Admissions

Online Master's Programs

Please go here if you are interested in applying for one of our online master's programs.

Doctoral Program

Students wishing to apply to the Ph.D. program must provide the following: 

1) An online application;

 This application includes both a Statement of Purpose and a Personal History. Be sure to submit both.

2) Unofficial transcripts from each college or university attended. Official transcripts from the degree-granting institution(s) will be required later;

3) Three letters of recommendation;

Please note that Scores from the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) General Test (UCI code: R4859) are not required for the Fall 2024 application cycle but may be required in future years.

All Ph.D. applications are due December 15th. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their materials earlier (if possible).

Applicants are accepted for full-time study beginning in the Fall Quarter only. The Ph.D. in Criminology, Law and Society is a rigorous program demanding full-time study and is therefore not appropriate for career professionals who wish to combine working with studying for an advanced degree. Such individuals may be interested in one of our online master's programs.

The Criminology, Law and Society admissions committee considers every element of the application packet in order to evaluate the degree of fit between our program and the student’s goals, preparation for graduate study, and the likelihood of success in our program. We admit students whose undergraduate degrees are in a wide range of fields (including Criminology, Criminal Justice, English, History, Philosophy, etc.), but it is important for applicants to be pursuing a research career (whether in policy or academia) in Criminology, Law and Society. GPA, GRE scores, personal statement, prior experience (especially research, publications, and conference presentations) and letters of reference are considered in our assessment of candidate materials.

For complete information on admissions requirements and the application process, visit the Graduate Division.

For more information about the Ph.D. program, please visit the Prospective Ph.D. Students page.

Through UCI's Program in Law and Graduate Studies, students can concurrently earn a J.D. and Ph.D. in Criminology, Law and Society. Details about this program are available here.