Best Online Master’s in Criminology Programs

Online master’s in criminology programs are perennially popular with students. Criminology is the scientific study of crime and perpetrators, and due to the consistent crime rate in the U.S., the field will likely always be hiring.

Criminology jobs for private detectives and investigators are growing, and with a master’s degree, you can set yourself apart from the competition.

Keep reading to learn what to expect from a master’s in criminology program, how to get in, and where you can use your degree after graduation.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Individuals who want to work to reform the criminal justice system and understand the motivations of people who break the law may thrive in an online master’s in criminology program. Analytical, detail-oriented individuals who enjoy solving problems and learning about human behavior often feel drawn to this degree, especially if they want to help others.

When preparing for graduate school, prospective learners should know that most programs consist of approximately 30 credits and take about two years to complete. Accelerated programs may allow for completion in as little as 12 months, while part-time programs often take three years to finish. In addition to general core studies, many programs also provide concentrations in areas such as:

Although internships aren’t typically required, some students decide to complete one as a way of gaining experience and making professional contacts while still in school. These experiences typically last a semester. Learners can usually choose a setting that closely aligns with their professional goals.

Graduate admission requirements for online master’s in criminology programs vary by college or university. Therefore, it is important for prospective students to carefully read each school’s application instructions. While most programs do not require applicants to possess a specific undergraduate degree, they may set a few prerequisites. Particularly competitive programs may also require applicants to participate in interviews. Some common components include:

These days, most universities allow students to submit their applications online; however, a few may still allow learners to send in physical forms. Applications typically ask for common information such as the prospective student’s full name, mailing address, date of birth, and citizenship status.

Some master’s in criminology programs may require applicants to provide GRE scores as part of the application process. Some schools waive this requirement altogether, while others may allow students with high GPAs or a certain amount of previous work experience to bypass this step.

Letters of recommendation allow those who know the candidate well to speak on their preparedness for advanced study and the type of impact they would make in the program. Reference letters should come from former or current professors, supervisors, coaches, mentors, volunteer managers, or faith leaders — not friends or family.

Some master’s in criminology programs may look for candidates with previous work experience — sometimes related to the discipline. Providing a resume with work experience can help showcase the professional skills learners have built since they graduated from a bachelor’s program and, in some cases, demonstrate their interest in criminology.

Grad school essays allow candidates to express themselves clearly and stand out from other applicants. Students should use this space to outline why they want to study criminology, how they plan to use their master’s in criminology after graduating, and why they want to enroll in specific a program.

All master’s in criminology programs ask prospective students to supply official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions previously attended, both to confirm their degree status and verify their stated GPA. Admission officers also use transcripts to identify which graduate-level courses from other institutions may transfer over to the new program.

Completing an online master’s in criminology can provide you with the training and credentials needed to work in a variety of different law enforcement, intelligence, and community roles. Jobs for graduates of these programs vary by demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects positions for private detectives and investigators to grow by 6% from 2022-2032.

Salaries also vary, but most professionals make above the national average wage for all occupations. Those in executive or managerial positions can even earn six-figure salaries.

After completing an online master’s in criminology, some students may decide to pursue a doctoral degree. While this next step is not all that common in the field of criminology, individuals who want to do research in the field or pursue work as professors may decide this step makes the most sense for them.

Students can also pursue postgraduate certificates in the areas of cybersecurity, criminal psychology, or criminal justice.

For many learners, cost is one of the most important factors when it comes to deciding which online master’s in criminology program to pursue. Understanding the true program cost can help students save money and avoid miscalculations later down the road. When comparing the cost of online and on-campus programs, online options tend to offer lower rates and fewer program fees.

When looking at online master’s in criminology programs, students must decide whether asynchronous or synchronous learning works best for their personal, professional, and academic needs. Synchronous online programs have designated meeting times for courses, while asynchronous programs allow learners to complete lessons on their own schedules. Students should also consider whether full-time or part-time learning works best for them.

When choosing an online master’s in criminology program, location can still play an important role. If the program requires any in-person training or seminars, students may want to be within driving distance to avoid expensive plane tickets. Completely online programs allow students to cast their nets wider geographically.

While a programmatic accreditation board does not currently exist for the criminology discipline, students can look for colleges and universities that hold institutional accreditation. Completing this step can help ensure that learners attend a program that offers the academic, social, and professional support they need to thrive in school and the professional world.

Student support services can make the difference between an average and transformative college experience, making it important to consider these when choosing a school. The best colleges provide professional mentorship opportunities as well as access to competitive internship placements. Online students can also ask about services created specifically for them.