Online criminal justice Ph.D. offers flexibility
Article By: Clark Leonard
The University of North Georgia launched its first Ph.D. in fall 2021 with 13 students.
The Ph.D. in criminal justice with a concentration in intelligence is online in a cohort-style program. Applications for the second cohort are open through April 1.
Dr. Douglas Orr, department head of criminal justice at UNG, said the online program's flexibility appeals to working professionals. For instance, when he earned his Ph.D. at Washington State University, he made a twice-a-week, round-trip commute of more than two hours for school. Now, students can further their education from home.
The objective of the degree is to prepare students for analytic, operational, research, and investigative intelligence positions in the federal government, the military, local law enforcement, and the private sector. Its goal is to produce well-trained criminologists, researchers, teachers, and criminal justice practitioners.
Dr. Timothy Hayes, associate professor of criminal justice, is grateful for the doors the Ph.D. will open for students.
I feel like I'm learning not only from the professors but the other students. It's great to learn alongside other people who are so passionate and invested in criminal justice.
Brandi Cash
UNG criminal justice Ph.D. student
"It speaks to the practicality of our department," Hayes said. "We try to train practitioners who are going into the field."
Brandi Cash earned her bachelor's degree in criminal justice from UNG in 2004 before stepping out of the workforce in 2006 when her first child was born. The Cleveland, Georgia, resident returned to higher education in January 2020 and earned her master's degree in forensic psychology online from Arizona State University.She then joined the 2021 cohort of the Ph.D. program at UNG and enjoys the diversity of ages and experiences represented in the program.
"It makes the discussion boards lively and interesting. I feel like I'm learning not only from the professors but the other students," Cash said. "It's great to learn alongside other people who are so passionate and invested in criminal justice."
An Evans, Georgia, resident, Will Pitts appreciates the intelligence concentration because of the importance of data in modern society.
"This program is going to allow me to become a better researcher and writer," the current federal government employee said. "It provides the skill set needed to become a professor. That's my ultimate goal."
Sallie Parker, a Dawsonville, Georgia, resident, is the coordinator for UNG's Public Safety Academy and serves as an adjunct instructor. She said the criminal justice Ph.D. is the natural next step in her higher education career.
"It's an opportunity to do research on our Public Safety Academy," Parker said. "Research can be very interesting when it's something you're passionate about."
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