Categories Criminology Degrees

What is a Criminology Degree? A Complete Guide

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This degree is a sum of many aspects. As the title of the program suggests, it focuses on criminal law, crime, communication skills, analytical and critical thinking, etc. Criminology degrees usually open up opportunities to work in various criminal justice careers. 

For instance, some of the careers that graduates with this qualification pursue include police officers, police detectives, criminologists, etc. That’s one of the main reasons there’s an increase in jobs for criminology graduates, with an average expected increase of 8% by 2028. 

Now, what exactly is a criminology degree? What does the program offer in it? And what sort of criminology university should you pursue? Finding the answer to these questions requires us to look deeper into the subject itself and understand its importance.

Besides, we’ll also look into the best universities that offer both online and on-campus programs. So, let’s dive right into it and understand what you can do with a criminology degree and how you can get one. 

Table of Contents

What is Criminology? 

Criminology is the study of crime, as well as criminal behavior and criminals in general. The study focuses on the science behind a crime, including why the individual commits/committed the crime, by exploring proven theories, motives, etc.

The focus of the degree isn’t just on understanding crime but also on preventing it. Most degree programs under this category have various aspects, as they focus on understanding a few things, such as:

  • The impact of crime;
  • Most common causes;
  • Usual motives and suspects;
  • Methods of crime;
  • Methods of preventing crime;
  • And understanding and controlling criminal behavior. 

The study of criminology also focuses on various other aspects, such as psychology, law, and anthropology. This helps the graduate understand the common causes, patterns, and consequences of crime in modern society. 

Besides, it also focuses on understanding the socioeconomic status, upbringing, and psychological traits commonly found in criminals. This helps the student understand criminal behavior quite comprehensively.

Lastly, it also puts a key focus on understanding theories and strategies related to crime. So, the study also includes understanding law enforcement, crime prevention, and rehabilitation for criminals. It also includes creating policies and putting interventions in place to pull down crime rates. 

What is a Criminology Degree? 

A criminology degree usually focuses on the basics of criminal sciences and helps the student understand all of the things we talked about above. For instance, a criminology bachelor’s degree focuses on the criminal justice system, the science/anatomy of a crime, and criminal behavior.

Usually, these degrees cover a variety of topics, and each one of them covers a necessary element in the crime prevention department. For instance, usual bachelor’s or master’s programs in criminology will focus on:

  • The theory behind a crime/crime causation;
  • The importance and role of law enforcement;
  • Criminal justice policies;
  • Victimology and studying crime victims;
  • Rehabilitation and criminal punishments;
  • As well as crime prevention and policy making.

Students are also taught various analytical skills through various courses and programs. This allows them to use known research methods to detect perpetrators, analyze crimes, understand motives, etc. It also provides a means to evaluate possible and probable interventions.

Moreover, these criminology degrees could be offered in Bachelor’s, Master’s, Associate’s, or certification level for different skill levels.

Lastly, those who take these degrees can pursue careers in criminology police, criminal psychology, homicide detection, forensic science, etc. 

What Courses are Offered in Criminology Degree Programs? 

There are quite a few types of courses offered in a criminology degree. The purpose of these courses isn’t just to build quantitative thinking but also analytical and research abilities. But these courses also depend on the level of the degree, i.e., bachelor’s or Master’s.

Usually, a criminal justice or criminology bachelor’s degree would offer courses such as:

  • Introduction to Criminology
  • Introduction to Policing 
  • Theories of Crime Causation
  • Research Methods in Criminology
  • Criminal Law and Procedure
  • Victimology
  • Sociology of Deviance
  • Psychology and Crime
  • Policing and Law Enforcement
  • Corrections and Rehabilitation

While some degrees will have varying programs, you can be sure most of the courses mentioned above will appear in the curriculum. In the same sense, here are some of the courses that are sure to appear in a master’s criminology degree:

  • Advanced Criminological Theory
  • Advanced Research Methods in Criminology
  • Advanced Topics in Victimology
  • Criminal Justice Policy Analysis
  • Advanced Topics in Policing
  • Corrections Policy and Practice
  • Forensic Psychology
  • Cybercrime and Digital Forensics
  • Gender, Crime, and Justice
  • International Perspectives on Crime and Justice

As you can see, the Master’s degree courses are much more advanced. However, there is also the criminology associate degree, which offers courses similar to those offered in a bachelor’s program. Nevertheless, those programs are only basic and prepare the student to work in an assistant role.

