Justice and Global Studies doctoral programs. The Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) is required for the Master of Music in Music Education. Scores are accepted but not required for other programs.
  • Resume: The following programs require a resume for admission:
    • Master of Music Education
    • Master of Public Administration
    • Master of Education programs (except Education Administration, M.Ed)
    • Education Specialist in Language Arts and Literacy
    • Ph.D. in Psychology applicants should submit a curriculum vitae (CV) rather than a resume to highlight academic and professional achievements.
  • Writing Sample: Education Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programs only.
  • Forms: Principal's Acknowledgement Form (pdf) for Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Education Administration, pre-kindergarten through 12th grade (PK-12) only.

All materials must be received before your application is reviewed. To add documents before review, log in and select “Program Materials.”

Application Deadlines

  • Global Studies Ph.D. and Psychology Ph.D.: January 15
  • Criminology Ph.D.: February 1
  • Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism Studies: February 15
  • Leadership in Schooling Doctor of Education (Ed.D.): Applications are accepted from July – October 15.

International Applicants

Transcripts must show degree completion and include a credential evaluation from a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) member, such as:

English proficiency is required. If English is not your country’s national language, please submit one of the following scores:  

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): 79+ 
  • TOEFL for Leadership in Schooling Ed.D. programs: 90+
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 6.5+
  • IELTS for Leadership in Schooling Ed.D. programs: 7+
  • Duolingo: 115+
  • ASC English: Level 6+
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE): 53+

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Questions? Contact Us!

Phone:
800-656-4723 (U.S. Students)
978-934-2390 (International Students)

Email: 
Graduate_Admissions@uml.edu