Master’s in Criminology Online

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The best master’s in criminology programs online are tricky to list out. To draw up rankings, one must consider several factors such as accreditation, availability of financial aid, fees vs. career prospects, admission requirements, program requirements, graduation rates, quality of the faculty, infrastructure, and many more. Based on these and other critical factors, teams at OMC have put together a list of the best master’s in criminology programs online: 

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Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available

Crime is primarily studied in a criminology degree program. Students majoring in criminology study the biological, psychological, or social causes of crime in a variety of settings, from local communities to foreign nations. Throughout the criminology master’s degree, students will examine those crimes, strengthen their research skills, and receive instruction on the criminal justice system’s function in preventing crime. Some colleges offer a major that combines criminology and criminal justice. 

The master’s in criminology online is typically a 30 to 36 credits graduate-level study that students can take up entirely online, in-person, or in the hybrid model combining the two. Introductions to criminology and criminal justice are part of a criminology major’s course load, as are courses on the sociopolitical aspects of crime, such as deviance & social control, the death penalty, and public policy analysis. In the final capstone research project of a criminology master’s program, students conduct research on a particular topic, write a research paper about it, and present their findings. 

Criminology vs. Criminal Justice – what is the difference?

Criminology and Criminal Justice both deal with crime, issues that lead to crime, and the consequences of crime. Since there are so many similarities, the degrees, master’s in criminology and master’s in criminal justice, are often swapped. However, there are distinct and subtle differences between both degrees. 

A master’s in criminology degree covers the psychological and sociological causes of criminal behavior of criminals. It also covers the reasons why criminals commit crimes. Criminology studies the various types of crimes, the nature of criminal offenders, and the prevalence of these crimes in society. Graduates of a master in criminology usually pursue employment opportunities in research, education, consulting, and law enforcement. 

An online master’s in criminal justice focuses on law enforcement systems and their operations. This will include judicial and penal institutions. Criminal justice primarily studies how the criminal justice system works. Graduates with a master’s in criminal justice often pursue careers in the judiciary and law enforcement. 

Master’s in Criminology Degree Types

Online master’s in criminology degrees encompass the scientific analysis of crime, justice, and the societal controls crime falls under. These degrees could be a Master of Arts in Criminology online or a Master of Science in Criminology online. The difference between MA Criminology and MS Criminology is mainly to do with the objective of obtaining the degree and the course requirements during the program. 

The most common standardized tests are GRE (Graduate Record Examination) and GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test). Most U.S. schools usually require standardized test scores for students to complete the admission process. However, some online master’s in criminology programs have no requirements for GRE or  GMAT scores. For example, Florida State University offers online master’s in criminology no GRE programs to those with 5 years of experience in a criminal justice-related field. Students should check with the university’s criminology or criminal justice departments to which they are applying to seek information on no GRE programs and GRE waivers. 

Read the GMAT vs. GRE guide to understand their similarities and differences. 

Accelerated master’s in criminology online allow students to complete their master’s degrees more quickly. While some schools combine an undergraduate and master’s degree in criminology, allowing students to complete the program in 5 years instead of 6, others offer fast-track programs that can be completed in about 1 year. For example, the master of science in criminal justice online program at the University of Southern California (USC) can be completed on a 1-year or 2-year track. Another example of a fast-track program is Florida State University’s one year master of science in criminology.    

Several free master’s in criminology online courses are available from various sources. These courses provide additional knowledge of new practices in the field of criminology. Although they may provide additional support to students in their studies and exams, they are not all recognized or accredited and thus cannot replace a full online master’s in criminology degree program. A few such free courses are listed below: 

The cost of a master’s in criminology online varies from about $9,000 to $25,000 but varies from school to school. Prospective students can seek financial assistance from a variety of sources to help them pay for their graduate studies. Examples of financial aid are scholarships, grants, student loans, the FAFSA, and graduate assistantships. It is advisable to consult the Financial Aid Guide to choose the most suitable financial aid. Here are a few options to consider: 

Scholarships 

Many students pursuing an online master’s degree in criminology may be eligible for scholarships. Scholarships are typically merit-based, with the award amount determined by gender, minority status, major chosen, and academic achievements. Students must exercise caution when they apply and avail of scholarships, as there are numerous Scholarship Scams. 

Grants 

The cost of a criminology master’s can be covered entirely or partially by grants that a student may be eligible for. Grants are typically not merit-based or based on the student’s accomplishments and academic prowess but rather on the student’s financial need. 

Graduate Assistantships 

Graduate assistantships are yet another way to reduce the cost of an online criminology master’s degree. They are also an excellent way to gain experience and establish a network of people and information sources that will benefit the student long after the program is completed. Graduate assistants have many responsibilities, such as assisting with teaching or research, and earn a stipend or fee-waiver for the work they put in. 

FAFSA

short for Free Application for Federal Student Aid, can help students mark down the price of a master’s in criminology online. Students can apply to FAFSA to check their eligibility for financial aid from the federal government.