Here are some of the examples of associate courses in a college degree of this sort:

  • Introduction to Criminal Justice
  • Introduction to Criminology
  • Criminal Law
  • Policing and Law Enforcement
  • Corrections and Rehabilitation

Thus, the courses and their skill levels depend on the degree/program. 

What’s the Difference: Criminology Degree vs. Criminal Justice Degree 

Both these degrees are quite closely related and offer the same courses. While both degrees focus on the theories and science of crime, their purpose and focus are to provide skills in different aspects of the field.

A simple definition is that criminology focuses on crime itself, as well as the causes, patterns, and effects of crime on society. On the other hand, criminal justice focuses on the repercussions of crime, including law enforcement, courts, corrections, prevention, and punishments. 

You can also judge the difference between the two by their common careers, as each degree holder pursues or ends up in different type of careers, such as:

Criminology Careers Criminal Justice Careers
Law Enforcement Officer Police Officer
Probation Officer Detective
Correctional Officer Paralegal
Forensic Psychologist Court Administrator
Crime Analyst Legal Assistant
Victim Advocate Homeland Security Specialist
Criminal Justice Researcher Private Investigator

While some careers are quite similar, such as law enforcement officer and police officer, others indicate a separate path for both degrees. Another good way to understand their differences is that they focus on different areas of crime, such as:

Criminology  Criminal Justice 
Focuses on crime motive Focuses on crime punishment 
Studies criminal behavior  Studies criminal repercussions 
Usually more theoretical and research-oriented More applied, ideal for practical roles in the justice system
Usually scopes sociology, psychology, anthropology Scopes Legal and procedural aspects of the justice system
Emphasizes research methods, data analysis, critical thinking Focuses on law enforcement tactics, legal procedures, case management
Tends to societal, cultural, and psychological factors Tends to the operational understanding of law enforcement, prosecution, rehabilitation

So, students who graduate in the first might work as a detective or forensic expert. On the other hand, a criminal justice student might work as someone who proves the crime, pursues punishment for the criminal, and creates policies for crime prevention.

What are the Entry Requirements for Criminology Programs? 

The entry requirements for criminology programs depend on the degree level. For instance, any university offering an undergraduate degree would require a bachelor’s applicant to have a high-school diploma or equivalent.

Meanwhile, the university offering a Master’s in this field would require the student to have a bachelor’s in forensics or any similar degree. But let’s keep things simple, as here are some of the entry requirements for a bachelor’s program:

  • High school diploma or equivalent;
  • Minimum GPA requirement;
  • Standardized test scores (e.g., SAT or ACT);
  • Letters of recommendation;
  • And personal statements or essays.

On the other hand, here are the requirements for a master’s program:

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution;
  • Minimum undergraduate GPA requirement;
  • Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores;
  • Letters of recommendation;
  • And statement of purpose or personal statement.

Is a Criminology College Degree Better than a University Program? 

The simple answer is “no.” Neither of the two programs is better, but what matters is which program suits you the most. If you’re near a criminology college that offers an accredited program that is also affordable and near you, then it’s the right one for you.

If you’re near an accredited criminology university that offers a popular program, then it’s downright the best choice. So, neither of them is inherently better or worse than the other, but it comes down to your personal preference, traveling obligations, etc. 

Besides, smaller colleges and universities tend to be better for some, as they have smaller classes and give more attention to their students. Meanwhile, some bigger universities offer more extensive programs, internship opportunities, etc. 

Should You opt for On-Campus or Online Criminology Degree Programs? 

This factor also depends on your personal preference and whether or not you’re working. If you’re a full-time student, then on-campus studying has many benefits. You get to ask questions to tutors in person, make like-minded friends, and benefit from on-campus facilities.

On the other hand, enrolling in a criminology degree online will rid you of the need to travel. You can also continue working and then take classes online without needing to commute. Besides, some universities and colleges offer at-your-pace degrees.

This means that you can study at any time, anywhere, and at your own pace. So, it comes down to your personal preference and which degree suits you the most. 

Five Online Criminology Degree Programs 

Many universities and colleges provide these degrees online. But we’ve picked some of the best programs across the United States which offer online criminology degrees online. Here they are: 

1: Maryville University – Online Criminal Justice Degree

Maryville University is one of the top universities that offers online degrees. And one of the online programs here is about criminology and justice. This online degree is just the right option for you, as it can be taken from anywhere. 

