Earning a master’s degree in criminology equips learners with specialized knowledge such as advanced research methods, criminological theories and emerging trends in the field. This degree also prepares students for a broad selection of criminology careers in various sectors related to crime, criminal justice and social research.
Work opportunities in criminology span diverse settings, offering professionals in the field the chance to work for government agencies, nonprofits, advocacy groups, educational institutions, community associations and social services organizations.
As schools continue to expand their remote learning opportunities, distance learners have a wide array of options to explore. In this article, we ranked the best online master’s criminology programs in the U.S., highlighting key features and noteworthy factors to help you make an informed decision.
Our Methodology
- Best Master’s in Criminology Online Degree Options
- Should You Enroll in an Online Master’s in Criminology Program?
- Accreditation for an Online Master’s in Criminology
- How To Find the Right Online Master’s in Criminology for You
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Online Master’s in Criminology Programs
Best Master’s in Criminology Online Degree Options
Should You Enroll in an Online Master’s in Criminology Program?
Before enrolling in an online master’s criminology program, it’s vital to consider factors like course offerings, your preferred learning style and your scheduling needs.
Criminology is a broad field encompassing various specializations such as law enforcement and policing, corrections and rehabilitation, cybersecurity, white-collar crime and legal studies. Ensure your prospective program’s course and specialization offerings align with your academic interests and professional goals.
The delivery format of online courses varies by program. For self-directed learners, asynchronous learning formats offer the flexibility to study at your own pace, while students who prefer more real-time interaction and thrive in structured learning environments might choose synchronous or hybrid programs.
Accreditation for an Online Master’s in Criminology
You should consider only accredited higher education institutions for earning your online master’s in criminology. Institutional accreditation verifies the quality and rigor of a school’s academic programs, faculty qualifications and student outcomes. Accreditation ensures other institutions and employers recognize your degree and your eligibility for federal student aid.
You can verify a school’s accreditation status by checking the Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs, managed by the U.S. Department of Education.
Programmatic accreditation evaluates specific programs within a school, ensuring they meet industry-specific standards and effectively prepare graduates for careers in their chosen fields. While programmatic accreditation is less common for criminology degrees, some degree programs are certified through the American Criminal Justice Society.
How To Find the Right Online Master’s in Criminology for You
If you’ve decided to earn your criminology master’s degree online, here’s how you can narrow down your options.
Consider Your Future Goals
Finding the right online master’s in criminology program requires careful research and attention to your interests and goals.
Determining what you want to achieve with your degree—such as advancing your current career, making a career change or enhancing your criminology expertise—can help you navigate the diverse program offerings and select a program aligned with your objectives. If you’re interested in a particular area of study, ensure your chosen program offers corresponding specializations and electives.
Internships aren’t typically a requirement for criminology master’s students, though some programs offer opportunities for learners to gain practical experience. These experiences often span a semester and allow students to learn in settings that might reflect their future work environments.
Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options
The cost of online criminology programs can vary significantly, depending on factors such as in-state or out-of-state status and whether you attend a public or private school. The degrees we’ve ranked on this page take around two years to complete and total $19,341 in tuition on average.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, tuition and required fees for full-time graduate students averaged $11,554 at public and $20,015 at private schools in the 2022-23 academic year. So for the average two-year master’s degree, tuition and fees would total around $23,100 at a public school or $40,000 at a private school—significantly more than the average cost of our top 10 programs.
Several financing options exist for graduate students. Submitting the FAFSA is a great first step toward determining your eligibility for federal aid, which includes grants and loans. Scholarships, graduate assistantships, fellowships and work-study programs are other sources worth exploring.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Online Master’s in Criminology Programs
What is a criminology degree for?
Earning a criminology degree can prepare you for a variety of roles, such as criminal investigator, information security analyst, probation officer, lawyer, forensic psychologist or victim advocate. These positions have varying qualification criteria, so it’s important to research the education requirements of your desired role.
Do criminology majors make a lot of money?
Criminology is a broad field that encompasses various professional avenues, including law enforcement, research and social services. The earning potential for a criminology major can vary significantly depending on your role, level of education, professional work experience, location and job market conditions.
What is the difference between criminology and criminal justice?
The key difference between criminology and criminal justice is the scope of focus. Criminology seeks to understand the underlying causes, contributing factors and consequences involved with criminal behavior. Professionals in this field analyze risk factors and patterns to better understand criminal behavior. Criminal justice is more concerned with the practical aspects of the criminal justice system and encompasses the legal system, law enforcement and corrections.