Best Online Criminology Programs of 2025
With an online criminology degree, you’ll learn how to solve and prevent crimes. Learn about the best criminology programs and careers in criminology.
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Majoring in criminology can help you become an expert on criminal activity. While completing this degree, you’ll learn what factors motivate people to commit crimes and how to reduce or prevent these offenses.
With a bachelor’s in criminology, you can work in corrections, law enforcement, community services, and forensic science. Your career options include detective, probation officer, crime scene investigator, and forensic science technician.
Read on to learn about the best online criminology programs, including how much you can expect to pay in tuition and the average salary you can earn after graduation.
Online Criminology Program Highlights
- In 2023, the average starting salary for criminology graduates was $45,925 per year.
- An online bachelor’s in criminology usually takes four years and 120 credits to complete.
Best Online Criminology Programs of 2025
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.
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:
2025- 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.
Washington State University
Pullman, WA4 yearCampus + Online
$10,976
$27,052
85%
28%
Why We Chose This School
Washington State University offers the oldest criminal justice and criminology program in the nation. Founded in 1943, this program offers opportunities to participate in research with renowned faculty.
Your policy-based curriculum will teach you about the causes of criminal behavior, how law influences crime prevention, and how people work within the criminal justice system.
WSU also has a police intern program that allows you to earn credit and gain work experience in law enforcement.
Highlights
- Scholarships available
- Internship, work-study, and study abroad opportunities
Know Before You Apply
- Out-of-state students pay over twice as much as in-state students
$12,366
$27,163
81%
26,490
Public
Yes
$10,976
$27,052
Pullman, WA4 yearCampus + Online
$10,976
$27,052
85%
28%
$12,366
$27,163
81%
26,490
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
Washington State University offers the oldest criminal justice and criminology program in the nation. Founded in 1943, this program offers opportunities to participate in research with renowned faculty.
Your policy-based curriculum will teach you about the causes of criminal behavior, how law influences crime prevention, and how people work within the criminal justice system.
WSU also has a police intern program that allows you to earn credit and gain work experience in law enforcement.
Highlights
- Scholarships available
- Internship, work-study, and study abroad opportunities
Know Before You Apply
- Out-of-state students pay over twice as much as in-state students
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Wilmington, NC4 yearCampus + Online
$4,443
$19,063
69%
70%
Why We Chose This School
The University of North Carolina Wilmington offers a bachelor's in criminology that explores the social contexts of the criminal system. You'll gain a solid foundation in the social sciences.
The program offers two pathways to earn your degree: online and on campus. The same faculty teach both programs. They will encourage you to complete a practicum, or internship, in a criminal justice agency.
Coursework includes criminology, data analysis, white-collar crime, and restorative justice. You'll also take a senior seminar.
Highlights
- Internship opportunities
- Most (95%) of graduates employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months
Know Before You Apply
- Costs $185 per credit hour for in-state students
- Costs $888 per credit hour for out-of-state students
$4,719
$19,104
83%
17,843
Public
Yes
$4,443
$19,063
Wilmington, NC4 yearCampus + Online
$4,443
$19,063
69%
70%
$4,719
$19,104
83%
17,843
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
The University of North Carolina Wilmington offers a bachelor's in criminology that explores the social contexts of the criminal system. You'll gain a solid foundation in the social sciences.
The program offers two pathways to earn your degree: online and on campus. The same faculty teach both programs. They will encourage you to complete a practicum, or internship, in a criminal justice agency.
Coursework includes criminology, data analysis, white-collar crime, and restorative justice. You'll also take a senior seminar.
Highlights
- Internship opportunities
- Most (95%) of graduates employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months
Know Before You Apply
- Costs $185 per credit hour for in-state students
- Costs $888 per credit hour for out-of-state students
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL4 yearCampus + Online
$11,100
$32,400
76%
42%
Why We Chose This School
The University of Alabama's bachelor's in criminology and criminal justice program emphasizes research and theory. You'll learn how to investigate and prevent criminal activity.
