该研究生课程旨在为学生提供犯罪学知识和分析技能。期望具有理论和研究方法方面的专业能力，以及对专业领域的深入了解（如下所述）。博士学位的依据是候选人具有很高的学术水平和研究能力的证据。学生的熟练程度及其独立工作能力通过课程成绩，资格考试和综合考试以及论文的成功答辩来评估。博士学位需要60学分的研究生工作时间。这些时间中的一半以上必须在居住地完成。论文研究需要12个学时（CRIMIN 7499）。仅在完成所有其他学位要求后，学生才能注册论文学分（CRIMIN 7499）。
The graduate program is designed to provide students with a command of criminological knowledge and analytical skills. Professional competence in theory and research methods is expected, as is in-depth knowledge in an area of specialization (described below). The doctoral degree is based on evidence that candidates have achieved a high level of scholarship and proficiency in research. The proficiency of students and their ability to work independently are assessed through course grades, qualifying and comprehensive examinations, and successful defense of the dissertation. 60 credit hours of graduate work are required for the PhD. More than half of these hours must be completed in residence. 12 credit hours of dissertation research (CRIMIN 7499) are required. Students may enroll for dissertation credits (CRIMIN 7499) only when all other degree requirements have been completed.