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10 Best Grad Schools with Online Master’s in Criminology

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Updated: June 3, 2024, Reading time: 17 minutes

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Online Master’s in Criminology programs are designed for working students who want to reach greater heights in their careers. Similar to their on-campus counterparts, these online programs increase students’ understanding of crime, justice, and even public policy.

Graduates will have intensive knowledge of investigative and statistical techniques and criminal justice and law enforcement systems, which, according to the Labor Statistics Bureau, is projected to have a 3% employment demand.

Graduates become well-prepared to teach Criminology and take on leadership roles and upper-level jobs in the criminal justice field, government agencies, and the police department.


Additional Resources:


Overview

Students who want to earn an online Master’s in Criminology can expect to gain acute psychological and behavioral insights into criminals and their crimes. The Criminal Justice Field holds special significance since all other aspects of society are enabled by and thrive under conditions of safety.

The field is also constantly evolving to meet new threats, challenges, and public safety issues, and professionals who aim to succeed in the field are well-served by access to the best advanced educational preparation.

Methodology

We have put together a list of graduate schools that offer the best online Master’s in Criminology programs. Each graduate degree or school stood out with the following attributes:

Want to learn how our ranking process for online graduate programs works? Read our Methodology!

10 Best Online Master’s in Criminology Programs

University of Nebraska Omaha

University-of-Nebraska-Omaha-School-of-Criminology-and-Criminal-Justice

Omaha, Nebraska

MS in Criminology & Criminal Justice

The University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO) is a public research university that was originally a private, non-sectarian college. Currently, the university is classified among “R2: Doctoral Universities – High Research Activity” and has a population of over 15,500 students.

The University of Nebraska Omaha is highly regarded as one of the country’s leading institutions when it comes to criminal justice education, assuring students of the program’s quality. The program also offers students the chance to take graduate internships.

Standout Features:

UNO faculty collaborate with criminal justice agencies and communities to improve policies and practices backed by diverse funding. Students can actively engage in research, deepening their understanding of crime and contributing to innovative solutions that enhance community safety and advance the field of criminal justice.

Did You Know?

The University of Nebraska Omaha also offers its Master’s in Criminology and Criminal Justice program as a Master of Arts degree, as well as an MS/MSW Dual Degree with the Master of Social Work program.


Loyola University New Orleans

Loyola-University-New-Orleans

New Orleans, LA

Master of Criminology & Justice

Loyola University New Orleans is an esteemed university known for its excellent academic programs. It is currently home to more than 4,500 students across 110 undergraduate, 36 graduate, and professional degree programs.

Loyola University New Orleans offers an online Master of Criminology & Justice program to help aspiring students gain entry into high-level positions in the field. The online master’s program prepares students to advance in a wide range of careers for criminal justice professionals, including criminologists, drug enforcement agents, criminal profilers, police administrators, and more.

Standout Features:

The criminology program offers two dual degree options. This includes the Master of Criminology and Justice/Master of Pastoral Studies and Master of Criminology and Justice/Master of Science in Counseling.

Did You Know?

Classes at Loyola University New Orleans are kept small in size, with a 12:1 student-to-teacher ratio. This means students can be given enough attention and support throughout their whole learning experience.


East Tennessee State University

East-Tennessee-State-University

Johnson City, TN

Master of Arts in Criminal Justice & Criminology

East Tennessee State University is committed to improving the quality of life for the people in the region and beyond through offering high-quality academic programs. The university is currently serving 14,000 students from all 50 states and more than 50 countries. There are over 160 highly respected academic programs, with many of them ranking nationally and available online.

ETSU offers an online MA in Criminal Justice & Criminology with a curriculum based on data-driven and innovative strategies. It aims to help students address crime along with its causes and subsequent treatment of offenders. It provides tools and knowledge for both practitioners and professionals through the use of applied coursework and mentorship.

Standout Features:

The online master’s in criminology degree can be completed online in 20 months. The program’s unique program of study features two approaches to learning, featuring traditional coursework along with practice-based coursework.

This means the master’s degree program offers criminology courses that cover theory, research methodology, and quantitative analysis while also emphasizing the importance of evidence-based practice. The elective courses include topics such as organizational leadership, crime analysis, and criminal justice administration.

Did You Know?

East Tennessee State University belongs in the top 10% of colleges for the least amount of student debt. The university offers numerous financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, federal student loans, and more.

Students at East Tennessee State University who reside within the state can take advantage of the Hope Scholarship, also known as the Lottery Scholarship, as it is funded by the Tennessee Lottery Scholarships (TELS) Program.


