Criminology Doctoral Programs: Curriculum
Once enrolled in a doctoral criminology program, students can expect to take rigorous courses spanning advanced topics in criminology. The requirements for these programs can vary widely and include anywhere between 40 and 100 credit hours of coursework. Students who have already completed a masters degree in criminology prior to doctoral enrollment may be able to waive a substantial portion of the required classes. Exact course titles will depend on the school and program you attend, but weve listed some examples below for reference.
Core Courses for Doctor of Criminology Degrees
- Advances in Criminology Theory
- Measures and Correlates of Crime
- Values, Ethics, and Criminal Justice Policy
- Justice Organizations
Are You Ready To Find Your Fit
Uncertain about your future? Crack the case with one of the nations best Bachelors in Criminology degrees.
Do you want to better your local community? Or national and international communities? Are you fascinated by the social and economic influences on criminal behavior? Do you envision yourself creating and implementing innovative prevention plans that can keep communities healthy, safe, and vibrant?
Then a degree in criminology may be just for you!
Programmatic Accreditation For Bachelor’s Programs In Criminology
Colleges and universities may receive either national or regional accreditation, while degrees within a school may earn specialized programmatic accreditation. Technical, vocational, and for-profit schools generally hold national accreditation. These schools have less rigorous admission requirements and inexpensive tuition. Regional accreditation requires higher academic standards.
Accreditation status affects federal financial aid eligibility, and students cannot transfer course credits earned at unaccredited schools. Employers and graduate programs often give preference to graduates from accredited schools.
The Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences administers the only programmatic accreditation in criminology and criminal justice in the U.S. Only a very small number of undergraduate programs have qualified for this designation.
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About The Field Of Criminology
Distinctive from the discipline of criminal justice, which focuses on criminal procedures and law enforcement, the field of criminology takes a more holistic approach to crime and its role within a broader society. This academic subject area examines the deeper causes of criminal behavior, ways in which society deals with crime, and how crime impacts society as a whole.
University Of Central Florida
Orlando, Florida
Points: 11Net Price: $11,161
The Department of Criminal Justice at the University of Central Florida prides itself in its online courses, experiential learning opportunities, and technologically advanced facilities. Both the undergraduate and graduate Criminal Justice programs can be completed online, and online students can still take advantage of internship opportunities. The department also operates a crime-mapping lab with the most up-to-date software. Criminology degree students can participate in extra service projects and professional development opportunities through the departments active student organizations.
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California State University Fresno
Fresno, California
Points: 10Net Price: $7,549
California State UniversityFresnos Department of Criminology is dedicated to diversity, excellence in education, and bettering the local and global community. Because of this, Fresno State maintains partnerships with several organizations. These partnerships facilitate research, internships, and other projects that benefit both criminology degree students and the community. Students have many unique extracurricular actives available to them, one of which is the Mock Trial Program. This program serves both as a fun extracurricular activity and a three-unit criminology course. Other criminology-related opportunities include academic field trips and student organizations.
Pennsylvania State University World Campus
University Park, Pennsylvania
Undergraduate Tuition/Fees: $13,988
Points: 9
Individuals interested in criminology and the law can earn a bachelors in criminal justice entirely online through Penn State World Campus. The program prepares students for careers in security management, social services, law and corrections, protective services, court administration, crime-related prevention and support, and more. If you are already in a position in criminal justice, youll learn valuable skills that you can apply to your current job right away.
The program teaches practical and theoretical aspects of criminal justice as it relates to juvenile and adult justice. Students interested in homeland security are also encouraged to add the 18-credit homeland security minor. This is a 120-credit program, and youll have many different course options available so you can customize the program to meet your goals and interests. Here is a sampling of some of the available courses:
- Criminology
- Terrorism
- Investigation
The online program at Missouri State is highly flexible, and the courses are presented by the same highly-respected faculty members who deliver the on-campus versions.
As an online student at MSU, youll have a wide range of support services to take advantage of, including writing assistance, virtual research assistance, and one-on-one tutoring.
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What Are Criminal Justice Schools
For the sake of this article, we’ll be defining criminal justice schools as any institutions that offer a criminal justice degree program .
You can look for criminal justice schools in a specific area of the US using the website All Criminal Justice Schools. Just type in your zip code to get a list of schools that have criminal justice degrees. Alternatively, you can browse criminal justice schools by state on Criminal Justice Degree Schools.
Criminal justice schools generally offer a mix of criminal justice degrees, which can include certificates/diplomas, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctorates in criminal justice or a related field.
Many criminal justice schools also have the option to earn a degree in criminal justice entirely online. This can be convenient for those who find it difficult to attend classes in-person and who would prefer the flexibility of an online program.
So what exactly do you learn in a criminal justice program? You’ll usually cover topics that span the broader fields of sociology, psychology, political science, philosophy, and public administration.
