Best Online Master’s in Criminology Programs
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Editor & Writer
Contributing Writer
Editor & Writer
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Online master's in criminology programs are perennially popular with students. Criminology is the scientific study of crime and perpetrators, and due to the consistent crime rate in the U.S., the field will likely always be hiring.
Criminology jobs for private detectives and investigators are growing, and with a master's degree, you can set yourself apart from the competition.
Keep reading to learn what to expect from a master's in criminology program, how to get in, and where you can use your degree after graduation.
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Accredited Online Master's in Criminology Programs of 2024
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BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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Indiana State University
Terre Haute, IN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $450
Out-of-State | $585
Credits to Graduate: 36
Indiana State University's online MS in criminology and criminal justice could be right for you if you're an academic criminologist or criminal justice professional who wants to advance in your career. You can take this as a terminal degree or in preparation for law school.
Some courses you'll take include correctional counseling, advanced criminal investigations, and organizational behavior in public agencies. You'll need to complete a symposium on criminology as well as a written exam.
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Indiana, PA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $516
Out-of-State | $774
Credits to Graduate: 24
IUP's criminology and criminal justice MA is available on-campus or online. Its 7.5-week course format allows you to complete the program in one year by taking two classes each semester or two years by taking one class each semester.
You can either complete a thesis or take a capstone course as well as an additional elective. Course options include ethical and philosophical issues in criminology, criminal justice planning and evaluation, and seminar in contemporary corrections.
Regis University
Denver, CO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $599
Out-of-State | $599
Credits to Graduate: 36
The MS in criminology from Regis will give you the knowledge to make a difference in deterring criminal behavior. The fully online program is formatted into 8-week terms. Alumni have gone on to work as forensic psychologists, military intelligence officers, security, and federal agencies.
You'll have the option to complete a 16-week internship to get hands-on experience working directly with police departments, victim assistance agencies, or coroner's offices. You're expected to complete a graduate or experiential capstone as part of the program.
Missouri State University
Springfield, MO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $379
Out-of-State | $379
Credits to Graduate: 30-36
With a master of science in criminology and criminal justice from Missouri State Online, you can earn a credential that will help you pursue a career in homeland security, juvenile justice, or counter-terrorism in less than two years.
You can choose to complete and defend a thesis or an in-depth policy analysis paper. Some courses you'll take are leadership and management in criminal justice, crime theory and policy, and applied research in criminal justice.
Lindenwood University
Saint Charles, MO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $551
Out-of-State | $551
Credits to Graduate: 33-39
Lindenwood University Online's master's degree in criminology and criminal justice can help you apply criminological theories to practice in a digital world as the demand for cybersecurity professionals rises. Graduates can go on to work at the local, state, and federal levels.
For admission to the program, you must submit a resume, letter of intent, transcripts, and a 1,000-word statement of purpose. You'll also need to submit GRE scores if your undergraduate GPA is below 3.0.
San Jose State University
San Jose, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $680
Out-of-State | $680
Credits to Graduate: 30
The master of science in criminology with a concentration in global criminology from SJSU is a fully online program that will allow you to explore crime on an international scale, exposing you to global perspectives.
In the program, you'll take courses like immigration and international law, international human rights, and cyber forensics. You'll also complete an applied project. To be admitted, you must have a GPA of at least 3.0 for your last 60 credits of undergraduate coursework.
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To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
Ranking Methodology Summary
To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:
- Affordability (30%)
- Student outcomes (30%)
- Reputation (20%)
- Diversity and social mobility (20%)
In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.
What Can I Expect From an Online Master's in Criminology Program?
Individuals who want to work to reform the criminal justice system and understand the motivations of people who break the law may thrive in an online master's in criminology program. Analytical, detail-oriented individuals who enjoy solving problems and learning about human behavior often feel drawn to this degree, especially if they want to help others.
When preparing for graduate school, prospective learners should know that most programs consist of approximately 30 credits and take about two years to complete. Accelerated programs may allow for completion in as little as 12 months, while part-time programs often take three years to finish. In addition to general core studies, many programs also provide concentrations in areas such as:
- Criminal Behavior: This concentration instills the skills and knowledge needed to work in positions that directly interact with others, including roles in probation and parole, corrections, and intervention.
