A PhD in Criminology typically takes 3 - 6 years to complete, depending on the university, research topic, and whether you enroll as a full-time or part-time student. The PhD Criminology course offers a thorough study of crime policies and justice systems. Applicants with a Master's degree in Criminology or a related course with 50% marks can pursue a PhD in Criminology. PhD Criminology admission is either merit or entrance exam-based, depending on the college. A few of the PhD Criminology colleges include NICFS and NSFU, Delhi, etc.
PhD Criminology graduates have the opportunity to find career opportunities in Research Institutes, Educational Institutes, Law Enforcement, and Government Agencies etc. PhD Criminology students can be employed as University Professor/ Lecturer, Research Analyst, Cyber Crime Investigator, Forensic Analyst, etc. The average starting salary package of a PhD Criminology fresher is INR 5 LPA to INR 10 LPA.
- PhD in Criminology Course Highlights
- What is a PhD in Criminology?
- Why choose a PhD in Criminology?
- PhD in Criminology Eligibility
- PhD in Criminology Admission Process
- PhD in Criminology Colleges in India
- PhD in Criminology Syllabus
- PhD in Criminology Job Profiles
- PhD in Criminology Future Scope
- PhD in Criminology Frequently Asked Questions
PhD in Criminology Course Highlights
Given below are the highlights of the PhD in Criminology course:
Parameter | Details |
Course Name | PhD Criminology |
Duration | 3 - 6 years (Varies by university, research topic, and enrollment type) |
Eligibility | Master’s degree in Criminology or a related field with at least 50% marks |
Admission Process | Merit-based or entrance exam-based (varies by university) |
Top Colleges | NICFS (Delhi), NFSU (Delhi & Gandhinagar), Osmania University, University of Madras |
Course Focus | Study of crime policies, justice systems, forensic science, and criminal behavior |
Career Opportunities | Research Institutes, Educational Institutes, Law Enforcement, Government Agencies |
Job Roles | University Professor, Research Analyst, Cyber Crime Investigator, Forensic Analyst |
Average Salary | INR 5 LPA - INR 10 LPA (starting package) |
What is a PhD in Criminology?
PhD Criminology is a doctoral programme that offers a systematic study of crime, forensic science, and the justice system. It includes modules like criminal law, investigation, and cybercrime.
This degree is ideal for scholars seeking a career in law enforcement, forensic science, or private investigation. International organisations such as Interpol are constantly on the lookout for criminology professionals.
Why choose a PhD in Criminology?
Given below are the benefits of pursuing a PhD in Criminology:
- Career opportunities in law enforcement institutions, forensic departments, private security firms, and law firms
- Eager demand for crime analysis professionals, cybercrime investigators, and forensic experts
- Extensive range of job opportunities, from government agencies to NGOs and corporate security
- Freshers are provided with INR 5-10 LPA, with immense scope for growth in various sectors.
- Organizations like UNODC and multinational corporations seek criminology experts for policy research and security roles.
PhD in Criminology Eligibility
To fulfil the PhD Criminology eligibility, the students must have completed a Master's in Criminology or a related field from a recognized university. Entrance exams are conducted by most institutes during PhD Criminology admissions. The institutes and their requirements determine the students' selection criteria.
PhD in Criminology Admission Process
The PhD Criminology admission process is procedural as per the respective colleges’ selection criteria. For example, the PhD Criminology admission process is as given below for Dr. Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya in Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, which offers direct admission for students with an exceptional academic record:
- Application Form Submission: Offline/online application form submission to the desired college.
- Merit-Based Selection: Direct admission on merit is provided by some colleges.
- Release of the list of selected students on the official college website.