The program delivers all courses online. You'll learn from the same faculty who teach on the University of Alabama campus. In these courses, you'll refine your writing and communication skills while gaining a deep understanding of the judicial system.
After you graduate from this program you can pursue careers in law enforcement, corporate security, legal and investigative resources, and related fields.
Highlights
- Fully online
- ACT and SAT scores are not required
Know Before You Apply
- Costs $385 per credit
- 120 credit hours
$11,100
$31,460
86%
39,622
Public
Yes
$11,100
$32,400
Tuscaloosa, AL4 yearCampus + Online
$11,100
$32,400
76%
42%
$11,100
$31,460
86%
39,622
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
The University of Alabama's bachelor's in criminology and criminal justice program emphasizes research and theory. You'll learn how to investigate and prevent criminal activity.
The program delivers all courses online. You'll learn from the same faculty who teach on the University of Alabama campus. In these courses, you'll refine your writing and communication skills while gaining a deep understanding of the judicial system.
After you graduate from this program you can pursue careers in law enforcement, corporate security, legal and investigative resources, and related fields.
Highlights
- Fully online
- ACT and SAT scores are not required
Know Before You Apply
- Costs $385 per credit
- 120 credit hours
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$56,595
$56,595
78%
42%
Why We Chose This School
Enroll in Drexel University's criminology program, and you'll gain a rigorous academic foundation in the field. The coursework is specialized, preparing you for a variety of roles or for graduate school.
In addition to studying criminal behavior, you'll learn about how crime institutions and law enforcement operate in society. The curriculum is interdisciplinary, involving political science, psychology, sociology, and even chemistry and bioscience.
This online program will give you the flexibility to study at your own pace. There are four 10-week quarters each year.
Highlights
- Self-paced
- Fully online
- Transfer up to 135 quarter credits
Know Before You Apply
- Costs $985 per credit
- Part-time only
$36,234
$36,234
90%
21,573
Private
Yes
$56,595
$56,595
Philadelphia, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$56,595
$56,595
78%
42%
$36,234
$36,234
90%
21,573
Private
Yes
Why We Chose This School
Enroll in Drexel University's criminology program, and you'll gain a rigorous academic foundation in the field. The coursework is specialized, preparing you for a variety of roles or for graduate school.
In addition to studying criminal behavior, you'll learn about how crime institutions and law enforcement operate in society. The curriculum is interdisciplinary, involving political science, psychology, sociology, and even chemistry and bioscience.
This online program will give you the flexibility to study at your own pace. There are four 10-week quarters each year.
Highlights
- Self-paced
- Fully online
- Transfer up to 135 quarter credits
Know Before You Apply
- Costs $985 per credit
- Part-time only
University of Missouri-St Louis
Saint Louis, MO4 yearCampus + Online
$13,440
$33,432
57%
42%
Why We Chose This School
The criminology and criminal justice program at University of Missouri–Saint Louis is an accelerated, dual degree program that lets you earn bachelor's and master's degrees in both criminology and criminal justice.
Offered completely online, the dual degree format lets you graduate with fewer total credit hours than you would have used to complete each degree separately.
You'll critically engage with the social sciences, public administration, correction, law, and criminology. Coursework includes theories of crimes and research methods in criminology and criminal justice.
Once you meet all your academic requirements, the program will give you a bachelor's and master's degree.
Highlights
- Accelerated
- Dual-degree program
- Scholarships and grants available
Know Before You Apply
- Costs $16,300 per year for Missouri residents and $38,770 for non-residents
$13,154
$32,294
68%
14,815
Public
Yes
$13,440
$33,432
Saint Louis, MO4 yearCampus + Online
$13,440
$33,432
57%
42%
$13,154
$32,294
68%
14,815
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
The criminology and criminal justice program at University of Missouri–Saint Louis is an accelerated, dual degree program that lets you earn bachelor's and master's degrees in both criminology and criminal justice.
Offered completely online, the dual degree format lets you graduate with fewer total credit hours than you would have used to complete each degree separately.