Besides, this degree offers some of the best courses. The curriculum, linked above, offers courses such as: 

  • Introduction to Criminal Justice 
  • Multicultural Policing 
  • Corrections in Society 
  • Criminal Law and Procedure
  • Civil Liberties/Rights
  • Criminological Theory
  • Criminal Behavior 

Besides, the university’s high acceptance rate and affordable rates also make it considerable. Besides, it’s also rated as America’s top online colleges by Forbes. Thus, gives you enough to build your skills and thinking to become a successful major. 

2: University of Nebraska (Omaha) – Online BS Criminology and Criminal Justice

The University of Nebraska is another university that offers incredible online programs. It’s also considered one of the best Big Ten universities that offers online degrees. And that includes not only undergraduate degrees and certificates but also master’s and doctoral degrees.

One of those programs is the online B.S. in Criminology and Criminal Justice. It’s also quite affordable for a full-time B.S. program. 

The courses in this degree are also all-encompassing, as they cover all the important areas of criminal justice. This includes courses such as:

  • Survey Of Criminal Justice
  • Police And Society
  • Criminal Court System
  • Survey Of Corrections
  • Community-Based Corrections
  • Criminal Procedure
  • Criminology
  • Race, Ethnicity, And Criminal Justice

The courses in this degree render it one of the top choices among online majors in this field. 

3: Southern New Hampshire University – Online Degree in Criminology & Crime Analysis

Southern New Hampshire University is one more institution that offers an incredible online major in criminology. The university is known for providing 200+ programs online, one of the most number of programs in the United States.

This includes a degree in the criminal study field, which includes the degree we’re talking about. This one is for those who are analytical and wish to work in forensics, detective work, etc. 

The online bachelor of science program in Criminology & Crime Analysis gives you all the tools to succeed in the field. That’s because the curriculum is filled with courses like: 

  • Introduction to Criminal Justice
  • Policing in the United States
  • The United States Judicial System
  • The United States Correctional System
  • Technology in Criminal Justice
  • Criminology and Public Policy
  • Prevention of Crime
  • Data-Based Policing Strategies
  • Crime Analysis and Solutions
  • Problem-Solving for Criminal Justice Professional

And that’s what makes it yet another online university that you should consider.

4: University of Saint Mary – Online B.A. in Criminology Completion Program

The University of Saint Mary is one of the leading universities when it comes to online programs. It offers MBA, MA, MSN, and many other master’s programs. However, it also offers a wide array of undergraduate programs online in various formats.

This includes the degree we’re talking about today, aka online Criminology B.A., which includes at-your-pace course work, and very inclusive coursework. This program covers all the key subjects of criminology.

And that is apparent throughout the coursework, as you get to learn courses such as: 

  • Police, Courts, Probation And Parole 
  • Introduction To Criminal Law
  • Ethics In Criminology
  • Crime Analysis
  • The Supreme Court: Civil Rights And Civil Liberties 
  • Introduction To Sociology

And that’s why it’s another option you should consider enrolling in. 

5: Arkansas State University (ASTATE) – Bachelor of Arts in Criminology Online

Arkansas State University, or A-State Online is one of the best universities in Arkansas. It offers some of the sought-after criminology programs you can find and includes a variety of graduate and undergraduate programs online.

It’s also quite affordable in terms of cost per term. And that’s why this is yet another stellar choice if you’re looking for a solid B.A. in criminology program online.

The quality of this program is apparent throughout the courses, and you can check out the curriculum yourself. It includes these courses: 

  • Introduction to Criminal Justice
  • Criminal Evidence and Procedure
  • Criminology
  • Criminal Justice Systems
  • Social Justice
  • Applied Research
  • Social Statistics
  • Methods of Social Research

Five Criminology Degree Colleges

Here are the top five degree colleges in the U.S. that offer this degree today: 

1: Northern Virginia Community College – Associate Degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice

Northern Virginia Community College is one of the most affordable colleges in the vicinity. With an average in-state tuition of $5,500 and a high acceptance rate, it’s one of the best colleges to pick for Virginia students.

Besides that, it has great programs, including the criminology associate degree here.

