Criminology Degree Guide

Criminology majors at every degree level can study why crimes occur. By incorporating principles from various disciplines, they analyze criminal behavior and the underlying factors that influence it. Criminology degrees integrate behavioral and social sciences, namely sociology, to provide an interdisciplinary education.

By offering coursework on criminological theory and empiricism, colleges for criminology train graduates to pursue diverse positions in law enforcement, corrections, victim services, and academia.

What Is Criminology?

Pioneering criminologists Edwin Sutherland and Donald Cressey defined criminology as a catalog of information about crime, which includes the creation and violation of laws, along with societal reactions to lawbreaking.

Clinicians and professionals in criminology use different academic and scientific techniques in their various roles. Yet, everyone employed in criminology examines the origins of crimes, offenders' motives, and the criminal justice system. Degrees in criminology incorporate biology, sociology, philosophy, psychology, and law.

Criminology vs. Criminal Justice

Criminal justice majors study laws and our legal systems, including corrections, court systems, and law enforcement. Conversely, criminology is a broad field that examines criminal behavior, crimes, and their societal impacts. Criminal justice coursework tends to be more practical, while criminology is more theoretical.

Criminal justice graduates often work in law enforcement, whereas criminology majors may be more likely to work as analysts or researchers, studying crime patterns and their broader effects on society.

Types of Criminology Degrees

You can pursue an associate, bachelor's, master's, and/or doctoral degree in criminology. Understanding the differences among these programs can be challenging — consider your career goals and educational background to find your ideal pathway.

Associate Degree in Criminology

If you want to launch your criminology career fast, you can earn an associate of science, associate of arts, or associate of applied science degree in about two years. An associate of arts degree, one of the most common options, requires 50-60 credits of general education and major coursework. These credits can usually transfer toward a bachelor's degree.

Graduates have an understanding of the causes of crime and social influences. Foundational courses blend criminological, sociological, and psychological theories. Students take courses that provide a broad survey of the court systems, law enforcement, criminal behavior, and research methods used in sociology.

Career options for associate degree-holders include corrections officer and fingerprint technician.

Bachelor's Degree in Criminology

Bachelor's in criminology programs accept transfer students and high school grads. Grounded in the humanities, a bachelor of arts degree offers a liberal arts education, while bachelor of science programs cover more math and natural sciences coursework. Both degrees require about 120 credits.

Over four years, graduates gain the skills to conduct criminology research and formulate educational writing and oral arguments on key issues in the field. Experiential learning may include internships at criminal justice agencies and/or opportunities for real-world research.

The legal and nonprofit sectors hire bachelor's-level graduates. They can also pursue master's programs and law school.

Master's Degree in Criminology

At the graduate level, you can pursue master of science, master of arts, and master of criminal justice degrees. The average program takes about two years and requires 30-36 credits. Criminology graduate degrees emphasize law and punishment from a sociological standpoint. Generally, these programs require a final research project or thesis paper.

Coursework covers data collection and analysis, preparing graduates to pursue careers in academia and research. Applied criminology programs, on the other hand, may offer specializations such as homeland security or forensic accounting to prepare enrollees for practitioner roles. Graduates can also pursue doctoral degrees.

Doctoral Degree in Criminology

To earn a doctoral degree, you can opt for a research-intensive Ph.D. in criminology or a doctor of criminal justice (DCJ) in criminology, which prepares you for practical or academic pursuits. Ph.D. candidates spend the latter part of the program on their dissertation and defense, while DCJ students more commonly complete doctoral residencies and projects.

Both pursuits take 4-6 years and require 44-60 credits. A Ph.D. equips you with skills for careers in teaching, forensic analysis, or public policy. The program builds on knowledge from bachelor's and master's degrees, including coursework in advanced qualitative and quantitative research methods.

Criminology Coursework

Criminology degrees may emphasize practical or theoretical topics, preparing graduates to study crime patterns and the theoretical underpinnings that influence them. Undergraduate degrees require general education, electives, and major-related courses, and graduate students develop and refine their research and analysis skills.

Because schools present different courses and specializations, make sure to analyze program pages to find a pathway that works for you.