You'll critically engage with the social sciences, public administration, correction, law, and criminology. Coursework includes theories of crimes and research methods in criminology and criminal justice.
Once you meet all your academic requirements, the program will give you a bachelor's and master's degree.
Highlights
- Accelerated
- Dual-degree program
- Scholarships and grants available
Know Before You Apply
- Costs $16,300 per year for Missouri residents and $38,770 for non-residents
Loyola University New Orleans
New Orleans, LA2 yearCampus + Online
$43,160
$43,160
88%
39%
Why We Chose This School
Loyola University of New Orleans offers a criminology and justice online program that emphasizes social science research.
You'll learn how to conduct and critique research, taking classes like statistics in criminal justice, research methods, law, and corrections. This coursework will encourage you to critically examine social structures to understand how to solve crimes and make society a safer place to live.
At Loyola New Orleans, you'll find personalized career support, online writing support, tutoring, and other student resources.
Highlights
- Flexible online program
- A wealth of financial aid and student services
Know Before You Apply
- Costs $468 per credit hour
- 120 credit hours required
- Jesuit institution
$18,091
$18,091
77%
4,399
Private
Yes
$43,160
$43,160
New Orleans, LA2 yearCampus + Online
$43,160
$43,160
88%
39%
$18,091
$18,091
77%
4,399
Private
Yes
Why We Chose This School
Loyola University of New Orleans offers a criminology and justice online program that emphasizes social science research.
You'll learn how to conduct and critique research, taking classes like statistics in criminal justice, research methods, law, and corrections. This coursework will encourage you to critically examine social structures to understand how to solve crimes and make society a safer place to live.
At Loyola New Orleans, you'll find personalized career support, online writing support, tutoring, and other student resources.
Highlights
- Flexible online program
- A wealth of financial aid and student services
Know Before You Apply
- Costs $468 per credit hour
- 120 credit hours required
- Jesuit institution
University of La Verne
La Verne, CA4 yearCampus + Online
$45,850
$45,850
75%
59%
Why We Chose This School
The University of La Verne offers a criminal justice and criminology program you can complete entirely online. You'll take classes like introduction to sociology, criminology theory, and research methods, preparing for a career in law enforcement or criminal justice.
You'll also take electives. These include insightful courses like urban crime patterns, law and society, and social class and inequality. In total, you'll complete 52 semester hours.
You can complete this program in 18 months. At La Verne, you can receive assistance from career, accessibility, and counseling and psychological services.
Highlights
- Flexible online format
- Robust student support
Know Before You Apply
- Cost $665 per semester hour
- 52 semester hours
$14,796
$14,796
77%
4,171
Private
Yes
$45,850
$45,850
La Verne, CA4 yearCampus + Online
$45,850
$45,850
75%
59%
$14,796
$14,796
77%
4,171
Private
Yes
Why We Chose This School
The University of La Verne offers a criminal justice and criminology program you can complete entirely online. You'll take classes like introduction to sociology, criminology theory, and research methods, preparing for a career in law enforcement or criminal justice.
You'll also take electives. These include insightful courses like urban crime patterns, law and society, and social class and inequality. In total, you'll complete 52 semester hours.
You can complete this program in 18 months. At La Verne, you can receive assistance from career, accessibility, and counseling and psychological services.
Highlights
- Flexible online format
- Robust student support
Know Before You Apply
- Cost $665 per semester hour
- 52 semester hours
University of Idaho
Moscow, ID4 yearCampus + Online
$6,540
$25,776
79%
48%
Why We Chose This School
The University of Idaho's criminology program examines the big picture of what causes crime as well as how society handles crime. You'll explore a variety of subjects that include policing, juvenile delinquency, social deviance, terrorism, and homicide.
As an online student, you'll pay in-state tuition, no matter where you live. Plus, you'll have the option to earn a certificate in diversity and inclusion.
You'll also have an internship opportunity, working with a variety of organizations like victim services and correctional agencies.
