10 Best Grad Schools with Online Master’s in Criminology
Find your perfect college degree
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:
- Most Unique Criminal Justice Careers
- Highest Paying Criminal Justice Jobs and Salaries
- Best Grad Schools with Online Master’s in Criminology
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:
- Delivers online or hybrid Criminology graduate programs to serve the needs of working professionals with little to no disruptions to their ongoing careers,
- Features Master’s in Criminology curricula that provide training in key criminal justice topics, ranging from research to theories, policy and practice, and more,
- Produces skilled professionals ready for a Criminology doctorate program or career advancement,
- Taught by faculty with extensive expertise in the field either as active practitioners or as scholars,
- Offers competitive tuition and fees, federal financial aid, and a host of financial aid options,
- Holds the relevant and appropriate accreditation proving adherence to academic standards,
- and, Earns industry approval, or maintains affiliation with, organizations that utilize the principles of Criminology.
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
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.
- The program contains a total of 36 credit hours and is offered both on-campus and online.
- The program can be completed in 18 months.
- Online students can also choose to add the Managing Adult & Juvenile Populations graduate certificate for additional credentials to their degree.
- The online criminology degree features a wide range of core courses and electives, which cover topics such as Juvenile Justice, Terrorism, Victimology, Corrections, and more.
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
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.
- Students will need to complete a total of 30 credits to earn the master’s program.
- The program covers courses such as Theories of Criminal Behavior, Research and Statistical Methods, Seminar in Criminal Justice Administration, and Master’s Research and Practicum.
- It is completed 100% online.
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
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.
- Students can complete coursework at their own pace, anytime and anywhere.
- It’s 100% online; online students are not permitted to take on-campus classes.
- Full-time students can graduate in as few as 20 months.
- Students are not required to complete a thesis.
- Thesis students must complete 36, while non-thesis students complete 33 credit hours.
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, 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.
- The curriculum has a unique blend of theoretical and applied learning to help students advance their careers in policy or practice.
- It requires 30 credit hours, which can be completed in 24 months.
- Each course takes seven weeks to complete, with two courses taken sequentially each semester.
- Students will study in small class sizes and have individualized learning experiences.
- There’s one required capstone project.
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
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.
- Students will need to complete a total of 52 units of coursework, which can be done within two years.
- The curriculum focuses on theoretical and practical applications essential to social policy, the law, and the management of crime.
- Students can participate in an optional one-week in-residence introductory course before the fall quarter.
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
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.
- The program is worth 36 credit hours in total and can be completed in 18 months.
- The program also has no thesis requirement.
- There is a choice of four tracks in this criminology master’s degree, namely: General Criminology, Criminal Justice Administration & Management, Forensic Accounting, and Homeland Security.
- The program’s core courses include Police & Law Enforcement, Criminology, Criminal Law and Courts, and Corrections.
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
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.
- The program contains a total of 36 credit hours, of which 15 credits are for the core courses, and the rest (21 credits) are for the program’s electives.
- The program’s core courses include criminology research, criminal justice theory, criminological theories, applied statistics, and more.
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
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.
- Students must complete 36 credit hours.
- It includes courses such as Ethics in Criminal Justice, Research in Criminology, Correctional Counseling, Advanced Criminal Procedure, and Advanced Criminal Investigations, among others.
- Students pursue a Symposium on Criminology course.
- To conclude the program, students will complete a comprehensive written examination.
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, 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.
- Full-time students take two classes every 7.5 weeks during the fall and spring semesters and two summer classes, allowing them to graduate in one year.
- Part-time students usually finish in two years, taking one class every 7.5 weeks.
- Students explore a curriculum that blends core topics with innovative electives like cybercrime, culminating in a synthesis or thesis project.
- Students can expect personalized guidance from a dedicated faculty advisor throughout the program.
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
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.
- The program is designed with a choice of three emphases/specializations, namely Criminal Justice, Criminology, and Cybercrime.
- All emphases contain 36 credit hours.
- The Criminal Justice emphasis has more of an administrative and policy focus, the Criminology delves deep into the theoretical bases and underlying causes of violence.
- The Cybercrime emphasis serves as training on crime prevention in the online space.
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.
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.
Criminology | Criminal Justice | |
Focus | Psychological 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:
- An accredited bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or related fields
- Personal essay
- Official transcripts
- Resume
- Letters of recommendation
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 | $73,663 | Uses techniques to identify perpetrators and understand their motivations, often working with law enforcement. |
Private Investigator | $90,991 | Gathers information for clients, conducts surveillance and investigates various cases, including infidelity, theft, or fraud. |
Federal Special Agent | $135,000 | Works for federal agencies like the FBI, enforcing laws and investigating violations, often addressing both domestic and international incidents. |
Fraud Investigator | $66,267 | Investigate individuals or companies suspected of fraud, collect evidence, conduct interviews, and recommend handling fraudulent situations. |
Intelligence Analyst | $85,442 | Identifies and researches suspected security threats for government agencies and contractors, processing large amounts of data to assess potential risks. |
Summary Points
- Public Safety is a highly crucial aspect of society, and a master’s degree in criminology serves to prepare professionals in this field for better practice, with the right intellectual grounding and knowledge of best practices.
- A typical master’s degree in Criminology covers fundamental and theoretical bases as well as a varied range of advanced topics that inform professional practice, including criminology research, social justice, national security, transnational crime, criminal law, crime analysis, and more.
- A master’s degree in Criminology serves as preparation for students to eventually take on leadership roles in the criminal justice field, across a varied range of careers and positions.