Kent State University

Kent-State-University-Online-e1690439864168

Kent, OH

Master’s in Criminology and Criminal Justice

Kent State University is a premier university known for its contribution to the state’s economic, cultural, and workforce development. The university is home to 33,000 students enrolled across eight campus systems.

Kent State University offers online Master’s in Criminology and Criminal Justice to help aspiring students and working professionals achieve their desire for career growth and public service in the fields of policing, victimology, and global security. This interdisciplinary master’s degree equips prospective students with insights into social science, theoretical frameworks, and critical thinking skills that are integral in safeguarding the public.

Standout Features:

Kent State’s online Master’s in Criminology & Criminal Justice program allows students to choose among three concentrations. On top of a solid foundation in research methods, criminal law, and justice institutions, students can also choose to specialize in Global Security, Policing, or Victimology. This will help them customize their learning to meet their career goals easily.

Kent State Online is also one of the few public universities that offers a flat-rate tuition regardless of student residency.

Did You Know?

Kent State University has garnered numerous accolades throughout its history. It was awarded the top national designation for the highest research activity. To date, the higher learning institution has produced more than 16 Pulitzer Prize winners and counting. It is also known as the birthplace of liquid crystal technology.


University of California, Irvine

University-of-California-Irvine-Criminology-Law-and-Society

Irvine, CA

Master of Advanced Study in Criminology, Law and Society

The University of California, Irvine, features cutting-edge research and dedicated public service. Currently, the university is housing more than 37,000 students. It offers more than 85 majors and 70 plus minors at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

UCI offers one of the best online Master’s in Criminology, law, and Society under the Department of Criminology, Law, and Society. This program is for professionals who wish to advance their education and gain skills integral to criminology and criminal justice. It prepares graduates for leadership positions in various fields, including corrections, social services, law enforcement, and probation or parole.

Standout Features:

Instead of a thesis, students are required to complete a capstone project – Social Problems, Law and Policy. On top of this, they will also need to complete required courses such as Research Methods and Statistics.

Did You Know?

The University of California, Irvine, consistently ranks among the universities in the country and beyond in a broad range of fields. It is one of the 71 leading research universities elected into the prestigious Association of American Universities.


Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University - Commerce

College Station, Texas

Master of Science in Applied Criminology

Texas A&M University is a public, land-grant, R1 research university. Beyond its known research and innovation initiatives, TAMU has one of the nation’s largest student bodies in the country, with over 74,800 students for the 2022-23 academic year.

Texas A&M University offers an online MS in Applied Criminology, which prepares students for roles that serve criminal justice and public safety. Texas A&M’s online Master’s in Criminology is one of the highest-rated programs in the country and is a good fit for both newbies to the field as well as seasoned professionals.

Standout Features:

Online students will have the same opportunities as their on-campus peers. They can also complete internship opportunities in several renowned companies and agencies, such as the Credit Union National Association, CATO Institute, and Office of the Texas Governor. While not required, criminology students who pursue an internship often find it an invaluable experience that complements their academic learning.

Did You Know?

Aside from being a land-grant institution, Texas A&M University is also part of the sea-grant and space-grant research consortia and is the only institution in the state of Texas to hold these three designations simultaneously.


Florida State University

Florida State University

Tallahassee, Florida

Master’s in Criminology and Criminal Justice

Florida State University is a public research university and is one of the senior members of the State University System of Florida. Currently, FSU has over 45,400 students and is classified among “R1: Doctoral Universities – Very High Research Activity.”

FSU offers an online Master’s in Criminology and Criminal Justice program, a highly rated program that welcomes a wide variety of professional backgrounds. The university underscores the significance of research-backed policy and practice, a principle deeply embedded within its master’s curriculum.

Standout Features:

The best part about this online Master’s in Criminology & Criminal Justice degree is that it offers flexibility and practical avenues for academic enrichment and professional development. Online students have the option to accrue elective credit hours through various means, such as engaging in part-time or full-time internships or creating an area paper or thesis.

Did You Know?

Florida State University’s campus is the oldest continuously occupied site of higher education in the state, specifically the present-day


Indiana State University

Indiana-State-University

Terre Haute, IN

Master of Science – Criminology & Criminal Justice

Indiana State University offers more than 100 majors and more than 70 online programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Their programs are focused on bleeding experiential learning and career readiness to give students the best chance to succeed in their chosen careers and lives.

The online MS in Criminology and Criminal Justice program, offered at Indiana State University, is designed for academic criminologists and criminal justice professionals. Students are expected to build portfolios in their areas of interest, whether it is in criminological theory, investigation, cyber criminology, or law enforcement.