- International Criminology: Taking a global lens, this concentration helps students consider how international phenomena such as wars, violence, politics, and economics influence patterns and rates of crime in different places.
- Crime Causation, Prevention, and Intervention: Undertaking this concentration provides training in the psychological, sociological, and etiological theories of crime, with special emphasis on developing more effective crime prevention tactics.
- Conflict Management: Designed for students pursuing careers in negotiation, dispute management, and outcome improvement, this concentration focuses heavily on human behavior, mediation, and neuroscience.
Although internships aren't typically required, some students decide to complete one as a way of gaining experience and making professional contacts while still in school. These experiences typically last a semester. Learners can usually choose a setting that closely aligns with their professional goals.
Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Degree Programs.
What Courses Will I Take in an Online Master's in Criminology Program?
- Victimology: Students taking this course learn about the criminal justice services in place for victims, how they go about deciding whether to report crimes, and what support they receive during trials and beyond.
- Human Behavior: This psychology-based course examines both normal and abnormal behavior. Learners review contemporary and historical research along with case studies.
- Data Analysis in Criminology: Designed for those who want to conduct criminology research, this course examines methods of using statistical techniques, leveraging qualitative methods, and designing research projects that produce usable data.
- Professional Development in Criminology: Typically taken in a student's final year of studies, this course prepares learners to go out and find criminology jobs after graduating. Students learn how to leverage the skills and knowledge they've learned throughout their training.
- Criminology Practicum: While not a mandatory course, a practicum can allow students to gain real-world experience by working with criminology experts in the field. Like internships, these experiences typically last one semester.
What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Master's in Criminology Program?
Graduate admission requirements for online master's in criminology programs vary by college or university. Therefore, it is important for prospective students to carefully read each school's application instructions. While most programs do not require applicants to possess a specific undergraduate degree, they may set a few prerequisites. Particularly competitive programs may also require applicants to participate in interviews. Some common components include:
Application
These days, most universities allow students to submit their applications online; however, a few may still allow learners to send in physical forms. Applications typically ask for common information such as the prospective student's full name, mailing address, date of birth, and citizenship status.
Test Scores
Some master's in criminology programs may require applicants to provide GRE scores as part of the application process. Some schools waive this requirement altogether, while others may allow students with high GPAs or a certain amount of previous work experience to bypass this step.
Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation allow those who know the candidate well to speak on their preparedness for advanced study and the type of impact they would make in the program. Reference letters should come from former or current professors, supervisors, coaches, mentors, volunteer managers, or faith leaders — not friends or family.
Resume and Work Experience
Some master's in criminology programs may look for candidates with previous work experience — sometimes related to the discipline. Providing a resume with work experience can help showcase the professional skills learners have built since they graduated from a bachelor's program and, in some cases, demonstrate their interest in criminology.
Essays
Grad school essays allow candidates to express themselves clearly and stand out from other applicants. Students should use this space to outline why they want to study criminology, how they plan to use their master's in criminology after graduating, and why they want to enroll in specific a program.
Official Transcripts
All master's in criminology programs ask prospective students to supply official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions previously attended, both to confirm their degree status and verify their stated GPA. Admission officers also use transcripts to identify which graduate-level courses from other institutions may transfer over to the new program.
What Can I Do With an Online Master's in Criminology Degree?
Career Outlook
Completing an online master's in criminology can provide you with the training and credentials needed to work in a variety of different law enforcement, intelligence, and community roles. Jobs for graduates of these programs vary by demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects positions for private detectives and investigators to grow by 6% from 2022-2032.
Salaries also vary, but most professionals make above the national average wage for all occupations. Those in executive or managerial positions can even earn six-figure salaries.
Career Paths
Private Investigator or Detective
These professionals spend their days investigating people and organizations to learn more about their financial, legal, and personal information. Whether hired by an individual or working in-house for a company, investigators and detectives gather information through surveillance, interviews, and records to learn more about their subjects before creating a report and presenting their findings.
