Whether you’re a recent graduate or a career professional, earning a master’s degree in criminology is a great way to prepare for exciting opportunities in the rapidly expanding criminal justice field. More graduate students are opting to earn their masters in criminology online since these programs offer flexible schedules, affordable tuition, and an excellent education.
Because there are so many options for earning your masters in criminology online, figuring out what to expect from an online program or how to find the best school for you can be hard. It’s normal to have questions about what to expect from criminology masters programs online. This guide offers clarity by looking at some excellent programs, previewing popular course options, discussing finances, and considering your post-graduation career outlook. Whether you’re narrowing your options or just starting your research, keep reading for information you can use to select the perfect program for advancing your career in criminology.
A Closer Look into Three Criminology Online Master’s
Searing “criminology masters programs online” can leave you feeling overwhelmed by the seemingly endless options. Before considering salary potential after earning your masters in criminology online, get your bearings by looking at how three standout programs structure their curriculums. Each program takes a different approach to online learning to cater to students with different learning styles, requirements, and goals. Use these spotlights to start your research and as a benchmark for evaluating other programs.
The University of California, Irvine
The Masters of Criminology, Law and Society at the University of California, Irvine is a multidisciplinary program for students looking to take on leadership roles in justice administration, law enforcement, justice policy, and social services. Expect to start your studies with core courses in research, social policy, and law before advancing to electives in the specialty of your choice. This program caters to criminal justice professionals interested in advancing their careers, so the curriculum integrates with your current work and goals and can be completed in two years even while working full time. Instead of a traditional thesis, students complete a capstone course where they apply their earlier coursework to a current social issue in their final semester.
Although coursework is entirely online, students can attend on-campus learning opportunities like a five-day residential orientation, a two-day capstone workshop, and an in-person commencement ceremony. These programs offer great opportunities for networking and building relationships with instructors and peers.
Georgia Southern University
Georgia Southern University’s Masters in Criminal Justice and Criminology offers a 100% online program as well as in-person classes at its Statesboro, GA campus. The school’s well-rounded curriculum features specialization options in criminal justice, criminology, and cybercrime. Students can also pursue a graduate certificate in cybercrime. Regardless of specialty, the program pays special attention to developing research skills by requiring at least two research-specific classes from options that include statistical, qualitative, and quantitative research. This added focus develops a deeper background in the approaches most suited to your future career.
The criminology master at Georgia Southern also stands out for its multiple capstone options. Students interested in academic or research careers can complete a traditional thesis. Students looking to develop real-world experience can participate in an internship with an organization in their field. Finally, students whose future work requires substantial technical or methodological work may complete additional coursework to develop essential skills for their future careers. This flexibility ensures that Georgia Southern is a good fit for a diverse range of students with various career goals.
Texas A&M University
If you’re interested in earning your degree as quickly as possible, the accelerated MS in Applied Criminology at Texas A&M is a great option. With full-time study, students can complete this 36-credit master’s in as few as 18 months. Unlike with more traditional programs, Texas A&M students complete one course at a time in intensive eight-week sessions. This structure allows for focus on one topic at a time rather than dividing efforts over multiple classes over longer semesters.
Because Texas A&M is focused on real-world applications of criminology in the workforce, it offers ample opportunities to specialize. Students looking to develop broad expertise may opt for the general criminology track. Students with specific career goals can choose emphases in criminal justice administration, forensic accounting, or homeland security. Additionally, students can gain hands-on experience in their specialty while earning graduate credits through internships with the State of Texas, the CATO Institute, or the Credit Union National Association.
What You’ll Learn in an Online Criminology Graduate Program
Because criminology is such a large field with so many applications, there is a ton of variety in course offerings. However, all good master’s programs cover the essentials through a series of core courses. The five topics discussed below are often covered in these mandatory-for-all classes.
Digital Forensics
Even if you aren’t tech-savvy and have no plans to work directly with cybercrime, all criminologists should understand the methods and possibilities of digital forensics since in the digital age, all elements of criminal justice are impacted by digital investigation and digital research methods. An introductory digital forensics course covers the essentials of the field and explores how digital methods interact with your chosen specialty. This course is also a great place to see if an emphasis on cybercrime is a good fit for you and sets you up for more advanced coursework in the field.
