Best Online Criminology Programs 2024
2024Criminologists 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
- In-State$3,358
- Out-of-state$15,000
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate66%
- Students Enrolled5,168
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$4,559
- Out-of-state$15,473
- In-State$8,350
- Out-of-state$19,048
- Retention Rate90%
- Acceptance Rate49%
- Students Enrolled49,708
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment66%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$54,766
- Out-of-state$54,766
- In-State$36,234
- Out-of-state$36,234
- Retention Rate90%
- Acceptance Rate83%
- Students Enrolled23,216
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment50%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$32,954
- Out-of-state$32,954
- In-State$15,000
- Out-of-state$15,000
- Retention Rate72%
- Acceptance Rate78%
- Students Enrolled3,524
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment43%
- AccreditationYes
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$11,100
- Out-of-state$31,460
- In-State$11,100
- Out-of-state$31,460
- Retention Rate87%
- Acceptance Rate80%
- Students Enrolled38,617
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment40%
- AccreditationYes
University of North Carolina Wilmington
- Wilmington, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,443
- Out-of-state$19,063
- In-State$4,719
- Out-of-state$19,104
- Retention Rate83%
- Acceptance Rate69%
- Students Enrolled17,915
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment75%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$44,700
- Out-of-state$44,700
- In-State$14,340
- Out-of-state$14,340
- Retention Rate77%
- Acceptance Rate75%
- Students Enrolled4,178
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment27%
- AccreditationYes
University of Missouri-St. Louis
- Saint Louis, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$12,648
- Out-of-state$29,960
- In-State$13,154
- Out-of-state$32,294
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate51%
- Students Enrolled15,179
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment50%
- AccreditationYes
University of Missouri-Kansas City
- Kansas City, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,840
- Out-of-state$27,660
- In-State$10,660
- Out-of-state$27,521
- Retention Rate77%
- Acceptance Rate69%
- Students Enrolled15,644
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment44%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$37,518
- Out-of-state$37,518
- In-State$9,936
- Out-of-state$9,936
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate78%
- Students Enrolled1,242
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment59%
- AccreditationYes
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.
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.
Explore More College Resources
Best Online Associate in Criminology Programs
We’ve ranked the top online associate in criminology programs. Compare schools by cost and convenience. Earn your associate degree.
Updated April 21, 2023
Best Online Master’s in Criminology Programs
Learn what it takes to earn a master’s in criminology and join this growing and exciting field.
Updated May 10, 2024
How to Become a Criminal Investigator
Learn about requirements, salary, and career paths for becoming a criminal investigator.
by Jennifer Lee
Updated April 16, 2024