Education Criminal Justice Human Services

Excel in Your Field with a Specialized Expertise

Whether your passion lies in education, criminal justice, or organizational leadership, a doctoral degree from Nova Southeastern University lets you take the next step in your career by becoming an expert in your field. Lead meaningful change in your school, organization, or community.

Develop your expertise in your area of study with a practice-based curriculum taught by faculty who teach from experience and with a student-centered approach.

Complete your degree around your busy schedule with the flexible learning options that make NSU unique. Classes can be taken online, in person, or a mix of both—whatever works for you. 

Why Earn Your Doctorate at NSU?

Diverse Community

Rated #5 nationally by Diverse: Issues in Higher Education for minorities with graduate degrees.

Employer Tuition Assistance

NSU partners with several employers who offer their employees discounted tuition.

No GRE Requirement

GRE scores are not required for admission; other qualifications are acceptable per program.

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

Discover how to make an impact in education and other related fields from pioneers in distance learning. This flexible online program is designed with your needs in mind, so you can advance your career while continuing your education. Acquire the skill set and knowledge to become a competent and ethical leader in education and beyond. 
 
Specialize your degree for your field with one of these concentrations:
  • Curriculum and Teaching 
  • Educational Leadership 
  • Higher Education Leadership 
  • Instructional Technology and Distance Education 
  • Organizational Leadership 
  • Reading 
  • Special Education
Doctoral Education student walking down the hallway smiling
Doctoral education graduate teaching a class

What Can You Do with a Doctoral Degree in Education?

Go on to have a rewarding career as a(n):
  • Teacher
  • Administrator
  • Curriculum Writer
  • Organization Leader
  • Nonprofit Leader

Ph.D. in Criminal Justice

Become a scholar in your area of expertise with a doctoral degree in criminal justice. Go deeper into understanding the causes of crime and address issues in the criminal justice system with a research-based curriculum that you can complete online.
 
Choose your area of study:
  • Behavioral Science
  • Juvenile Justice
  • Organizational Leadership

Dissertation Support

As a student in the Ph.D. in Criminal Justice program, your professors will work with you to finish your dissertation through seminars, weekly meetups, editing support, and defense preparation. The Dissertation Support Services (DSS) team is also available to assist you with any questions you may have about finishing your dissertation.

Learn More about the Criminal Justice Ph.D.

Graduates with a phd in criminal justice standing in uniform

Earning a Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice from NSU has provided me with the knowledge and credentials necessary to enter into the professions of research and academia. As a full-time police chief, the program ... afforded me the opportunity to achieve my goals from a highly recommended and SACS-accredited institution.

Jay Fortenbery | Retired police chief

What Can You Do With a Doctoral Degree in Criminal Justice?

Many graduates go on to administer social policy, teach the next generation in academia, and break new ground in research. 
 
Others hold upper-level jobs such as:
  • Criminal Investigators
  • Correctional Authorities
  • Consultants
  • Criminologists

Ed.D. in Human Services Administration

The Ed.D. in Human Services Administration is a leadership-focused doctoral program designed to equip you with the latest theories and practical problem-solving experience.

Hone your expertise in human services and related fields, including child protection, developmental disabilities, and human services administration. Make a real, measurable difference in human lives by leading and managing the services and organizations they depend upon. 

Learn About the Human Services Administration Ed.D.

Human Services Administration Ed.D. graduate working with smiling child
Teacher working with child in Human Services

What Can You Do with an Ed.D. in Human Services?

Enjoy a rewarding career as a:
  • Community Outreach Worker
  • Home Health Aide
  • Marriage and Family Therapist
  • Probation Officer
  • Public Policy Consultant

Success Stories

Headshot of Alum, Simone Lewis

Simone Lewis, Ed.D.

Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership
“I feel like I have that extra advantage … like I am one step ahead because I went to NSU. Everything I learned at NSU has always been ahead of the game.”
Read Her Story
Headshot of Alum, Karlton Johnson

Karlton Johnson, Ed.D.

Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership
“I'm able to walk into a company or organization with my doctorate and help them to be able to take their company from one level to the next.”
Watch His Story
Headshot of Alum, Christine Mastandrea

Christine Mastandrea, Ed.D.

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership
“Education is one of those fields that you can integrate the mind and the heart together.”
Watch Her Story
Headshot of Alum, Melissa Sasso

Melissa Sasso, Ed.D.

Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership
“My final goal is to open up my own ESE school where I'll be able to implement all that I've learned from NSU and all the experiences I've had.”
Watch Her Story
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Accreditation

The Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice (FCE & SCJ) is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

More Accreditation Information