Criminal Behavior
Classes in criminal behavior tend to focus on the social and psychological elements of crime. This class is helpful for future analysts who will develop criminal profiles as well as those who want to work within the criminal justice or justice administration systems. Because criminal behavior is such a broad subject, these classes are often taught in a “topics in criminal behavior” format where your professor focuses on a specific subject or issue within the field that relates to your research or expertise.
Research Methods in Criminal Justice
A key skill for all criminologists is knowing how to find the information you need when you need it. This is often one of the first classes that criminology graduate students take since it covers skills needed for success in coursework as well as research methods used in most criminal justice careers. Expect to gain a deeper understanding of how criminology knowledge is developed and interpreted as well as how to access and use essential resources for your research.
Criminal Justice Administration and Management
As a criminologist, you’ll have regular contact with the criminal justice system. This course prepares you to navigate the criminal justice system either as an administrator or as an outside expert. Coursework covers the ins and outs of the justice system and allows you to apply research to current issues in justice administration. The background you’ll develop in this class can help you better understand how your work in any role contributes to the broader project of justice and crime prevention.
Criminal Law
To be clear, you aren’t going to be an expert in criminal law after one semester. Typically, these courses are taught in a “topics in criminal law” format where you’ll focus on one area or issue in the field. Besides developing a background in that specific topic, the work you do in these classes can help you develop the skills to better interpret and apply other topics in criminal law that you encounter throughout your education and future work.
Common Admission Requirements for Criminology Master’s Programs
Undergraduate Degree
As a rule, all master’s programs require a bachelor’s degree. Earning your bachelor’s in criminology may give you a leg up in the admissions process, but it isn’t always mandatory. Schools typically also consider students with degrees in related fields like criminal justice, pre-law, and social work.
Statement of Purpose
Your statement of purpose is your chance to make your case for why you are the perfect candidate for your chosen program. Discuss your background and goals, highlight your achievements, and explain any gaps or weak spots in your application. Also include a short section about why you are applying to a specific school, mentioning program features or faculty that you are excited about. You don’t have to write your statement of purpose from scratch for every application, but you should customize your letter for each school to match the goals of the program and why you are interested in it.
Letters of Recommendation
Most criminology master’s programs require three letters of recommendation. Most or all of your letters should be written by former professors or faculty you’ve worked closely with. Choose letter writers who know you well and can speak to your strengths. If you’re already working in the criminology field or have been out of school for a while, you can also ask your boss or other professional mentors to write on your behalf.
Minimum GPA
Generally, every school specifies a minimum acceptable GPA for its criminology master’s applicants, and that number varies from program to program. A strong GPA in your undergraduate work shows that you have what it takes to succeed in a rigorous academic environment. That said, these numbers aren’t always set in stone. If you have an otherwise strong application but are falling a little short on the GPA front, consider reaching out to the program director to see if they make exceptions for promising students.
Prerequisite Coursework
You don’t necessarily need an undergraduate degree in criminology or criminal justice to be accepted into a master’s program. However, most programs want a certain level of background knowledge before you begin your master’s work. Admissions requirements may name specific classes they want to see on your transcript or may evaluate your coursework more holistically. If you are missing prerequisites, consider taking individual classes at your local university or community college before sending in your application. Some programs offer the opportunity for accepted grad students to take missing prerequisites before starting their graduate work.
Tuition and Financial Aid for Criminology Programs
As the table below shows, earning your masters in criminology online isn’t exactly cheap. So, before you get your heart set on a specific school, make sure you have a budget in mind and commit to sticking to it. Although advertised tuition rates may feel discouraging, there are plenty of ways to finance your master’s degree.
Many master’s students take advantage of scholarships and financial aid offered through their programs. You can also look into resources outside of your program for scholarship opportunities through professional organizations, non-profits, or businesses Also, consider leveraging your regular work to pay for your degree. Some schools offer assistantships and work-study programs that cover tuition and pay a stipend or salary. If you already have a job, see if it offers tuition assistance as a benefit (or go find a job that does).
After you’ve exhausted these options, look into low-interest federal loans or offers from private lenders. Remember, though, the goal is to take on as little debt as possible.