It comprises a curriculum that would rival any B.S. or B.A. program from a major university because of courses like these: 

  • Survey of Criminal Justice 
  • Quantitative Reasoning 
  • Statistical Reasoning 
  • Principles of Public Speaking 
  • Introduction to Human Communication 
  • Introduction to Digital and Information Literacy and Computer Applications 
  • Principles of Psychology 

2: John Jay College of Criminal Justice (CUNY) – B.S. Criminal Justice (Institutional Theory and Practice)

John Jay College, under the CUNY system, offers some of the best degree options. This is a college that has “College of Criminal Justice” in the title, and so you can tell it’s a good one. Besides that, a medium acceptance rate and affordable degree cost make it a good choice.

That goes for the criminology B.S., which has one of the top criminology courses among college degree options.

This Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice is a complete degree which features an extensive curriculum: 

  • Introduction to the American Criminal Justice System
  • Research Methods and Statistics for Criminal Justice
  • Criminal Justice: Theory in Practice
  • Capstone Seminar for B.S. in Criminal Justice
  • Introduction to Corrections
  • Constitutional Law
  • Introduction to Police Studies

3: Stonehill College – Criminology Major or Minor

Stonehill College is one of the leading colleges in Massachusetts and one of the most expensive. But, if you can look past the price tag, it offers great programs. And while it has a high acceptance rate, the high cost of a degree might be a drawback for some.

But it also has many opportunities, such as planned internships and certification opportunities. And that is also for the Criminology major and minor program(s).

The B.A. program here is the one you should be aiming for, as it’s a complete degree with well-rounded courses: 

  • Critical Introduction to Criminal Justice
  • The Jury System
  • Ethics, Values, and Diversity in Criminal Justice
  • Procedural Criminal Law
  • Substantive Criminal Law
  • Mechanics of the Courtroom
  • The Jury System

And that’s why it should be on your list of colleges to consider. 

4: Le Moyne College – B.A. in Criminology

Le Moyne College is one more college you should be thinking of going to. While you may not like the average cost, the high acceptance rate and opportunities after graduation make it worth it. Besides, it’s one of the few colleges in NY that also offers international and transfer students equal opportunities.

It also offers one of the best Bachelor of Arts in Criminology degrees.

The courses in this degree make it a worthy choice, and they include: 

  • Introduction to Criminology
  • Critical Issues in Criminology & Criminal Justice
  • Gender and Crime
  • The Criminal Justice System
  • Global Crime
  • Gangs and Criminal Community
  • Family Violence
  • Race and Ethnic Relations
  • Criminal Investigation
  • Punishment, Corrections & Community

Thus, it’s another college you should check out. 

5: Florida Southern College – Traditional Undergraduate Criminology (B.A., BS, Minor) 

Florida Southern College is one of the top colleges in the state of Florida. With 70 academic programs, it also offers a variety of internships to students who graduate. Besides that, lots of travel opportunities and professional paths are offered here as well.

As for the criminology programs, you get a minor as well as two major programs.

But whether you choose the B.A. or B.S., the courses are incredible. The criminology major focuses on the following subjects: 

  • Introduction to Criminal Justice
  • Sociology of Deviant Behavior 
  • Policing in American Society
  • Methods of Social Research
  • Criminalization of Mental Illness
  • Judicial Processes
  • Corrections and Rehabilitation

Five Criminology Degree Schools (On-Campus)

If you’re looking to enroll in one of the best programs on campus for criminology, then here are some of them:

1: University of Florida – B.A. in Criminology 

The University of Florida is one of the best universities in The Sunshine State. It has 16 colleges and each one offers a variety of programs. Besides that, it’s also one of the most affordable with an average cost of roughly 3k per annum.

So, there’s no wonder that one of the best criminology degrees that you can find today.

The curriculum is chock full of outstanding courses, which prepare your skills and mindset to succeed in the field of criminal justice. The said curriculum includes the following courses: 

  • Advanced Principles of Criminal Justice
  • Law and the Legal Process
  • Law and Society
  • Principles of Sociology
  • Social Problems
  • Criminological Theory 
  • Law and Society 
  • Law and the Legal Process 
  • Criminal Procedure

2: University of Maryland – Criminology and Criminal Justice Major

The University of Maryland is another great university with many great degrees. While the cost might be a bit above average for some, its 12 colleges with 100+ programs make it an alluring choice. But other than that, there are various scholarship and internship opportunities.

