Best Online Criminology Programs 2024
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Criminologists investigate crime patterns, criminal behavior, and crime prevention. They develop criminal profiles to help solve crimes. And earning a bachelor's degree in criminology can launch your career in this exciting field.
In online criminology programs, you'll explore the root causes of crime, psychological factors linked with criminal behavior, and the impact of crime prevention strategies. As a criminology major, you'll strengthen the investigative and analytical skills needed for careers in this field.
With a criminology degree, you can work as a crime analyst, criminal profiler, or criminologist. You'll meet the educational requirement for federal law enforcement careers at the FBI, DEA, and DOJ, or can work in roles like fraud investigator, intelligence analyst, or victim advocate.
If criminology sounds like a good fit, check out our ranking of the best online criminology programs. The flexibility of an online format can make it easier to earn your bachelor's degree. Our list can help you find the best program for your interests, budget, and career goals.
Popular Online Bachelor's in Criminology Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
2024 Best Online Criminology Programs
We use datasets from sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
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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University of Florida-Online
Gainesville, FL - 4 years
- Online
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $129
Out-of-State | $553
Credits to Graduate: 120
UF Online's bachelor's in criminology features core coursework in advanced principles of criminal justice, law and legal practice, and law and society. You can customize your education by choosing electives from over a dozen options, such as classes covering the American federal government and general psychology. Career opportunities for graduates include court clerk and criminal investigator.
First-year application requirements include a high school or GED diploma. UF requires standardized test scores from applicants who graduated high school or earned their GED diploma within the last five years.
University of South Florida
Tampa, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $211
Out-of-State | $575
Credits to Graduate: 120
Consider enrolling in USF's online bachelor's in criminology program if you want to minor in cybercrime. This concentration requires classes that cover combating cybercrime, digital forensics, and cybercrime investigations. You'll also take core courses like theories of criminal behavior and research methods in criminal justice.
USF lets online learners living near the university's Tampa campus complete their degrees in a hybrid format. First-year applicants must submit transcripts and standardized test scores, while transfer applicants must hold a minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA.
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $459
Out-of-State | $459
Credits to Graduate: 181-192 quarter credits
Drexel's online BS in criminology and justice studies offers a self-paced curriculum that can prepare you for a career in the criminal justice or legal field. Core classes include crime and the city, sentencing, and crime and public policy. The program also features an optional concentration in criminal justice.
Eligible transfer applicants can apply up to 135 quarter credits toward their degree. Online degree-seekers save more than 50% on tuition compared to on-campus learners, and they can also apply for institutional financial aid.
Fresno Pacific University
Fresno, CA - 4 years
- Online
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $525
Out-of-State | $525
Credits to Graduate: 120 (39 in program)
Consider FPU's online bachelor's in criminology if you want a synchronous educational experience. All classes meet once per week in the evenings, letting you work full time or take on additional responsibilities while in school. Required core classes are delivered through the lens of a Christian worldview and cover topics like victimology, corrections, and conflict transformation.
Unlike many other criminology programs, FPU's option is a degree-completion program that requires at least 60 transfer credits to apply. This coursework must reflect a minimum 2.4 undergraduate GPA. FPU also restricts applicants to those with at least two years of work experience.
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $385
Out-of-State | $385
Credits to Graduate: 120
UA's online bachelor's in criminology and criminal justice program offers an asynchronous curriculum and requires classes in the principles of criminology, research methods, and statistics. You can customize your education by taking 154 credits of criminal justice electives. All UA degree-seekers also complete a minor in a separate field.
UA requires standardized test scores from recent high school graduates. Transfer candidates must hold a minimum 2.0 undergraduate GPA. UA charges all online degree-seekers the same per-credit tuition rate, regardless of residency.
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Wilmington, NC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $210
Out-of-State | $863
Credits to Graduate: 120
UNCW's online BA in criminology offers an optional internship, letting you gain valuable hands-on experience at a sheriff's department, juvenile services center, or state bureau of investigation. In class, you'll analyze sociology, criminology, and social research fundamentals. The program also features over two dozen electives, letting you align your education with your career goals.
First-year applicants must hold a high school diploma, and UNCW plans to remain test optional through 2024. Prospective transfer students must hold a minimum 2.4 undergraduate GPA.
University of La Verne
La Verne, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $665
Out-of-State | $665
Credits to Graduate: 128
Apply to La Verne's online BS in criminal justice and criminology program if you want an asynchronous curriculum emphasizing student collaboration. The core curriculum requires classes like research methods, criminological theory, and the criminal justice system. The final-year capstone project involves an extended essay on an approved research topic.
First-year applicants must submit official high school transcripts, a personal statement, and one recommendation letter. You can also submit standardized test scores if you think they'll help your application.
University of Missouri-St. Louis
Saint Louis, MO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $480
Out-of-State | $1,194
Credits to Graduate: 120
UMSL's online BS in criminology and criminal justice program gives graduates the option to earn a dual degree in an accelerated setting — you can complete a bachelor's and master's in just five years. The bachelor's curriculum features core classes in theories of crime, research methods in criminology, and statistical analysis in criminology.
Popular careers for graduates include court reporter, criminal profiler, and private investigator. UMSL accepts the Common Application. Additionally, students eligible for the Midwest Student Exchange Program can save on out-of-state tuition.
