Best Online Criminology Programs 2024
Criminology investigates criminal behavior. Discover the best online criminology programs to launch your career as a criminologist.Why Trust BestColleges
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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.
2024 Best Online Criminology Programs
University of Florida-Online
Gainesville, FL4 yearOnline
$3,358
$15,000
66%
N/A
N/A
N/A
91%
5,168
Public
Yes
$3,358
$15,000
Gainesville, FL4 yearOnline
$3,358
$15,000
66%
N/A
N/A
N/A
91%
5,168
Public
Yes
University of South Florida
Tampa, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$4,559
$15,473
49%
66%
$8,350
$19,048
90%
49,708
Public
Yes
$4,559
$15,473
Tampa, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$4,559
$15,473
49%
66%
$8,350
$19,048
90%
49,708
Public
Yes
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$54,766
$54,766
83%
50%
$36,234
$36,234
90%
23,216
Private
Yes
$54,766
$54,766
Philadelphia, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$54,766
$54,766
83%
50%
$36,234
$36,234
90%
23,216
Private
Yes
Fresno Pacific University
Fresno, CA4 yearOnline
$32,954
$32,954
78%
43%
$15,000
$15,000
72%
3,524
Private
Yes
$32,954
$32,954
Fresno, CA4 yearOnline
$32,954
$32,954
78%
43%
$15,000
$15,000
72%
3,524
Private
Yes
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL4 yearCampus + Online
$11,100
$31,460
80%
40%
$11,100
$31,460
87%
38,617
Public
Yes
$11,100
$31,460
Tuscaloosa, AL4 yearCampus + Online
$11,100
$31,460
80%
40%
$11,100
$31,460
87%
38,617
Public
Yes
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Wilmington, NC4 yearCampus + Online
$4,443
$19,063
69%
75%
$4,719
$19,104
83%
17,915
Public
Yes
$4,443
$19,063
Wilmington, NC4 yearCampus + Online
$4,443
$19,063
69%
75%
$4,719
$19,104
83%
17,915
Public
Yes
University of La Verne
La Verne, CA4 yearCampus + Online
$44,700
$44,700
75%
27%
$14,340
$14,340
77%
4,178
Private
Yes
$44,700
$44,700
La Verne, CA4 yearCampus + Online
$44,700
$44,700
75%
27%
$14,340
$14,340
77%
4,178
Private
Yes
University of Missouri-St. Louis
Saint Louis, MO4 yearCampus + Online
$12,648
$29,960
51%
50%
$13,154
$32,294
74%
15,179
Public
Yes
$12,648
$29,960
Saint Louis, MO4 yearCampus + Online
$12,648
$29,960
51%
50%
$13,154
$32,294
74%
15,179
Public
Yes
University of Missouri-Kansas City
Kansas City, MO4 yearCampus + Online
$9,840
$27,660
69%
44%
$10,660
$27,521
77%
15,644
Public
Yes
$9,840
$27,660
Kansas City, MO4 yearCampus + Online
$9,840
$27,660
69%
44%
$10,660
$27,521
77%
15,644
Public
Yes
Buena Vista University
Storm Lake, IA2 yearCampus + Online
$37,518
$37,518
78%
59%
$9,936
$9,936
76%
1,242
Private
Yes
$37,518
$37,518
Storm Lake, IA2 yearCampus + Online
$37,518
$37,518
78%
59%
$9,936
$9,936
76%
1,242
Private
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.
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 |
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.
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