Graduate School Scholarships are an excellent way to offset the high costs of a master’s in criminology online program. Students with an excellent academic track record usually qualify to apply for most scholarships. Although specific scholarships for criminology may be hard to come by, those meant for sociology, human services, criminal justice, etc., would also accept applications from criminology students. Here are some examples of such scholarships: 

Florida State University Scholarship Programs 

Florida State University (FSU)’s College of Criminology and Criminal Justice has various scholarship programs for criminology and criminal justice students, such as the Robert L. Clark Scholarship, Charles Richter Reusing Scholarship, Eugene and Rosalind Czajkoski Scholarship Fund, and more. 

Award/Amount

Varies

Application Deadline   

September 02, 2023 

HEEF Scholarship Program 

The Hispanic Education Endowment Fund (HEEF)’s scholarship program provides scholarships to first-generation Hispanic students based on a combination of financial need, academic achievement, and other criteria   

Award/Amount 

Varies

Application Deadline 

Closed for 2023 | TBA in October 2023 for 2023-2024 

MSSA Scholarships 

The Minnesota Social Service Association (MSSA) awards seven scholarships to students pursuing degrees in health and human service-related programs. 

Award/Amount

7 awards totaling $13,500 

Application Deadline   

Closed for 2023 | TBA for 2023 

Criminology frequently investigates questions about what should be done after a crime occurs, so scholars in this field debate what types of criminal punishments are most appropriate. As a result, a criminology degree is useful in a variety of jobs because understanding how and why crime occurs is useful in many contexts, including: 

• Criminal Prosecutor 
• Field Investigator 
• Criminal Profiler 
• Private Investigator 
• Social Worker 
• Criminology Professor or Researcher 
• Correctional Officer 
• Fire Inspector 
• Criminal Investigator 
• Forensic Psychologist 
• Parole Officer 
• Internal Affairs Investigator 
• City Administrator 
• Detective 
• Crime Scene Examiners 
• Police Officer 
• Criminal Defense Attorney 
• Loss Prevention Specialist 
• Investigative Analyst 
• Criminologist 
• Investigative Reporter 
• Policy Analyst 
• Probationary Officer 

Given the variety of career options available to criminology graduates, the path chosen will impact earnings. For instance, in 2021, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the median annual salary for police and detectives in the country was $66,020. By 2030, the bureau projects a 7% increase in employment in those positions. Some possible career options, their job descriptions, annual median pay, and potential growth are listed below: 

Certification is a formal process in which an organization’s community of knowledgeable, experienced, and skilled representatives confirms an individual’s competency, demonstrated through knowledge, education, and experience in a specific profession. Although currently, there are no particular criminology certifications, students could consider certifications from the American Board of Criminalistics (ABC), such as the following: 

• Biological Evidence Screening (ABC-BIO) 
• Comprehensive Criminalistics (ABC-CC)  
• Drug Analysis (ABC-DA) 
• Forensic DNA (ABC-DNA) 
• Molecular Biology (ABC-MB)  
• Fire Debris Analysis (ABC-FD)  
• Hair and Fiber (ABC-HF)  
• Paint and Polymer (ABC-PP)  

As for licensure, criminology graduates employed with most government departments will undergo automatic training and be deemed ‘licensed to operate’ until they are in active service. 

A criminology future will depend on the broad overview of criminology’s key concepts and theories that blend several subjects, including psychology, history, sociology, and law. After completing an online master’s degree in criminology, graduates and professionals will be required to liaison and coordinate between various departments as part of their responsibilities. They will also need to keep up with the most recent developments in the field to stay ahead of crime and prevent it. To prepare for this, they may use a variety of resources such as: 

1. American Society of Criminology (ASC) – The American Society of Criminology (ASC) is an organization that promotes cooperation and coordination amongst its members. Members can avail of journals, newsletters, and its website that list, discuss, and analyze the latest innovations and protocols in law enforcement, forensics, and laws. 
2. Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS) – The Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS) is an international organization that promotes research, education of the judicial system, and policy analysis within the criminology field and fosters sharing of information and ideas. ACJS memberships are available to institutions, professionals, and students. 
3. National Criminal Justice Association (NSJA) – The National Criminal Justice Association (NSJA) promotes the development of justice systems that enhance public safety. NSJA provides training and technical assistance, strategic planning, etc., and offers its members internships and career opportunities. 
4. American Correctional Association (ACA) – The American Correctional Association is the oldest organization founded specifically for correctional professionals. It is a professional organization for all public and private individuals and groups with the common goal of improving the justice system. Members of ACA have access to conferences, webinars & plenaries, publications, etc. 
5. International Association for the Study of Organized Crime (IASOC) – The International Association for the Study of Organized Crime (IASOC), run by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC), aims to advance the study of organized crime and illicit enterprise through a network of focused academics, professionals, and students.