Online Application

Complete the online application.

Official Transcripts

Official transcripts are required for all undergraduate and master’s-level coursework, including conferral of a master’s degree in criminal justice or a closely related field from an accredited institution. Your master’s should have a thesis or equivalent writing product (professional research paper, capstone paper, etc.). A minimum 3.3 GPA is required on all master’s work.

Email copies of official transcripts to [email protected] or mail them to:

College of Graduate Studies
Tarleton State University
Attn: Criminal Justice PhD Admissions
Box T-0350
Stephenville, Texas 76402

Official GRE Scores

The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is optional for admission to the 2023 Ph.D.

Personal Statement

A personal statement of academic and research interests (no less than 600 and no more than 1,000 words) detailing the applicant’s motivation for pursuing the doctoral degree as well as areas of research interest they wish to pursue. Applicants may also choose to include professional experience, research experience, and any personal experience that may be relevant to the admission decision.

Email the statement to [email protected].

Professional Resume

 Applicants should send a current professional resume to [email protected]. 

Thesis or Writing Sample

A copy of a Master’s thesis or other writing sample that indicates graduate level writing and research ability should be submitted to [email protected].

Letters of Recommendation

Three letters of recommendation are required, and letters should indicate an applicant’s ability to succeed in a doctoral program. At least two of the letters must be from faculty who can discuss the academic capabilities of the applicant and their propensity to be successful in the doctoral program.

Email letters to [email protected] or mail them to:

College of Graduate Studies
Tarleton State University
Attn: Criminal Justice PhD Admissions
Box T-0350
Stephenville, Texas 76402

Next Steps

Check the status of your application any time by visiting the Graduate Check Your Application Status page and clicking on the purple “Check Your Status” button. When your application is complete and all materials are received, the College of Graduate Studies will email a confirmation. During the application review process, the admissions committee may contact you for an interview.

Fall Application Deadlines for Prospective Students

February 1 – The priority deadline for submission of all application materials for Fall enrollment is February 1.

May 1 – All application materials should be submitted no later than May 1, for consideration for the upcoming Fall cohort. No incomplete or late applications will be considered.

The Ph.D. program has been approved by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).