The criminology major here is one of those, as it’s basically one of the top criminal justice programs/majors that you can find in the U.S. today.

The courses in this major are some of the best, as they include courses such as: 

  • Introduction to Criminal Justice
  • Introduction to Criminology
  • Statistics for Crime and Criminal Justice
  • Criminal Law in Action
  • Criminological and Criminal Justice Research Methods
  • Courts and Sentencing
  • Advanced Juvenile Delinquency
  • Crime and Delinquency Prevention
  • Contemporary Criminological Theory

That’s what makes it one of the top degrees in this particular category. 

3: The University of Texas at Dallas – Bachelor of Arts in Criminology

The University of Texas at Dallas is a renowned institution in the state of Texas and happens to be one of the leading names in the U.S. as well. 

However, it’s the hefty acceptance rate and affordable average cost that you should look forward to.

Aside from the chances of getting into the university, what makes it great are the courses in this Texan criminal justice degree, including: 

  • Introduction to Criminal Justice
  • Introduction to Crime and Criminology
  • Police and Society
  • Criminal Prosecution and Court Process
  • Crime and Civil Liberties
  • Advanced Criminology
  • Advanced Criminal Justice
  • Crime and Justice Policy

4: University of Houston-Clear Lake – M.A. in Criminology and Criminal Justice

University of Houston in Clear Lake is a great university and should be your choice if you’re looking for a master’s degree. The university offers both on-campus and online programs, including consultation for degrees, and full-scale support for building careers.

That’s why the Criminology and Criminal Justice MA is one of the leading graduate degrees you can pursue today.

The university offers a hefty acceptance rate, a very affordable cost, and an outstanding curriculum as well: 

  • Criminological Research and Statistics I & II
  • Race and Crime 
  • Criminal Justice Leadership and Management
  • Advanced Juvenile Delinquency 
  • Correctional Institutions 
  • Law and Society 
  • Issues in Policing 
  • Victimology

5: Penn Arts & Sciences – Master of Science in Criminology

The University of Pennsylvania is one of the oldest universities in the nation, as it was established in 1755. A very tough acceptance rate should tell you about the elite status of this university. But, the average cost isn’t quite high.

And their Penn Arts & Sciences department offers one of the best Master’s programs for criminology.

And that includes the courses in this curriculum: 

  • Evidence-Based Crime Prevention
  • Criminology in Practice
  • Criminal Justice Data Analytics
  • Quantitative Methods for Public Policy
  • Pro-Seminar in Criminal Justice
  • Research Methods/Crime Analysis
  • Criminology in Practice

Is a Criminology Major Hard To Do? 

Much like any other degree, higher education in criminology does make it quite challenging. However, it’s not more or less challenging than any other field of expertise, such as accounting or marketing. More importantly, it also comes down to personal interest and discipline.

Here are a few examples:

  • Those who like field work would feel more comfortable studying correctional or police degrees;
  • Those who prefer solving problems and untangling would find studying fieldwork like forensic science and detective work easier;
  • Those with a knack for untangling problems would be more suitable for analytical degrees;
  • And those with a love for a combo of field and theoretical work, they will find studying criminal science and crime detection easy.

With the right amount of determination and ambition to achieve particular goals, you can easily tackle the challenges and acquire a criminology major. So, be prepared mentally, and make sure you focus on the goals and understand concepts well enough.

What Can I Do with a Criminology Degree?

Criminology degrees open up a path to multiple careers. But, you can pick one that aligns with your personal interests, as well as something you wish to pursue professionally. Usually, criminology majors end up pursuing careers in:

So, the job titles would be a Police Officer, Detective, Probation Officer, etc. Once again, there are plenty of programs, and each one focuses on a specific area. 

But, let’s say you get a degree in this field and an apprenticeship in detective work; then, you can pursue that career full-time. You could also work in forensics and crime detection as a private or government investigator. 

Conclusion

There you have it, all the things you need to know about a criminology degree. It’s one of the best paths to take if you wish to work in law enforcement, criminal justice, etc. However, it’s also important to find the right program for you, be it on-campus, online, or at a nearby college. And remember, no degree means more than the other just because it’s from a better/more prestigious university. What matters is your own determination to pursue the degree/career. 

About The Author

Summer Alberts
https://criminaljusticeschoolscentral.com/

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