Most criminal justice programs require you to take classes on the American legal system, judicial administration, the police, legal issues, ethical concerns, and juvenile delinquency.
Many criminal justice majors move on to a career in law enforcement.
Courses In A Bachelor’s In Criminology Program
Bachelor’s in criminology programs vary significantly in coursework, graduation requirements, and programmatic emphases. Undergraduates take classes such as criminological theory, juvenile delinquency, and policing. Some schools emphasize research methodology, applied practicum, or internship experiences. Below are some of the more common course offerings:
A prerequisite for most courses, this class introduces students to the study of criminal behavior, laws and norms, and social perceptions about crime and criminals. Topics include theoretical explanations of crime, social psychological determinants of crime, and contemporary issues. The course emphasizes methods of policing and punishment, criminal justice reform, and crime prevention.
This course prepares students for a wide range of careers in law enforcement, probation services, and counseling. Students learn about the social construction of childhood, adolescence, and delinquency, with an emphasis on the contemporary U.S. juvenile justice system.
This course examines the demographics of police forces and social control. Students interested in law enforcement and social service careers will find this course useful. Topics address diversity and police, the role of the media and perceptions of police, and police as a unionized workforce.
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Study Law In Canada After 12th
Yes, the international students who have just passed 12th can also pursue law in Canada. Those students who have passed 12th with very good marks can study different law courses like Bachelors in Legal Studies, Bachelor of Arts , BA in Law and Society and Bachelor in Law in Canada. Candidates have to clear the English proficiency test like TOEFL or IELTS to get admission in Canada universities.
Why Should I Choose A Criminal Justice Major
There are many reasons to choose a criminal justice Bachelors degree on campus. The first and best reason to choose this type of degree is simply because you enjoy this type of work. The next reason is that it will help to bolster your career and give you the skills you will need to be successful. Individuals who consider themselves problem-solvers often do well when it comes to criminal justice. They like to be able to find clues and figure out how they work together. If you are looking for a career in which you can work with others who have the same goals. With a criminal justice major, you can explore many different specializations. Forensic and investigation skills are just two of the most common specializations available.
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Central Connecticut State University
New Britain, Connecticut
Points: 8Net Price: $15,860
Central Connecticut State Universitys Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice prioritizes critical thinking, diversity, and the use of technology in the classroom. It offers a BA degree program and an MS degree program. Both graduate and undergraduate students may participate in all aspects of research, including the design and approval stages. Students can also complete internships at a wide variety of locations, including local law enforcement, federal law enforcement, state agencies, and victim services. These opportunities and others made available throughout this affordable criminology degree program make graduates appealing to employers and graduate programs alike.
Master Of Criminology Admissions Requirements
The admissions process for a master of criminology degree program may be more stringent than that of a bachelors degree option. Even so, if you meet eligibility requirements, youll be rewarded with an enriching program of study that can result in more job opportunities and a higher salary. Once you submit your graduate application, admissions officers will review your undergraduate transcript to ensure you have what it takes to succeed in a masters criminology program. Other considerations for admission may include:
- Undergraduate GPA
- Personal statement
- Interview
When applying to criminology masters degree programs, keep in mind that the more reputable the program, the more competitive the admissions process will be.
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University Of Maryland College Park
College Park, Maryland
Points: 15Net Price: $18,418
The Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of MarylandCollege Park is home to the most popular major on campus and one of the most highly-ranked doctoral programs in the U.S. The Criminology and Criminal Justice program is a Limited Enrollment Program. These programs are competitive majors that only allow a certain number of students to enroll. This ensures that only the most dedicated students remain in the program. This already rigorous criminology degree program is complemented by several enrichment opportunities, including an honors program, internships, and research, and study abroad.
How Much Money Do People Make With A Bachelors In Criminology
Because a degree in criminology can result in so many career options, the average salary for one with the degree can be difficult to determine. However, rest assured that a career in criminology will serve you well financially after graduation and beyond.
For example, while corrections officers make around $43,510 a year, police officers and detectives make around $62,960 annually. Furthermore, if you want to use your degree to become a sociologist , you can make upwards of $79,650 a year.
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Criminology Rankings By Degree Level
When choosing the right school for you, it’s important to arm yourself with all the facts you can. To that end, we’ve created a number of major-specific rankings, including this Best Criminology Schools in the New England Region list to help you make the college decision.More interested in schools in a specific area of the country? Filter this list by region or state.
To further help you make the college decision, we’ve developed a unique tool called College Combat that allows you to compare schools based on the factors that matter the most to you.Go ahead and give it a try, or bookmark the link so you can check it out later.
It’s difficult to beat Saint Anselm College if you want to pursue a degree in criminology. Located in the midsize suburb of Manchester, St. Anselm College is a private not-for-profit college with a small student population. A Best Schools rank of #140 out of 2,576 colleges nationwide means St. Anselm College is a great college overall.