What Your Online Criminology Degree Could Cost
| School | Program | No. of Credits | Est. Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regis University | MS in Criminology | 36 | $21,564 |
| University at Buffalo | Criminology (Online) MS | 30 | $14,130 |
| Florida State University | Online Masters in Criminology | 36 | $15,984 |
Popular Criminology Careers
A master’s in criminology prepares you for a diverse range of careers that span law enforcement, government, social services, and private industry. Because criminology careers cover so many fields, most programs let you specialize your coursework through dedicated tracks or elective credits. As you’re considering possible specialties, know how potential careers stack up in terms of potential earnings and demand.
Five popular criminology careers are detailed below to help you get a feel for your post-graduation possibilities. Although a master’s degree is preferred for these jobs, this data includes wage information for both master’s and non-master’s degree holders. With a master’s in criminology, you can expect a higher starting rate and faster career advancement than your bachelors-only counterparts.
Fraud Investigator
Fraud investigators work within law enforcement, private investigation firms, and large companies to investigate potential fraud and ensure that everything is above board. Typically, these roles require attention to detail, computer skills, and a strong understanding of the laws. Starting out, you may work with a team of investigators on various projects. As your career advances, you may begin to work more independently or take on a role as a team leader.
Most criminology masters programs online offer elective classes in fraud investigation. If your heart is set on this career, develop additional expertise through a program like the one at Colorado State University that lets criminology students specialize in fraud and financial crimes.
Career Outlook: Fraud Investigator
| Median Annual Pay | |
| $78,310 | |
| 90th Percentile Pay | |
| $139,960 | |
| Projected Growth (2022-32) | |
| 5-8% | |
| Top Industry | |
| Finance and Insurance, Government |
Source: O*Net OnLine, 2023
Intelligence Analyst
If you like puzzles and patterns and are interested in justice, a career in intelligence analysis might be a great fit. Intelligence analysts work closely with government agencies and law enforcement to sift through large amounts of data. In your day-to-day work, you might develop profiles of criminals, work on cold cases, or monitor potential security threats. You can use your master’s in criminology to prepare for intelligence analyst roles by focusing on programs and classes that cover research methods, statistical analysis, and forensics.
Career Outlook: Intelligence Analyst
| Median Annual Pay | |
| $91,100 | |
| 90th Percentile Pay | |
| $182,370 | |
| Projected Growth (2022-32) | |
| 2-4% | |
| Top Industry | |
| Government |
Source: O*Net OnLine, 2023
Victim Advocacy Director
Victim advocacy organizations provide services and legal support to victims and testifying witnesses as they navigate the legal system and trial process. Program directors play an important role in allocating resources, ensuring ethical practices, and promoting positive outcomes for the individuals they serve. Victim advocates often have backgrounds in social work alongside their expertise in the criminal justice system.
On the road toward running a victim advocacy program, you’ll probably start by working as an individual advocate before taking on roles with more responsibility. If you feel called to the social services side of the criminal justice field, consider focusing your studies on the legal system and justice administration. You can also look for programs like Vermont Law’s online Master of Arts in Restorative Justice that emphasize the social and emotional side of criminal justice.
Career Outlook: Victim Advocacy Director
| Median Annual Pay | |
| $77,030 | |
| 90th Percentile Pay | |
| $127,550 | |
| Projected Growth (2022-32) | |
| 9%+ | |
| Top Industry | |
| Government, Social Services, Healthcare |
Source: O*Net OnLine, 2023
Criminology Professor
Perhaps you’d like to put your criminology degree to use educating the next generation of criminal justice experts. In this case, consider becoming a criminology professor. While most four-year universities prefer PhDs for professor positions, your master’s can help you secure teaching posts at community colleges or adjunct lecturer roles. If you have an eye toward academia, seek out opportunities to gain hands-on teaching experience while you complete your degree. You may qualify for teaching assistant positions that cover your tuition, offer a stipend, and let you work with undergraduates in your field.
Career Outlook: Criminal Justice Professor
| Median Annual Pay | |
| $69,030 | |
| 90th Percentile Pay | |
| $134,580 | |
| Projected Growth (2022-32) | |
| 2 to 4% | |
| Top Industry | |
| Educational Services |
Source: O*Net OnLine, 2023
Digital Forensics Analyst
Digital Forensics Analyst roles overlap with intelligence analyst jobs but with a focus on cybercrime and cyber security. Digital forensics analysts are responsible for recovering damaged or destroyed data, investigating digital crimes, and developing defense systems to stave off attacks from hackers.