Apart from that, colleges such as NICFS, Delhi, and RRU, Gujarat, conduct entrance tests for PhD Criminology admissions. Below is the list of entrance tests for PhD Criminology admissions:
Exam Name | Conducting Body | Application Deadline | Exam Date |
UGC NET 2025 | National Testing Agency (NTA) | April 2nd week, 2025 | June 2nd week, 2025 |
CSIR UGC NET 2025 | National Testing Agency (NTA) | December 30, 2024 | February 16–28, 2025 |
GATE 2025 | IIT Roorkee | September 29, 2024 | February 1, 2, 15 & 16, 2025 |
MH SET 2025 | Savitribai Phule Pune University | March 13, 2025 | June 15, 2025 |
RRU PhD Entrance Exam 2025 | Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) | April 21, 2025 | 2nd week of May, 2025 (Tentative) |
PhD in Criminology Colleges in India
Given below is a list of PhD Criminology colleges along with their location and course fees:
NIRF Ranking (2024) | College Name | Location | Annual Fees (INR) |
41 | University of Madras | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | 10,970 |
47 | University of Mysore | Mysore, Karnataka | 11,000 |
- | Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences | Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu | 76,000 |
- | Chandigarh University | Chandigarh, Punjab | 70,000 |
- | National Forensic Sciences University | Gandhinagar, Gujarat | 1,20,000 |
- | Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Narayan NICFS | New Delhi | 60,000 |
- | Rashtriya Raksha University | Gandhinagar, Gujarat | 77,000 |
PhD in Criminology Syllabus
The PhD in Criminology is a 3-year postgraduate program that provides in-depth knowledge of crime policies and justice systems, preparing students for a career in Criminology or Forensics. Given below is the PhD Criminology syllabus at the University of Madras for a 3-year program, but it might vary based on research areas:
Semester | Courses |
Semester 1 | Advanced Criminological Theories |
Research Methodology in Criminology | |
Quantitative and Qualitative Research Techniques | |
Criminal Justice Administration and Policy | |
Semester 2 | Cyber Criminology and Digital Forensics |
Victimology and Restorative Justice | |
Forensic Science in Criminal Investigations | |
Comparative Criminology and International Crime | |
Semester 3-6 (Research Phase) | Review of Literature and Research Proposal Submission |
Data Collection and Field Research | |
Thesis Writing and Progress Presentations | |
Publication in Peer-Reviewed Journals | |
Final Dissertation Submission and Viva Voice |
PhD in Criminology Job Profiles
Given below is an overview of career opportunities and starting salary ranges for professionals post the completion of a PhD in Criminology:
Job Profile | Job Description | Salary Range (INR LPA) |
Criminologist | Analyze crime patterns and behaviors to aid in prevention and policy-making. | 5,00,000 – 9,00,000 |
Forensic Scientist | Examine crime scene evidence using scientific techniques for criminal cases. | 5,50,000 – 10,00,000 |
University Professor | Teach criminology courses, mentor students, and conduct research. | 6,00,000 – 10,00,000 |
Research Analyst | Study crime data, trends, and statistics for reports and law enforcement insights. | 5,00,000 – 8,50,000 |
Policy Advisor | Develop and recommend criminal justice policies for government and organizations. | 6,00,000 – 10,00,000 |
Corrections Administrator | Manage prison and rehabilitation programs to ensure security and inmate welfare. | 5,50,000 – 9,50,000 |
PhD in Criminology Future Scope
Upon the completion of a PhD in Criminology, students can follow the following career paths:
- One can pursue a DSc in Criminology for further in-depth knowledge in this field.
- Certification courses such as CCA or CFE can also be done for upskilling.
- Some colleges offer post-doctoral research in Criminology and related fields that can help with specialisation.
PhD in Criminology Frequently Asked Questions
What are the PhD in Criminology coursework requirements?
A PhD in Criminology is typically defined by senior research techniques, theory of criminology, and policy analysis. Coursework varies institution to institution but typically includes core courses, electives, and a dissertation.
Is the PhD in Criminology theoretical research-based or field-based?
Most PhD in Criminology provide field research, case studies, or empirical studies to evaluate crime patterns and justice systems. Field research is required to develop evidence-based information for policymaking and law enforcement.
Can a PhD in Criminology be pursued with Psychology or Sociology as the background?
Yes, there are those graduates in Sociology or Psychology who can apply for a PhD in Criminology, provided they qualify according to the requirements. Since criminology is a discipline whose cross-overs are found in the behavioral sciences, interdisciplinary study would be useful.
Is there any career opportunity for PhD Criminology recipients at the international level?
A PhD in Criminology holds international career opportunities in research, academia, policymaking, and law enforcement. The UN and Interpol likewise require the skills of criminology experts for preventing crime as well as ensuring justice in this direction.