Highlights
- Can finish in two years if you have an associate degree
- Internship opportunities
- Scholarships available
Know Before You Apply
- Costs $454 per credit
$8,272
$27,508
75%
11,849
Public
Yes
$6,540
$25,776
Moscow, ID4 yearCampus + Online
$6,540
$25,776
79%
48%
$8,272
$27,508
75%
11,849
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
The University of Idaho's criminology program examines the big picture of what causes crime as well as how society handles crime. You'll explore a variety of subjects that include policing, juvenile delinquency, social deviance, terrorism, and homicide.
As an online student, you'll pay in-state tuition, no matter where you live. Plus, you'll have the option to earn a certificate in diversity and inclusion.
You'll also have an internship opportunity, working with a variety of organizations like victim services and correctional agencies.
Highlights
- Can finish in two years if you have an associate degree
- Internship opportunities
- Scholarships available
Know Before You Apply
- Costs $454 per credit
Missouri State University-Springfield
Springfield, MO4 yearCampus + Online
$7,812
$16,716
91%
53%
Why We Chose This School
At the Missouri State University, you can enroll in a criminology and criminal justice program that examines criminal behavior.
You'll come to understand the motivations behind crimes and acts of terrorism so you can create solutions to problems in the criminal justice system.
The program offers a diversity of selectives, allowing you to tailor your program to fit your personal and professional interests.
Highlights
- Grants, work-study, and scholarships available
- Affordable tuition
Know Before You Apply
- Costs $290 per credit hour
$5,994
$11,970
79%
23,418
Public
Yes
$7,812
$16,716
Springfield, MO4 yearCampus + Online
$7,812
$16,716
91%
53%
$5,994
$11,970
79%
23,418
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
At the Missouri State University, you can enroll in a criminology and criminal justice program that examines criminal behavior.
You'll come to understand the motivations behind crimes and acts of terrorism so you can create solutions to problems in the criminal justice system.
The program offers a diversity of selectives, allowing you to tailor your program to fit your personal and professional interests.
Highlights
- Grants, work-study, and scholarships available
- Affordable tuition
Know Before You Apply
- Costs $290 per credit hour
Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, KY4 yearCampus + Online
$11,436
$27,000
97%
58%
Why We Chose This School
Western Kentucky University's criminology program draws on psychology and sociology to investigate where the most crimes are committed, the types of crimes most committed, and crime's impact on society.
You'll also learn how the government responds to crime in this four-year program.
By teaching you how to predict criminal activity, the program prepares you for careers in the prison system, law enforcement, and juvenile corrections. You could choose to pursue graduate school or law school.
Western Kentucky University offers student success coaches who can help you navigate higher education. Other resources include exam help, writing, and tech support.
Highlights
- Flexible online format
- Resources for online students
Know Before You Apply
- Costs $486 per credit hour
$12,140
$18,340
78%
16,759
Public
Yes
$11,436
$27,000
Bowling Green, KY4 yearCampus + Online
$11,436
$27,000
97%
58%
$12,140
$18,340
78%
16,759
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
Western Kentucky University's criminology program draws on psychology and sociology to investigate where the most crimes are committed, the types of crimes most committed, and crime's impact on society.
You'll also learn how the government responds to crime in this four-year program.
By teaching you how to predict criminal activity, the program prepares you for careers in the prison system, law enforcement, and juvenile corrections. You could choose to pursue graduate school or law school.
Western Kentucky University offers student success coaches who can help you navigate higher education. Other resources include exam help, writing, and tech support.
Highlights
- Flexible online format
- Resources for online students
Know Before You Apply
- Costs $486 per credit hour
Why You Should Get a Degree in Criminology
Study criminal behavior and solutions: Criminologists are experts in understanding criminal behavior and finding ways to prevent offenses and improve the justice system. - Expand your career opportunities: Earning a bachelor’s in criminology can lead to several career paths, including forensics, criminal investigations, community planning, and law enforcement.
- Prepare for law school: A criminology degree can give you a solid foundation if you’re planning to attend law school.
Benefits of Getting a Criminology Degree Online
- Our 2024 Online Education Trends Report found that 94% of online bachelor’s students and graduates think earning an online degree has had or will have a positive return on investment.
