15 Best Criminology Degree Programs in 2024

John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City brings together students and a Pulitzer Prize-winning facility to engage and interconnect with issues related to justice and diversity. The curriculum prepares students to pursue valuable careers in private, public, and non-profit sectors. Students are introduced to essential and newly emerging fields and equipped to advance within the profession of their choice.

Some of the courses include:

Criminology
Theories of Social Order
Research Methods in Criminology and Sociology
Probation and Parole: Theoretical and Practical Approaches
Victimology
Political Imprisonment

The University of Missouri in St. Louis has been touted as providing a world-class education to its students. The students are given opportunities to work alongside veteran scholars and active experts to be well-equipped for valuable careers that impact society. The Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice brings together a wealth of knowledge from social science and other fields of study. UMSL students gain knowledge about different institutions and agencies that are involved in the criminal justice system.

Some of the courses include:

Introduction to Criminology and Criminal Justice
Theories of Crime
Research Methods in Criminology and Criminal Justice
Statistical Analysis in Criminology and Criminal Justice
Criminal Law
Criminal Justice Policy

Students in the criminology program learn how to examine what induces criminal behavior and the adverse results of crime and crime control policies. UT Dallas provides a program of study that is comprised of a variety of angles, approaches, and social science areas of study. Graduation requirements include 42 hours that are specific to the major and 42 hours of the school’s core curriculum.

Some of the courses include:

Introduction to Criminal Justice
Introduction to Crime and Criminology
Criminal Law
Police and Society
Corrections
Criminal Prosecution and Court Process

Arizona State University in Downtown Phoenix, AZ uses innovative research that prepares students for the challenges of modern criminal justice practice. ASU allows students to take their classes online or on-campus for the Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice. Students are offered hands-on research opportunities by accomplished criminal justice professionals at a high-ranking research faculty. There are internship opportunities at over 200 agencies and study abroad programs.

Some of the courses include:

Introduction to Criminal Justice
Social Behavioral Sciences and Global Awareness
Criminal Justice Crime Control Policies and Practices
Courts and Sentencing
Introduction to Corrections
Solution-based Learning

The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Criminology at the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee prepares students for roles in public administration, criminal justice, and law. The courses in the program highlight the role criminal justice agencies play in society as well as social issues. Many of UW graduates have careers in private and public sectors as private investigators, intelligence analysts, and probation officers.

Some of the courses include:

Introduction to Criminal Justice
Introduction to Police
Introduction to Corrections
Introduction to Criminal Courts
Criminology theory and Policy
Race, Ethnicity, and Justice

The Bachelor of Arts in Criminology at the University of Minnesota Duluth concentrates on the causes of criminal behavior. Students learn about the issues, causes of crime, social control, and institutions. Many criminology graduates have careers in corrections, law enforcement, and other government positions. Students must have a 2.0 GPA, 120 credit hours, complete at least half of their upper-level courses at the university.

Some of the courses include:

• Introduction to Criminology
• Criminological Theory
• Introduction to Research Methods and Analysis
• Law and Society
• Sociology of Criminal Law
• Crime and Media

At the University of Pennsylvania, you will be presented with a comprehensive framework for developing and assessing knowledge about social control and crime. To be accepted, you must already be a student at the University of Pennsylvania. Students are required to create a research proposal for the senior capstone. In order to graduate, students must have a GPA of a minimum of 2.0 and have satisfactory performance in the senior capstone.

Some of the courses include:

Introduction to Criminology
Introduction to Criminal Justice
Neighborhood Dynamics of Crime
Wrongful Convictions
Law and Criminal Justice
American Death Penalty in Theory and Practice

The University of Arkansas in Little Rock offers a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology. The criminology program is comprehensive and you will gain skills in research, data analytics, and theory to equip you with further understanding of criminal procedures. You will learn the intricacies of criminal behavior and be acquainted with the process of the justice system. With the internship opportunities, you will gain a deeper understanding of the field while gaining experience.

Some of the courses include:

Sociology of Criminal Law
Criminological Theory
Race, Class, Gender, and Sexuality
Social Data and Analysis
Introduction to Criminology
Quantitative Reasoning

At North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC, you will be taught by esteemed leaders in their respective fields. Criminology students learn about correction, causes, and prevention of crime.

Some of the courses include:

Principles of Sociology
Social Science
Research Methods
Criminology
Criminal Justice Field Work
Court System

Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, TX has one of the most robust criminology programs in the country. The university offers flexible scheduling which allows you to take courses in the daytime, evening, or online. Students gain real-world experience from taking on internships, participating in agency tours, and attending conferences. Since recruiters from multiple criminal justice agencies visit the campus on a regular basis, you are presented with a wealth of career opportunities.

Some of the courses include:

Introduction to the Criminal Justice System
Criminology
Fundamentals of Criminal Law
Correctional Systems and Practice
Police Systems and Practices
Intro to Methods of Research

Located in Irvine, CA, the University of California provides students with opportunities to get acquainted with the institutions and the methods used to accomplish regulation and control of unsavory behavior. Students learn about the legal systems, types of criminal behavior, and the role of law. Graduates with a Bachelor’s degree in criminology can pursue careers in public policy organizations, criminal justice and regulatory agencies, and social service organizations.

Some of the courses include:

Foundations of Criminology
Anthropology of Law
American Law
Sociology of Law
Deviance
Legal Sanctions and Social Control

The University of Iowa’s Bachelor of Arts in Criminology has a strong program that provides students with extensive career preparation such as meticulous advising conducted by members of the faculty. Students are well-prepared for a variety of careers, including criminal justice, corrections, and social service, among others. Graduation requirements include completing a minimum of 39 semester hours of specific course work in the criminology major.

Some of the courses include:

Criminology
Sociological Theory
Applied Statistics for Social Scientists
Research Methods in Criminology
Capstone Class in Criminology

The Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice at Eastern Michigan University gives you an integrative comprehension of justice and crime within the structure of sweeping social processes. Students are provided with substantial learning opportunities when they elect to enroll in field internships in criminology where they complete supervised internships at private or government agencies that work with crime issues. By participating in the internships, students get hands-on experience working on crime and justice issues and can use what they have learned inside the classroom as well as the community.

Some of the courses include:

Criminal Justice
Criminology
Introduction to Corrections
Women, Crime, and Justice
Juvenile Delinquency
Ethics for Criminal Justice Professionals

The University of Maryland offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice. Students will gain an understanding of the main aspects of the criminal justice system, including policing, courts, and corrections. The academic advisors are devoted to helping students attain their educational goals and provide opportunities throughout their academic careers. The graduation requirements include earning a minimum grade of “C” and having a GPA of 2.0 or higher.

Some of the courses include:

Introduction to Criminal Justice
Introduction to Criminology
Statistics for Criminology and Criminal Justice
Criminal Law in Action
Criminological and Criminal Justice Research Methods
Policing

At Northeastern University’s School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, students have the benefit of small class sizes and high-quality education. The school offers students a variety of experiential learning opportunities, including internships, service-learning, and co-op to fit their long-term goals. NU prepares students for professional careers in criminology, criminal justice, and related fields.

Some of the courses include:

Current Crime and Justice Issues
Criminology
Systems and Institutions
Criminal Justice Research Methods
Analyzing Data and Using Data on Crime and Justice
Crime Problems