University of Missouri-Kansas City
Kansas City, MO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $427
Out-of-State | $427
Credits to Graduate: 120
UMKC's online BA in criminal justice and criminology features classes covering the structure and functioning of the criminal justice system, theories of crime and deviance, and crime and justice research. You'll also complete a capstone in the final year. Most full-time students take five classes each semester and graduate in four years.
You can transfer up to 60 undergraduate credits into this program. First-year applicants who meet specific GPA and standardized test score requirements receive automatic admission.
Buena Vista University
Storm Lake, IA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $465
Out-of-State | $465
Credits to Graduate: 120
BVU's online criminology and criminal justice bachelor's degree offers concentrations in criminology, criminal justice, and forensic science. Each concentration's core curriculum requires classes in criminal justice systems, general psychology, and introduction to psychology. You'll also complete a final-year capstone class.
Classes blend asynchronous and synchronous coursework, and BVU lets online learners take on-campus classes if they live near the university's campus in Storm Lake, Iowa. Application materials include official transcripts and FAFSA results.
How We Rank Schools
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 Is the Difference Between Criminology and Criminal Justice?
If you're interested in studying crime, should you major in criminology or criminal justice?
The two fields overlap, but they also have different focuses. Criminology investigates the causes of crime, from psychological motivations to societal forces. Criminal justice broadly explores the law enforcement and legal system.
Criminology
You'll take psychology and sociology courses to understand criminal behavior patterns and crime prevention strategies. Criminology programs train you to build a criminal profile, design crime prevention programs, and analyze the impact of crime on communities.
Criminal Justice
You'll take courses in criminology, but your degree also encompasses law enforcement administration, criminal law, investigative procedures, and the justice system. In addition to developing investigative skills, these programs emphasize the application of law enforcement approaches.
Both a criminology and criminal justice degree prepare you for careers in law enforcement. However, criminology majors tend to work in investigative and psychological positions, including analytical and research roles. A degree in criminal justice leads to diverse criminal justice careers in corrections, courts, and legal offices.
What Can I Do With an Online Degree in Criminology?
Criminology majors work as police officers, investigators, and detectives. In criminology careers, they investigate crimes, build a criminal profile, and interview suspects. An accredited bachelor's degree also meets the requirements for federal law enforcement careers.
Other common career paths include roles like probation officer, forensic science technician, or correctional treatment specialist. With a criminology degree, you can also work in related areas of criminal justice, including as a financial examiner, paralegal, or victim advocate.
Learn more about salary data and career paths with an online degree in criminology in the table below.
Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2022) |
---|---|
Private Detectives and Investigators | $52,120 |
Tax Examiners, Tax Collectors, and Revenue Agents | $57,970 |
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists | $59,860 |
Fire Inspectors | $65,800 |
Police and Detectives | $69,160 |
How Do I Become a Criminologist?
Earning a bachelor's in criminology is a good first step. You'll strengthen the analytical and investigative skills you'll need for a career as a federal agent, crime analyst, or criminologist.
Joining professional organizations can help you network, find job opportunities, and advance your career. Many criminology organizations offer student membership discounts.
- American Society of Criminology: ASC hosts an annual meeting that brings together attendees from around the globe. The society also operates a career center and offers a student membership discount.
- Law & Society Association: An interdisciplinary organization focused on scholars in sociology and law, LSA offers networking and professional development opportunities. The association's career center posts jobs related to law and society.
- Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences: ACJS promotes research and policy analysis in criminal justice. The academy encourages the exchange of ideas and welcomes student members.
- Western Society of Criminology: WSC offers several student-focused opportunities, including scholarships and a student paper competition. The society also encourages student members to submit papers for its annual conference.
- International Association of Crime Analysts: IACA offers professional development resources, crime analysis training, and an analyst mentoring program. The association also hosts an annual conference with networking opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions About a Criminology Degree and Profession
Should I get a BA or BS degree in criminology?
With a BA or BS in criminology, you'll meet the requirements for a career in law enforcement, crime analysis, or criminology. And with either degree, your major coursework will likely be the same.
However, your general education requirements will differ depending on whether you choose a BA or a BS. In a BA program, you'll complete more courses in the humanities and foreign languages, while a BS includes more social science and STEM requirements.
Do criminologists make good money?
Criminologists earn an average salary of around $59,500, according to Aug. 2023 data from Payscale.
The earning potential of criminologists depends on their degree, job title, and location. For example, professionals with a criminology degree report an average criminology salary between $64,000-$67,000 (Payscale, BS Criminology; Payscale, BA Criminology).
Is criminology a good major?
Criminology is a good major if you're interested in criminal behavior and the causes of crime. As a criminology major, you'll explore the behavioral, social, and psychological components of criminal behavior. Drawing on social science techniques, you'll construct profiles based on crime scenes and crime patterns. You'll also strengthen your analytical and investigative skills.
Does a BA or BS degree in criminology make more money?
Professionals with a BA or BS in criminology report average salaries in the mid-$60,000s. The average criminology salary with a BS was $64,000 in Nov. 2023, according to Payscale. In contrast, those with a BA in criminology reported an average pay of $67,000 in Oct. 2023.
Your earning potential with a criminology degree depends more on your career path, location, and experience than whether you earn a BA or BS.
Is an online degree in criminology worth it?
An online degree in criminology can pay off. With a bachelor's in criminology, you'll meet the educational requirements for a career as a crime analyst, federal agent, or criminologist. Accredited online degrees have the same high academic standards as on-campus degrees.
When researching online criminology degrees, make sure to check the institution's accreditation status. It's also a good idea to research the curriculum, cost, and learning format to find the right fit.