Median Annual Salary (May 2022): $52,120
Police Officer
Police officers work for local, state, and federal governments to enforce laws, keep the peace, and respond to both emergency and non-emergency calls. They perform routine traffic stops, issue citations and tickets, and make arrests when appropriate. They may also investigate crimes to gather evidence and interview suspects and victims.
Median Annual Salary (May 2022): $69,160
Federal Special Agent
These professionals work for federal agencies, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), to enforce laws and investigate violations. Whether working undercover or in uniform, special agents help keep the public safe and address both domestic and international incidents that create dangerous situations.
Average Annual Salary (March 2024): $92,810
Fraud Investigator
Fraud investigators can work in public or private organizations to investigate individuals or companies suspected of committing fraud. In addition to collecting evidence, conducting interviews, and reviewing filings and tax documents, fraud investigators analyze their findings to make conclusions. They report their findings and make recommendations on how to handle fraudulent situations.
Average Annual Salary (March 2024): $68,600
Intelligence Analyst
Working with both government agencies and contractors, intelligence analysts identify and research suspected security threats. Working both in offices and in the field, these professionals must possess advanced skills in research, critical thinking, and writing to be effective at their jobs. They regularly process large amounts of data in the course of their work.
Average Annual Salary (March 2024): $77,940
Continuing Education
After completing an online master's in criminology, some students may decide to pursue a doctoral degree. While this next step is not all that common in the field of criminology, individuals who want to do research in the field or pursue work as professors may decide this step makes the most sense for them.
Students can also pursue postgraduate certificates in the areas of cybersecurity, criminal psychology, or criminal justice.
Criminology Not For You? Check Out These Related Careers.
How Do I Choose an Online Master's in Criminology Program?
Cost
For many learners, cost is one of the most important factors when it comes to deciding which online master's in criminology program to pursue. Understanding the true program cost can help students save money and avoid miscalculations later down the road. When comparing the cost of online and on-campus programs, online options tend to offer lower rates and fewer program fees.
Program Format
When looking at online master's in criminology programs, students must decide whether asynchronous or synchronous learning works best for their personal, professional, and academic needs. Synchronous online programs have designated meeting times for courses, while asynchronous programs allow learners to complete lessons on their own schedules. Students should also consider whether full-time or part-time learning works best for them.
Location
When choosing an online master's in criminology program, location can still play an important role. If the program requires any in-person training or seminars, students may want to be within driving distance to avoid expensive plane tickets. Completely online programs allow students to cast their nets wider geographically.
Accreditation
While a programmatic accreditation board does not currently exist for the criminology discipline, students can look for colleges and universities that hold institutional accreditation. Completing this step can help ensure that learners attend a program that offers the academic, social, and professional support they need to thrive in school and the professional world.
Student Support
Student support services can make the difference between an average and transformative college experience, making it important to consider these when choosing a school. The best colleges provide professional mentorship opportunities as well as access to competitive internship placements. Online students can also ask about services created specifically for them.
Frequently Asked Questions About Master's in Criminology Programs
How long is a master's degree in criminology?
Master's degrees in criminology can vary in length, with many requiring two years of full-time study. That said, some schools also offer accelerated programs that allow learners to graduate in as few as 12 months.
Is criminology a hard major?
The degree of difficulty in earning a master's in criminology will depend on the individual student. Learners who enjoy studying topics such as psychology, sociology, and ethics may find it easier than those who don't.
Does criminology require a lot of math?
Criminology master's degrees require students to complete courses in statistics, so you will need a foundational understanding of math. That said, math classes are only one part of this degree program.
Is a master's degree in criminology worth it?
Earning a master's in criminology makes sense for many students, particularly those who want to stand out from the competition, pursue senior-level roles, and earn higher salaries. It is also beneficial for those who may want to teach in the future.
What does a master's in criminology entail?
A master's in criminology typically includes between 30 and 36 credits, including both general credits and those dedicated to your chosen concentration. Some schools may also offer the opportunity to pursue a thesis or non-thesis track.
