Best Online Master’s in Criminology
Did you know that crime costs the country $2.6 trillion each year? According to a 2021 study published in the Journal of Benefit-Cost Analysis, crime continues to fall from historical levels. However, violent crimes have increased following the COVID-19 pandemic, and instances of fraud and identity theft have significantly affected modern society. Beyond the financial impact, crime has human and societal consequences.
Earning a master’s in criminology prepares you to understand criminals and criminal behavior to potentially reduce and stop crime. Colleges across the country awarded 771 master’s degrees in criminology in the 2019-2020 school year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). The versatile degree can qualify you for careers in law enforcement, research, and policy.
Interested in a career in criminology? We’ve compiled the best online master’s in criminology degrees in this guide. Explore common coursework, tuition rates, and employment data.
The Best Online Criminology Master’s Programs
University of California, Irvine
Irvine, CA- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$11,442
- Out-of-state$41,196
- In-State$11,442
- Out-of-state$26,544
- Retention Rate94%
- Acceptance Rate27%
- Students Enrolled36,908
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment15%
- AccreditationYes
Missouri State University-Springfield
- Springfield, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,540
- Out-of-state$14,850
- In-State$5,202
- Out-of-state$10,476
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate88%
- Students Enrolled23,453
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment39%
- AccreditationYes
West Liberty University
- West Liberty, WV
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,990
- Out-of-state$15,930
- In-State$6,300
- Out-of-state$8,112
- Retention Rate71%
- Acceptance Rate71%
- Students Enrolled2,496
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment40%
- AccreditationYes
Regis University
- Denver, CO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$37,830
- Out-of-state$37,830
- In-State$14,441
- Out-of-state$14,441
- Retention Rate84%
- Acceptance Rate71%
- Students Enrolled6,908
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment60%
- AccreditationYes
Indiana State University
- Terre Haute, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,036
- Out-of-state$19,960
- In-State$7,542
- Out-of-state$14,814
- Retention Rate65%
- Acceptance Rate90%
- Students Enrolled12,144
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment47%
- AccreditationYes
Why Get a Criminology Master’s Degree?
Advance Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills
Graduate-level degrees challenge you to evaluate traditional beliefs and base your arguments on research and objective findings. These skills help you delve into the criminal justice system and investigate the causes of criminal behaviors.Boost Your Earning Potential
A higher degree usually offers a strong return on investment, according to NCES. Graduates with master’s degrees or higher made a median salary of $74,600, 21% above bachelor’s degree-holders. Individuals with only a high school diploma had median annual earnings of $39,700.Find Greater Job Stability
You must invest money to go to college, but statistically, formal education can offer greater stability. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), master’s degree-holders have an unemployment rate of 1.9%. In comparison, rates for bachelor’s degree-holders stood at 2.2% and 2.7% for individuals with associate degrees.
What to Expect From a Criminology Master’s Degree
An online master’s in criminology provides an in-depth study of the criminal justice system and crime from a societal perspective. Coursework may require you to examine the roles of race, class, and gender in the criminal justice system and ethical policing, among other subjects. Programs generally offer thesis or non-thesis options as culminating research projects. To earn a degree, you must complete 30-40 credits.
With accredited transfer credits, you can often graduate more quickly. The U.S. Department of Education and Council for Higher Education Accreditation recognize third-party agencies that award accreditation. This voluntary process includes a formal evaluation of a school’s instructors, facilities, resources, and curriculum.
Degree, Concentration, and Format Options
In your research of potential programs, you’ll notice that some colleges feature master of arts (MA) programs, and others provide master of science (MS) degrees in criminology. An MS degree typically focuses on scientific inquiry, math, and business. An MA degree requires a foundation in liberal arts and humanities coursework.
Programs may offer concentrations to provide you with a specialized education. For instance, you may have the option to specialize in homeland security, crime analysis, or behavioral analysis.
Formats of master’s programs also differ. There are online, in-person, and hybrid degrees. With an online program, you usually do not have any on-campus requirements, which offers greater convenience. On-campus degrees can provide a more traditional college experience and more personal educational experience, however. Other format differences to consider include:
- Asynchronous vs. synchronous coursework
- Accelerated and self-paced programs
- Dual programs
- Optional graduate certificates
Popular Criminology Graduate Courses
An online master’s in criminology degree typically comprises 30 credits. Coursework blends core credits, electives, and a thesis or independent research project. Each program differs in the number of required credits and areas of study. While by no means comprehensive, the list below covers common courses.
