Developing a Doctorate in Criminal Justice Education: Feasibility, Access, and Curriculum Priorities in the Philippines

This study examines the feasibility of establishing a Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice Education at a state-funded higher education institution in the Philippines. It approaches feasibility as a multidimensional question that extends beyond projected enrollment and financial sustainability to include accessibility, institutional readiness, curriculum relevance, research capacity, and doctoral program identity. Using stakeholder perspectives and institutional planning data, the study evaluates whether the proposed program can support doctoral preparation for scholars, educators, and criminal justice professionals. Particular attention is given to the coherence of the proposed curriculum, the role of advanced research training, dissertation development, data analytics, publication, and the educational dimension implied by the degree title. The study argues that doctoral program development should be guided by alignment among demand, access, resources, faculty capability, research infrastructure, and curricular purpose. Its findings offer a context-sensitive basis for strengthening doctoral education and quality assurance in regional criminal justice higher education.