Best Online Criminology Programs 2024

Criminology investigates criminal behavior. Discover the best online criminology programs to launch your career as a criminologist.

Edited by

Updated May 1, 2024

Why Trust BestColleges

3,700+ Nonprofit, accredited colleges analyzed
6,000+ Users connected with programs every month
300+ College and university partners
40+ Expert reviewers

Learn more about our

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.

Learn More

Visit Site

Learn More

Visit Site

Learn More

Visit Site

In this Article

2024 Best Online Criminology Programs

University of Florida-Online

Gainesville, FL4 yearOnline

$3,358

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$15,000

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

66%

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

91%

Students Enrolled

5,168

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$3,358

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,000

University of Florida-Online

Gainesville, FL4 yearOnline

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$3,358

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,000

Acceptance Rate

66%

Online Enrollment

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

91%

Students Enrolled

5,168

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

University of South Florida

Tampa, FL4 yearCampus + Online

$4,559

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$15,473

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

49%

Acceptance Rate

66%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,350

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,048

Retention Rate

90%

Students Enrolled

49,708

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,559

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,473

University of South Florida

Tampa, FL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,559

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,473

Acceptance Rate

49%

Online Enrollment

66%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,350

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,048

Retention Rate

90%

Students Enrolled

49,708

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Drexel University

Philadelphia, PA4 yearCampus + Online

$54,766

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$54,766

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

83%

Acceptance Rate

50%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$36,234

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$36,234

Retention Rate

90%

Students Enrolled

23,216

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$54,766

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$54,766

Drexel University

Philadelphia, PA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$54,766

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$54,766

Acceptance Rate

83%

Online Enrollment

50%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$36,234

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$36,234

Retention Rate

90%

Students Enrolled

23,216

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Fresno Pacific University

Fresno, CA4 yearOnline

$32,954

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$32,954

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

78%

Acceptance Rate

43%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$15,000

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,000

Retention Rate

72%

Students Enrolled

3,524

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$32,954

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$32,954

Fresno Pacific University

Fresno, CA4 yearOnline

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$32,954

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$32,954

Acceptance Rate

78%

Online Enrollment

43%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$15,000

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,000

Retention Rate

72%

Students Enrolled

3,524

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

The University of Alabama

Tuscaloosa, AL4 yearCampus + Online

$11,100

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$31,460

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

80%

Acceptance Rate

40%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,100

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$31,460

Retention Rate

87%

Students Enrolled

38,617

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$11,100

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$31,460

The University of Alabama

Tuscaloosa, AL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$11,100

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$31,460

Acceptance Rate

80%

Online Enrollment

40%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,100

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$31,460

Retention Rate

87%

Students Enrolled

38,617

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

University of North Carolina Wilmington

Wilmington, NC4 yearCampus + Online

$4,443

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$19,063

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

69%

Acceptance Rate

75%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$4,719

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,104

Retention Rate

83%

Students Enrolled

17,915

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,443

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,063

University of North Carolina Wilmington

Wilmington, NC4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,443

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,063

Acceptance Rate

69%

Online Enrollment

75%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$4,719

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,104

Retention Rate

83%

Students Enrolled

17,915

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

University of La Verne

La Verne, CA4 yearCampus + Online

$44,700

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$44,700

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

75%

Acceptance Rate

27%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$14,340

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,340

Retention Rate

77%

Students Enrolled

4,178

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$44,700

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$44,700

University of La Verne

La Verne, CA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$44,700

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$44,700

Acceptance Rate

75%

Online Enrollment

27%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$14,340

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,340

Retention Rate

77%

Students Enrolled

4,178

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

University of Missouri-St. Louis

Saint Louis, MO4 yearCampus + Online

$12,648

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$29,960

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

51%

Acceptance Rate

50%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$13,154

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$32,294

Retention Rate

74%

Students Enrolled

15,179

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$12,648

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$29,960

University of Missouri-St. Louis

Saint Louis, MO4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$12,648

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$29,960

Acceptance Rate

51%

Online Enrollment

50%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$13,154

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$32,294

Retention Rate

74%

Students Enrolled

15,179

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

University of Missouri-Kansas City

Kansas City, MO4 yearCampus + Online

$9,840

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$27,660

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

69%

Acceptance Rate

44%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,660

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$27,521

Retention Rate

77%

Students Enrolled

15,644

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,840

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$27,660

University of Missouri-Kansas City

Kansas City, MO4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,840

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$27,660

Acceptance Rate

69%

Online Enrollment

44%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,660

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$27,521

Retention Rate

77%

Students Enrolled

15,644

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#10

Buena Vista University

Storm Lake, IA2 yearCampus + Online

$37,518

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$37,518

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

78%

Acceptance Rate

59%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,936

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$9,936

Retention Rate

76%

Students Enrolled

1,242

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$37,518

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$37,518

Buena Vista University

Storm Lake, IA2 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$37,518

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$37,518

Acceptance Rate

78%

Online Enrollment

59%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,936

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$9,936

Retention Rate

76%

Students Enrolled

1,242

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

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.

Possible Careers With an Online Bachelor’s in Criminology Degree
Job	Median Annual Salary (May 2023)
Private Detectives and Investigators	$49,540
Tax Examiners, Tax Collectors, and Revenue Agents	$58,530
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists	$61,800
Fire Inspectors	$74,160
Police and Detectives	$72,280

Source: BLS

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

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.