Criminology Theory
Through a course on advanced criminological theory, you’ll study the patterns and effects of crimes. Course materials cover ways that data can help to prevent crime, implement prevention strategies, and influence policy change.Crime and Border Security
Globalization has affected border security and crime in ways that you’ll explore in this course. For instance, one unit may focus on changes made after the 9/11 attacks or the COVID-19 pandemic. Coursework may also explore topics like drug and human trafficking.Courts, Sentencing, and the Judicial Process
Lessons in this class cover arraignment, trial, and sentencing. Enrollees explore sentencing reforms and disparities in the state and federal court systems to recognize potential biases.Criminology Capstone
To complete an online master’s in criminology, you generally need to show everything you have learned through a written research project and/or presentation. This final project usually occurs in the last semester and may accompany a final internship. Programs often assign you a thesis mentor to provide continual advice and help.
How Much Do Criminology Master’s Programs Cost?
Tuition costs vary among schools offering online master’s in criminology degrees. On average, public institutions charged $12,394 in 2020-2021 for a graduate degree, according to NCES. You may pay $500-$1,310 per credit to earn an online master’s in criminology degree. Some online programs waive out-of-state fees for online learners. Private colleges — and particularly prestigious schools — cost more than public universities.
Completing a FAFSA determines your eligibility for federal and state loans and grants. Your institution may also provide criminology or general scholarships based on your academic merit or financial need.
Criminology or Criminal Justice?
Choosing a program in criminology to suit your career aspirations may seem challenging. While a criminology and criminal justice degree may seem the same, criminology is rooted in sociology and psychology.
Top online criminology master’s programs explore the socioeconomic, political, and environmental factors affecting crime. Students learn social and psychological profiles, behaviors of high-risk personalities, and ethics and policymaking surrounding crime in the U.S.
Many criminology master’s programs are customizable to your personal and professional goals. Studying general criminology can prepare you for your choice of criminal justice, social service, or law enforcement jobs. Some online criminology master’s programs offer concentrations in cybercrime, human behavior, and leadership.
Master’s in Criminology Careers
Sociologist
Sociologists research the psychology and social behavior of certain cultural groups, controlled demographics, and organized institutions. These professionals must have a master’s-level education to enter the field and should be well-versed in various quantitative research methods.
Projected Job Growth (2022-2032): +5%
Private Detective or Investigator
Private detectives and investigators research the personal, financial, and/or legal issues of individuals and/or organizations. They are adept at conducting research conclusively and confidentially, often for private and high-profile clients. Advancement in the field requires licensure in most states in the country.
Projected Job Growth (2022-2032): +6%
Claims Adjuster, Appraiser, Examiner, or Investigator
Claims adjusters, appraisers, examiners, or investigators evaluate insurance claims and determine if and when insurance companies should pay those claims. While not always required for entry-level jobs, many employers prefer professionals who have bachelor’s degrees and work experience. Criminology education and experience are also preferred by some insurance companies.
Projected Job Growth (2022-2032): -3%
Common Questions About Criminology Master’s Degrees
Is criminology a good master’s degree?
It can be. An online master’s in criminology can qualify you for in-demand and well-paying careers. The BLS projects employment for sociologists, a career that pays a median annual salary of $98,590, to grow by 5% from 2022-2032.
What can you do with a criminology master’s?
You can pursue careers in research, law enforcement, and forensic studies after earning a criminology degree. Graduates of online master’s in criminology programs can often qualify for roles as crime scene investigators, criminologists, or victim advocates.
How much does an online criminology master’s program cost?
According to NCES data for the 2020-2021 academic year, public colleges charge an annual average of $12,394 in tuition and fees for a graduate degree, while students at private colleges pay $26,621. Studying online can offer a more affordable pathway since you do not have to pay for on-campus housing or fees associated with traditional learning.
What is the difference between criminology and criminal justice?
Criminology provides a deeper study into the causation of crime and the psychology of the criminals’ behavior. On the other hand, criminal justice focuses on professionals who solve crimes.