Since digital forensics requires a high degree of computer skills, an interest or background in computer science is a great complement to a criminology master’s. Fortunately, because this is such a high-demand role, many programs offer specializations and electives to help you develop job-specific skills.
Career Outlook: Digital Forensics Analyst
| Median Annual Pay | |
| $104,920 | |
| 90th Percentile Pay | |
| $174,300 | |
| Projected Growth (2022-32) | |
| 9%+ | |
| Top Industry | |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services, Government |
Source: O*Net OnLine, 2023
Online Criminology Master’s FAQs
Are online criminology master’s programs more affordable than in-person programs?
Some schools offer tuition discounts for online students. Tuition rates still vary widely, so there’s no guarantee an online master’s tuition will be cheaper than an in-person program. However, studying online means you aren’t tied to campuses in your area. This gives you some flexibility to track down more affordable criminology programs.
Despite variable tuition rates, earning your criminology masters online can help you save money on your education. Online students typically pay less in fees since they won’t be using campus amenities. Also, living near campus can get very expensive very quickly, so you can save on rent by staying where you are or moving to a lower-cost-of-living area. Online students also won’t have to worry about gas money or parking fees. When looking at the bigger picture, online master’s degrees can offer significant savings when pitted against a comparably priced in-person program.
How long does it take to earn a criminology master’s degree online?
The pace of earning your criminology masters online depends on your circumstances. If you have the time and energy to commit to intensive study, accelerated programs like the one at Texas A&M can be completed in a mere 18 months. Because many students are looking to earn their degrees as quickly as possible, you’ll find many excellent accelerated program options.
However, if you need to balance your academic commitments with an already hectic work and personal schedule, you may need to pace yourself. Programs like the one at Georgia Southern University allow students to take one class at a time and skip semesters as needed; the only rule is that you need to complete your degree within seven years. More traditional programs take a middle path with a standard completion time of two years.
Can I earn an online graduate certificate in criminology instead of a master’s degree?
Many, if not most, criminology master’s programs online offer a graduate certificate option. Graduate certificates typically take about a year and focus on a narrower set of skills within the criminology field. You have two options when it comes to pursuing graduate certificates.
First, you can pursue a graduate certificate on your own after completing your undergraduate or advanced degree. A standalone certificate is a great option for professional development or to pave the way for a career shift. Students with bachelor’s degrees may find earning a certificate to be a useful first step in the process toward grad school. Since the admissions process is often less selective, you can use your stellar performance in your certificate program to make up for any weaknesses in your undergrad work. As long as you attend an accredited program, you can typically transfer the credits from your certificate toward a future graduate degree.
Second, you can pursue a graduate certificate alongside your master’s degree. If you are earning a degree in criminology, an additional credential like Michigan State’s cyber security certificate can help demonstrate your expertise in certain areas. Alternatively, you may be able to pursue a certificate in certain areas of criminology alongside a related degree like public administration or social work. This route is an excellent choice for those who want to focus on criminal justice issues within their chosen field but need a more substantial background in other topics to do their jobs effectively.
Is earning a criminology master’s degree online more flexible than traditional, on-campus programs?
Many programs offer asynchronous classes that let you study on your schedule. Not commuting to campus frees up more time in your day. Many programs run on shorter semesters, making it easier to take a break if things get too hectic. Plus, many online programs cater specifically to working professionals and go out of their way to make sure their curriculum accounts for busy schedules. Keep in mind that the potential for flexibility depends heavily on the course mode and pacing. For example, while accelerated programs may sound appealing in theory, they require a more significant day-to-day time commitment.
Do I need to take the GRE to apply for online criminology master’s degrees?
You may have noticed that the GRE was conspicuously absent from our admissions requirements section. Although this test used to be a necessary ordeal on the road to graduate school, it has fallen out of fashion. Many online criminology master’s programs no longer require the GRE as part of their application process. While most everyone loves avoiding an expensive, grueling exam, there is a flip side to this: admissions committees put more weight on your academic record, letters of support, and statement of purpose.