To apply, submit Temple’s online graduate application along with an application fee of $60.
Applicants must have completed their bachelor’s degree. A degree in a related field is preferred; however, all applications will be considered.
Candidates will be asked to submit the following along with their application.
Submit official transcripts from every college and university you have attended.
An applicant is expected to have some academic background in Africology and African American Studies. All applicants must present credentials that are the equivalent of the appropriate baccalaureate degree at Temple University.
Submit three letters of recommendation from faculty and professionals.
Letters of recommendation should be obtained from college/university faculty members familiar with the demands of a graduate program.
In approximately 500 to 1,000 words, discuss your specific interest in Temple’s program, your research goals, your future career goals, and your academic and research achievements.
Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) test scores are required. The average scores for accepted Criminal Justice PhD students are in the 60–70% range on the verbal and quantitative sections.
A current professional résumé is required.
Submit a writing sample that demonstrates your ability to research and write a scholarly paper. The paper should not exceed 10 pages in length, and it should be fully referenced according to a professional, scholarly style manual. Although it need not be related directly to criminal justice, it should reflect your ability to prepare a social science paper.
Students with graduate course credits from other accredited institutions should petition the Graduate Chair to determine the acceptance and transferability of coursework. Grades must be of “B” quality or better.
The maximum number of credits a student may transfer is six (6).
Electronic transcripts should be sent to Jennifer Horton, senior graduate coordinator in the Criminal Justice Department.
Email: [click-for-email]
Original transcripts can be mailed to the following address.
Temple University College of Liberal Arts
Dept. of Criminal Justice
522 Gladfelter Hall
1115 W. Polett Walk
Philadelphia, PA 19122-6089
For applicants whose native language is not English, the TOEFL, IELTS or PTE scores are required. The minimum scores for these tests are as follows.
Applications are evaluated from the end of October until the deadline. Late applications may be considered for admission.
