PhD in Criminal Justice Programs in Michigan
Successfully navigating the world of criminal justice in Michigan requires extensive background, experience, and training in this industry. Though both the Upper Peninsula and the Lower Peninsula are part of Michigan, they have two entirely different layouts, cultures, and types of criminal justice challenges. Doctoral-level study may be the key to comprehending these issues and contributing to improvement in the field.
Current legislation and research reflect issues in the industry as a whole. Experts claim that the state of Michigan has a serious issue with its prison system, with 20% of General Fund tax dollars going toward imprisonment (Detroit News, 2016). Freeing up some of that money could significantly benefit the justice system, as well as other programs in Michigan.
The legal system is also going through a period of change. An in-depth review of cases found that poor defendants in Michigan are significantly more likely to get inadequate legal representation than poor people in other states, causing a class inequality problem in the legal system (Detroit Free Press, 2016).
What Can I Do With My PhD in Criminal Justice in Michigan?
A PhD in criminal justice may give you freedom to explore new career paths. Magistrate judges in Michigan claim an average salary of $86,130 per year, while judicial law clerks earn an average of $57,570 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022).
2022 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Michigan contained here reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed November 2023.
Do you want to see positive, effective criminal justice reform in your lifetime? Learn more about criminal justice PhD programs to find out how you can contribute.
What Will It Take to Earn My Criminal Justice Graduate Degree in Michigan?
A PhD is a degree that emphasizes dedication to research, leadership, and ongoing industry growth. Those who hold doctoral degrees are typically considered to be leaders and experts in the field, and it takes quite a bit of education to reach that level. If you hold a Master’s degree in criminal justice or a similar field, you may graduate within three to four years. If your prior education ends with a Bachelor’s degree, your program may last approximately six years.
The courses you take as a doctoral candidate should prepare you for work in a variety of areas, including student instruction, research, leadership, and advocacy. The majority of your courses may look at research, its implications, and its uses.
The list below includes commonly required courses:
- Seminar in Contemporary Criminal Justice Theory: studying the theories and research that dictate and guide current criminal justice policies
- Criminal Justice Organizations and Processes: the range of organizations and processes that comprise this industry and how they collaborate
- Advanced Quantitative Methods in Criminal Justice: quantitative research, its advantages, its shortfalls, and proper analysis of quantitative research
- Advanced Topics in Data Analysis: complex issues and confounding factors that may arise in the analysis of criminal justice research
- Advanced Research Methods: the theory and practice of research methods in criminal justice; how to use this information as a researcher, legislator, or leader
Your financial aid options may be dependent on your previous academic performance, your area of research, and the reputation of your school. Well-known schools with secure sources of funding may be more likely to provide funding to PhD candidates. The Brandon Walker “BW” Memorial Scholarship is open to criminal justice students.
At the conclusion of your PhD criminal justice, MI schools may test your knowledge in a variety of ways. A dissertation is required for a PhD. While some schools require you to work one-on-one with an advisor, others allow you to work with a guidance committee. Quite a few programs require you to pass a comprehensive criminal justice exam before you can graduate.
If you’re ready to step up as a leader and influential figure in criminal justice, now is the time to get started. Request information from Michigan criminal justice PhD programs below.
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