Can you get a PhD with a felony?

Asked by: Melody Abernathy  |  Last update: January 3, 2026
Score: 4.3/5 (27 votes)

I have good news for you: It is possible to get into graduate school. I know this because I have mentored several graduate school applicants with criminal records who were able to successfully enter graduate school, including programs at Ivy League schools.

Has a felon ever become a doctor?

Generally, a wide variety of disqualifying arrests can halt licensing in health care, although most states indicate that no offense automatically disqualifies someone and it has been noted some felons became doctors. Some state medical boards can see expunged or sealed records in their state.

What jobs can a felon get with a criminal justice degree?

criminal justice degree with felony jobs
  • Case Management Specialist-Advanced Practice. ...
  • Behavior Technician. ...
  • Drug Testing Technician- MALE ONLY. ...
  • Community Living Support (Denton County) ...
  • Case Management Specialist - Generalist. ...
  • Strengthen your profile. ...
  • Weekend Only- PT Equipment Technician (Criminal Justice) - Tarrant Co.

Will colleges accept you with a felony?

Yes, you can still attend college with a felony. There are no legal restrictions that prevent you from attending college with a felony record.

Can you teach at a university with a felony?

Educ. Code § 44830.1, schools cannot hire applicants with the following convictions unless they have certificates showing rehabilitation or pardons: Any serious felony listed in Cal. Pen.

What Professional License Can A Convicted Felon Get? - CountyOffice.org

27 related questions found

Can a felon get a PhD?

I have good news for you: It is possible to get into graduate school. I know this because I have mentored several graduate school applicants with criminal records who were able to successfully enter graduate school, including programs at Ivy League schools.

Can you graduate with a felony?

Good news — the answer is yes! You will need to pay attention to the program and degree you choose, and may need to take special steps during the application process. However, going to college with a felony is absolutely possible and is a great opportunity to move up in your life.

What degree is best for a felon?

The list below highlights degree options for ex-offenders.
  • Construction Management. Many construction companies do not perform background checks. ...
  • Counseling. Some agencies hire ex-offenders as counselors to help those who are currently incarcerated. ...
  • Computer Science. ...
  • Culinary Arts. ...
  • Graphic Design.

Will a felony get you kicked out of college?

Usually, an arrest should not cause an expulsion. A felony conviction for dealing drugs would almost certainly result in expulsion. While the case is pending, the school would not likely expel a student.

Do felons qualify for FAFSA?

The only exception is that most incarcerated individuals are not eligible for federal aid programs while they are incarcerated. There are other reasons a person might be ineligible for federal financial aid, but a general felony conviction is not one of them.

Do felonies go away after 7 years?

Dismissed felony charges can usually be sealed or expunged right away. In California, a felony conviction stays on your record forever if you do not get it expunged. You may be eligible for an expungement if you did not serve time in state prison.

What is the highest paying job a felon can get?

12 highest-paying jobs for felons
  1. Digital marketer. ...
  2. Freelance copywriter. ...
  3. Freelance designer. ...
  4. Painter. ...
  5. Maintenance worker. ...
  6. CNC machinist. ...
  7. Car sales executive. ...
  8. Entrepreneur.

What are the cons of being a felon?

Let's take a look at some of the hard-to-believe ways that felons continue to be punished even after they've done their time.
  • You can't travel, but you also can't find a home. ...
  • You can't vote. ...
  • You can't serve on a jury. ...
  • You can't get public benefits. ...
  • You can't get a job.

Do hospitals hire ex felons?

States carefully regulate the licensing of care providers, and laws often relate to those in support roles. These rules apply to hospitals and often to nursing homes, hospices, and more. Some types of criminal history, including violent felonies, disqualify applicants nationwide.

Can I go to med school with a felony?

Disclosure in the application provides you an opportunity to frame the incident in your own words. Felony or misdemeanor convictions may prevent some medical students from completing their experiential education requirements or obtaining licensure after graduation due to site or state restrictions.

Will a hospital hire a felon?

People who work in healthcare often have direct access to patients. This means that certain criminal convictions will be disqualifying. Some of the common types of convictions that could result in a denial for a position include convictions for drug abuse, theft, elder or patient abuse, sexual offenses, and others.

Do universities accept felons?

In theory, yes. No federal law forbids schools from awarding work-study to formerly incarcerated students. However, some colleges and outside employers require background checks for work-study positions. A felony conviction may make it harder to pass the background check and get hired for certain work-study jobs.

Is cheating in college a felony?

The average student isn't cheating in a way that is going to result in criminal prosecution, but when the cheating impacts the school by defrauding it or involves bribery, there is a real risk that criminal charges could follow for anyone who is caught.

Can you go to high school with a felony?

Though there may be penalties, many schools still allow students to enroll despite past criminal convictions. However, you may be limited in which fields you can enter into, and you may find that it is much harder to get financial support from the government or the school.

What states is the most felon friendly?

50-State Comparison: Limits on Use of Criminal Record in Employment, Licensing & Housing
  • Utah. ...
  • Vermont. ...
  • Virgin Islands. ...
  • Virginia. ...
  • Washington. ...
  • West Virginia. ...
  • Wisconsin. ...
  • Wyoming. Wyoming has no laws restricting consideration of criminal record in employment, including limits on application-stage employer inquiries.

Are there grants for felons to go to school?

You may qualify for a Federal Pell Grant if you've been convicted, are incarcerated in a federal or state penal facility, and are enrolled in an approved prison education program.

What jobs disqualify felons?

They're typically restricted from credentials for occupations in the Department of Public Health's jurisdiction or in real estate, the distribution of drugs or pharmaceuticals, pest control, embalming and insurance sales.

Can felons get a PhD?

If the State you are incarcerated in allows prisoners to attend college (i.e., it offers a college program within the facilities), yes, a prisoner can obtain a PhD while incarcerated.

Does a felony stay with you for life?

A felony will stay on your record forever in California unless you choose to take action and get the conviction removed. This is called the “expungement process” and generally requires the help of a legal representative to get underway.

What is the best career path for a felon?

Sales representatives play a crucial role in the growth of businesses, making it an ideal career for felons seeking to make a positive impact. The barrier for entry is as low as a high school diploma, but strong communication skills are a must-have for this job role.