Common Undergraduate Courses

• Forensic Psychology: Students learn about using psychological theories to gain insight into criminal behavior and the justice system. Topics may include eyewitness testimony, police psychology, and victim services.
• Internship: Interns can earn college credit and develop professional experience while working at government agencies, criminal justice departments, and nonprofits.
• Introduction to Theories of Criminal Behavior: Students enrolled in this introductory course survey modern criminological theories, crime data collection, and crime prevention.
• Sociology of Violence: This course explores the sociological causes, effects, and patterns of individual and group violence.

Common Graduate Courses

• Quantitative Strategies for Analysis: This course builds on undergraduate knowledge of regression techniques and other quantitative research methods. Students learn about common procedures used in criminological analysis.
• Research Methods: Enrollees explore the research process, including different modes of data collection, ethnography, data analysis, and surveys. This course prepares graduate students for their final projects.
• Thesis or Dissertation: Graduate students usually need to complete comprehensive exams and/or final research papers. A thesis spans several semesters and requires original research and data collection. A doctoral student completes original research in the form of a dissertation that concludes with a formal oral defense to faculty.

Finding an Accredited College for Criminology

Institutional accreditation refers to the process of evaluating schools to verify their academic standards and resources. The Department of Education (ED) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation recognize federal accrediting agencies that provide accreditation to colleges and universities.

Accreditation provides quality assurance to students and qualifies them to receive federal aid. When you attend an accredited college for criminology, you can receive federal loans and grants. Use ED's directory to check if your school holds accreditation.

Accrediting agencies similarly evaluate programs to uphold industry standards. However, no agency accredits criminology programs. That said, the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences certifies programs.

The Cost of Attending College for Criminology

Tuition by Criminology Degree Type

Degree Type	Average Tuition and Fees (2019-2020)
Associate	$3,579
Bachelor's	$12,816
Master's (social/behavioral sciences*)	$14,423
Doctorate (social/behavioral sciences*)	$19,239

A look at tuition for criminology programs indicates that costs typically increase with degree level. Criminology majors, as of 2019-2020, paid an annual average of $3,579 for an associate degree, compared to $19,239 for a doctoral degree.

Students who reside on campus also need to factor in housing costs. Other factors can affect your financial burden. For example, consider state residency when researching tuition rates. Textbooks, supplies, and technology fees can create additional costs.

Financial Aid for Criminology Students

After gaining admission to a criminology program, you can fill out a FAFSA form to determine your eligibility for federal financial aid. Specific grants apply only to undergraduate students.

Undergraduate students in financial need can get up to $5,500 a year in Direct Subsidized Loans. Undergraduate and graduate students can receive up to $10,500 a year in Direct Unsubsidized Loans. Borrow what you need for tuition and fees to limit your debt.

Scholarships can also help you pay for tuition without any repayment commitments. Popular criminology scholarships include:

• Brian Terry Scholar Program
• Charles Fonseca Scholarship
• Melissa Linville Criminal Justice Scholarship
• Ruth D. Peterson Fellowships for Racial and Ethnic Diversity

Career Paths for Criminology School Graduates

Careers in criminology span sectors such as academia, law enforcement, and research. In criminology, your degree level frequently dictates your career potential. Dual studies in criminology and another major could widen your career prospects. For example, a double major in criminology and cybersecurity could help you pursue a career investigating and preventing cybercrimes. Explore other potential career paths below.

Frequently Asked Questions About Colleges for Criminology

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How long is a criminology degree?

Each degree level requires a different time commitment that varies depending on course load. Associate degrees take about two years for full-time learners. Bachelor's degrees take an average of four years. Master's degrees require a 2-3 year commitment and doctoral degrees take 4-6 years.

Does criminology require math?

Yes. However, criminology degrees require more math proficiency at the graduate level. This major requires interpreting research. Analyzing crime statistics requires a grasp of basic arithmetic, algebra, and statistics. If you want to work in a data-driven career or as a forensic accountant, you may need to strengthen your mathematical ability.

Do criminology majors make money?

Don't expect to become a millionaire in criminology, but many careers offer decent pay. According to May 2024 Payscale data, graduates with bachelor's degrees in criminology earn an average salary of $51,000, while master's-level degree-holders earn $60,000.

Can I go into forensics with a criminology degree?

You can pursue forensics with a criminology degree and a minor in another related subject. For instance, criminology degree-holders who study subjects in forensic science, crime scene investigation, chemistry, or biology can combine their expertise to work in forensics.