- Around 70% of online program graduates said their programs prepared them for employment after graduation, highlighting the practical benefits of online learning.
- Additionally, over 80% of online program students and graduates said an online learning environment is equal to or better than learning on campus.
- Online learning programs offer the flexibility to work while studying, with 77% of students surveyed being enrolled full time, and 53% of those working either full time (43%) or part time (10%).
How to Choose the Best Online Criminology Program for You
Before applying to an online criminology program, it’s important to consider several factors like cost, length, and application requirements. You should also evaluate your career options to ensure that the degree aligns with your long-term goals. This way, you can make sure the program meets your needs and sets you up for future success.
How Much Does a Bachelor’s in Criminology Cost?
Average Cost of Bachelor’s in Criminology Degrees
Avg. Tuition & Fees (2020)
$12,815
Avg. Net Price (2020)
$6,144
Source: NCES PowerStats
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average cost of tuition and fees for a bachelor’s in criminology was $12,815 in 2020. However, that price tag could drop by over $6,000 with financial aid, such as grants and scholarships or student loans.
Once you’ve picked your preferred criminology program, make sure to contact the school’s financial aid department to ask what programs you qualify for. Also, make sure to file your Free Application for Federal Student Aid, more commonly known as FAFSA.
Find Financial Aid for Your Online Criminology Degree
How Long Does It Take to Get a Bachelor’s in Criminology?
Typical # of Credits
120 Credits
Typical Program Length
4 Years
A bachelor’s in criminology typically takes four years and 120 credits to complete. However, you can fast-track your education by enrolling in an accelerated program, if your preferred school offers it. And if you’re changing schools or changing your major, you could try transferring relevant credits.
Many colleges also offer credits for life and work experiences. These experience-based credits are usually granted if you can demonstrate extensive experience from a previous job or professional certification, for example.
Bachelor’s in Criminology Application Requirements
Application- High school diploma or GED diploma
- Minimum GPA (between 2.5 to 3.2)
- SAT or ACT scores
- Letters of recommendation
What Can You Do With a Criminology Degree?
A criminology degree opens doors to careers in law enforcement, such as federal agent, detective, and probation officer. Additionally, criminology graduates can pursue roles in crime analysis, forensic science, and more.
Below are some of the most popular roles you can get with a criminology degree:
| Job | Median Annual Salary 2024 | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Forensic Science Technician | $67,440 | Collects and analyzes evidence at crime scenes and in laboratories. |
| Detective and Police Officer | $77,270 | Prevents criminal activity and solves local, state, and federal crimes. |
| Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialist | $64,520 | Helps rehabilitate people who have been charged with crimes. |
| Information Security Analyst | $124,910 | Detects cyber threats, protecting organizations from virtual security threats. |
Is an Online Bachelor’s in Criminology Worth It?
A bachelor’s in criminology opens the doors to numerous career paths in criminal justice and security.
The mean starting salary of criminology graduates in the class of 2023 was $45,925, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). Still, keep in mind that some of the lowest-paid roles — such as probation officers — still pay over $60,000 each year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
However, you could earn much more. A criminology degree can lead to high-paying job opportunities, with roles like information security analyst earning more than $120,000 per year.
Another advantage is the flexibility an online criminology program provides. These programs can be helpful, especially if you find balancing your personal life and work challenging.
However, there are some disadvantages. For example, you might need a master’s or doctoral degree to qualify for specialized criminology roles, such as forensic psychologist.
Education Beyond a Bachelor’s in Criminology
After earning your bachelor’s in criminology, you can go on to get a master of arts (MA) or master of science (MS) in criminology. The most advanced degree would then be a Ph.D. in criminology and/or criminal justice.
These advanced degrees can create higher-paying opportunities for you in academia, law enforcement leadership, policy-making and more.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminology Degrees
While criminology and criminal justice have similarities, each field focuses on different aspects of crime. In a criminal justice program, you’ll study the system and processes related to laws and the legal system. On the other hand, criminology focuses on understanding the causes and patterns of criminal behavior.
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