Standout Features:

The online Criminology and Criminal Justice online master’s program is available 100% online. This means students are not required for campus visits. This master’s degree is most suitable for those who aim to attain their terminal degree or wish to attend law school.

Did You Know?

Whether on campus, hybrid, or online, Indiana State University is deeply committed to ensuring everyone feels appreciated, valued, respected, and welcome. This is reinforced in their strategic plan, Focusing on Our Future Together. Students are empowered with the integration of critical thinking and cultural competency in their educational journey.


Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Indiana-University-of-Pennsylvania

Indiana, Pennsylvania

Master of Arts (MA) in Criminology & Criminal Justice

Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) is a public research institute with an “R2: Doctoral Universities – High Research Activity” designation. IUP is seeing a vastly increasing student enrollment in recent years. Today, IUP enrolls more than 9,000 students, a 4.8 percent increase from fall 2022.

Indiana University of Pennsylvania offers an MA in Criminology and Criminal Justice program, an innovative program that prepares students for leadership positions in the criminal justice field. The program is offered both on-campus and online. It is designed to serve as adequate preparation, whether for professional careers or for pursuing doctorate-level education.

Standout Features:

This online master’s in criminology and criminal justice program is open to a wide range of academic backgrounds through IUP’s 4+1 program, which gives qualified high school seniors an early start. The program’s online format is also lauded for its innovation and quality.

Did You Know?

IUP’s Criminology program is long-lived, having been continuously offered over the past four decades. This means that graduate students become part of an extensive network of IUP alumni currently working in the country’s criminal justice system.


Georgia Southern University

Georgia-Southern-University

Statesboro, Georgia

Master in Criminal Justice and Criminology

Georgia Southern University is a public research university that started as the First District Agricultural & Mechanical School in 1908. At present, Georgia Southern University is classified among “R2: Doctoral Universities – High Research Activity” and has a population of around 27,000 students.

Georgia Southern University offers a Master in Criminal Justice and Criminology program, which is designed to give students specialized training geared toward leadership in the field in a wide range of careers.

Standout Features:

The program features a design that serves the needs of students who pursue advanced leadership careers in the field, as well as those who seek to conduct further post-graduate education in criminal justice.

Did You Know? Georgia Southern University also offers a Georgia POST Certified Master’s in Criminal Justice degree program with an Executive Track, an on-campus program offered exclusively to members of the law enforcement community. A 12-credit hour Online Graduate Certificate in Cybercrime is also offered.

Online Master's in Criminology - fact

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Criminology different from Criminal Justice?

While the two terms are closely related and many online master’s programs in Criminology incorporate criminal justice and vice versa, there are some key differences that set them apart.

 CriminologyCriminal Justice
FocusPsychological and sociological behaviors and motivations of criminals.Established systems and procedures.
Scope         Analyzes social and environmental factors impacting criminal behavior.Encompasses correctional institutions, court systems, and law enforcement.

The general admission requirements for online master’s degrees in criminology include:

International students who speak a foreign language may need to demonstrate their mastery of the English language by submitting TOEFL scores. Some universities require students to submit GRE scores.

How much does an online master’s in criminology degree cost?

Several factors affect the cost of online graduate programs in criminology, such as tuition, mandatory fees, textbooks, resources, and service fees. Tuition for online programs may be the same as on-campus tuition, which ranges between $9,000 and $25,000.

However, you can expect to pay lower amounts in added fees. For instance, in 100% online degree programs, you may not have to pay for campus facilities or transportation costs. Some universities also offer financial aid options, scholarships, or tuition reimbursement programs, which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

What can I do with an online master’s degree in criminology?

Master’s degrees in criminology give you access to various high-paying roles in several sectors, from law enforcement to government agencies. Here are some of the most popular career paths you’re qualified for using your master’s degree:

Occupation Median/ Average Annual Salary         What They Do
Criminal Profiler$73,663Uses techniques to identify perpetrators and understand their motivations, often working with law enforcement.
Private Investigator         $90,991Gathers information for clients, conducts surveillance and investigates various cases, including infidelity, theft, or fraud.
Federal Special Agent    $135,000Works for federal agencies like the FBI, enforcing laws and investigating violations, often addressing both domestic and international incidents.
Fraud Investigator$66,267Investigate individuals or companies suspected of fraud, collect evidence, conduct interviews, and recommend handling fraudulent situations.
Intelligence Analyst$85,442Identifies and researches suspected security threats for government agencies and contractors, processing large amounts of data to assess potential risks.

Summary Points

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