There were approximately 44 criminology students who graduated with this degree at St. Anselm College in the most recent data year. Those criminology students who get their degree from Saint Anselm College earn $3,125 more than the standard criminology graduate.
California State University San Bernardino
San Bernardino, California
The Department of Criminal Justice offers students access to contemporary, real-world knowledge and experience in the field. The faculty works with law enforcement agencies and participates in research in areas including police administration, law enforcement, hate crimes, terrorism, and more.
Criminal Justice Degree selections:
- Master of Arts in Criminal Justice
- Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice
- Bachelor of Science in Intelligence and Crime Analysis
Department of Criminal Justice Highlights:
- Students can gain real-world experience through an internship
- Students can focus on a specific subject of their choice in an independent study project
- Hosts a Criminal Justice Career Exploration Fair to help students gain connections and discover career opportunities
- Includes the Center for Criminal Justice Research and the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism
Accreditation: The WASC Senior College and University Commission provides California State University, San Bernardino with accreditation.
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Best Colleges For Criminology In California
We rigorously analyzed earnings after graduation, student loan debt, and a host of other variables to determine what colleges and universities offer the best Criminology programs in California. We looked at 8 programs to put our Criminology rankings together to help you find the absolute best schools for Criminology in California….Read More
If youre still wondering whether Criminology is the right field of study for you, check out our guide tomajoring in Criminology: what you can do with the major, how much youll make, and more.
For the purposes of these rankings we prioritized earnings after graduation 6 years and 10 years out for students that majored in Criminology in California. Earnings are by no means the most important mark of success for a Criminology undergraduate program, but it is a variable that is widely used across universities and colleges in California. In addition to salary, we also provide average student loans metric and other admissions data points.
In addition, if you scroll all the way through the list youll find every college or university that offers a Criminology degree in California.
What Kind Of Criminology Degree Should You Get
Though each of the 35 programs on this list will provide a foundation in criminology fundamentals, from the justice system to deviant behavior, they each have their own emphasis and structure.
For example, some programs stress the importance of statistics and research methodology, which are ideal for those who want to go into criminal data analytics and prevention. Others emphasize the societal implications behind crime, giving students insight into the relationship between crime and gender, race, class, and orientation.
Choose the program which best reflects your interest and will offer the kind of learning opportunities you desire, such as an internship, field experience, or study abroad programs.
You should also think about online or distance learning. Online education is both a flexible and affordable way to advance your education and career. So, be sure to check out College Choices50 Best Online Criminal Justice degrees.
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Admissions Requirements For Bachelor Of Criminology Degree Programs
When examining different program options for a bachelors degree in criminology, youll find varying admissions requirements. It really just depends on the college or university youre interested in attending. Still, you can expect to find some commonalities. Most schools will require a high school transcript demonstrating a respectable GPA as well as acceptable college entrance exam scores like the ACT or SAT. Depending on the specific school and program, applicants may also be required to submit essays, writing samples, letters of reference, and more. Generally speaking, the more competitive the program, the more strenuous the application process.
California State University San Marcos
San Marcos, California
Points: 7Net Price: $14,582
The Criminology and Justice Studies program at California State UniversitySan Marcos educates its students thoroughly in both the practical and theoretical aspects of the field. One of the most exciting opportunities available to students that incorporates both aspects is the annual Sociology/Criminology and Justice Studies Student Research Symposium. This symposium encourages students to emphasize social justice in panel, poster, or spoken word sessions. It is an excellent opportunity for criminology degree students to practice working together in teams and presenting in the same way they would at larger and more formal conferences as professionals.
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University Of Nebraska At Omaha
Omaha, Nebraska
Points: 12Net Price: $13,833
The University of Nebraska at Omahas Criminology degree program offers students both flexibility and many exciting opportunities. Students can take the full degree or just a few courses online, allowing busier students to easily fit classes into their schedules. The School of Criminology and Criminal Justice is home to two student organizations which host small trips and events. It also sponsors the London Study Abroad Program, which gives students the opportunity to compare the U.K. justice system to the U.S. justice system.
Common Questions About A Criminology Major
If you major in criminology, what can you do with it? What type of jobs can you find and what kind of salaries do those jobs pay? Learn more
Learn more about tuition and other expenses associated with a criminology major.
The best part about the Criminology program at Stonehill College is that it can take you where you want to go whether that means majoring in criminology, minoring in it, or even creating an interdisciplinary studies major or minor with it. Learn more
The short answer is a full-time student will finish a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology in four years. Learn more about what you can expect during that time.
If you have the desire to serve others, and if building a base of knowledge about the practices of law, the criminal justice system, and the causes and consequences of crime sounds right to you, then consider majoring in criminology at Stonehill. Learn more
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