About PhD Program,
These web pages contain materials pertaining to admission and completion of the Ph.D. program in Criminology.
The Ph.D. or Doctor of Philosophy is granted in recognition of the highest attainment in a specific field of knowledge. It is a research degree conferred when a student has demonstrated proficiency and distinctive achievement in a specified field. The Doctor of Philosophy degree requires a student to complete a dissertation that provides evidence of the ability to do original and independent research that contributes to a body of knowledge.
PhD Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
Must meet University Admission and English Proficiency requirements as well as requirements for admission to the major, listed below.
- A master’s degree from an accredited institution and a GPA of at least 3.40 or better (on a 4.00 scale) during graduate study.
- A preferred minimum score of 154 Verbal (62nd percentile), 145 Quantitative (17th percentile) or higher on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). All applicants must submit GRE scores taken within five (5) years of the desired term of entry.
- Three 3 letters of recommendation speaking to the applicant’s academic capabilities
- A statement of purpose detailing reasons for seeking a Ph.D. degree in Criminology, future career plans and research interests.
- A sample of written work providing evidence of the applicant’s academic capabilities. If an applicant has completed a master’s thesis, it should be submitted.
PhD Funding Coverage,
The department has funds to support selected graduate students. A Graduate Assistantship provides a $25,800 annual stipend, tuition waiver and health insurance. Students receiving these assistantships work 20 hours per week. These are awarded on a competitive basis and all applicants are considered. We abide by the resolution of the Council of Graduate Schools that requires that graduate programs give students until April 15th to accept offers.
Application Requirement,
- Complete the Graduate Application online and upload all supporting documents
- List post-secondary institutions you have attended where a bachelor’s and/or master’s transcripts and any other higher degree including graduate-level coursework or certificates on the application
- Pay the non-refundable application fee
- Upload through the online application a copy of transcripts of all bachelor’s and/or master’s transcripts and any other transcript with graduate work (including translations and evaluations for international transcripts). If you are admitted, you must ALSO have official and final transcripts sent to the Office of Admissions.
- Upload through the online application a copy of your test score reports. You must also have official Test Scores sent to USF
- Review and respond to Conduct Clearance Policy (Legal Disclosure Statement)
- Review Florida Residency Policy for Tuition Purposes and provide documents, if needed
- Sign-in to Student Self-Service to monitor your admission status
Application Deadline,
Jan 15, 2025
Application Fee,
All applicants are required to submit an application fee of $30.00 USD for admission to the University of South Florida.
