Master’s in Criminology
Online

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. 

Specializations in Master’s in Criminology Programs

Specializations are an excellent way to drill down into a subject and gain specific knowledge and expertise in a concentrated area, leading to niche careers and better pay. Some criminology specializations students can choose when pursuing their criminology master’s degree include:  

Examples of other specializations include: 

• Policing
• Leadership 
• Forensics 
• Juvenile Justice 

Curriculum and Skills Gained in Master’s in Criminology Online Programs

Apart from studying crime and justice, students of an online master’s in criminology may take courses on crime analysis, which look at how social factors, psychology, and biology affect crime. To improve their research abilities, criminology students can also anticipate taking a few classes in data science, statistics, and field methods for sociological research. Apart from core courses, one must choose from electives and finish a capstone project towards the end of the program. Here are a few examples of criminology courses students can expect: 

Criminological Theory This course is a multidisciplinary examination of biogenic, psychogenic, and sociogenic explanations for criminal behavior relevant to criminal justice policy and practice. 

The Nature of Crime This course investigates the extent, distribution, and correlation of criminal offending and crime patterns. It focuses on the analysis, review, and application of recent empirical research to develop crime causation theories, crime prevention programs, and public policy. 

Risk Assessment and Prediction in Criminal Justice This course investigates the theories, applications, and research about assessing and predicting adverse events and threats in the criminal justice system. It examines the evidence for the effectiveness of classification and assessment tools. Students also learn about the principles that govern the identification, classification, evaluation, and potential interventions of high-risk individuals and groups. 

White-Collar CrimeThis course is a theoretical and empirical examination of the physical and financial harm caused by negligent corporations and business employees. The focus is on ethics, theory, legal decision-making, regulatory oversight, and control of illegal corporate activity. 

Courses in an online master’s in criminology can also include: 

• Research in Criminology & Criminal Justice: Methods & Concepts 
• Evidence-Based Crime Prevention 
• Criminal Violence 
• Criminal Procedure 
• Statistical Criminology Applications 
• Contemporary Issues in Criminology and Criminal Justice 
• Professional Development in Criminology 
• Legal Issues in Criminology 
• Policy Analysis in Criminology and Criminal Justice 
• Data Analysis & Interpretation 
• Criminology Research and Analysis 
• Diversity in Crime 
• Measures And Correlates of Crime 
• Mass Incarceration and Collateral Consequences 
• Prevention of Crime and Delinquency 
• Policing Communities 
• Crime Prevention 
• Foundations of Criminal Justice 
• Women, Crime, and Justice 
• Effective Correctional Practices 
• Juvenile Delinquency 
• Victims of Crime 

After graduating with a criminology master’s degree, students can successfully perform the duties of a criminologist. Among the many skills, they would have acquired the ability to: 

• interview crime victims and offenders and show emotional resilience when doing so; 
• effectively communicate to various sections of society, across communities, age groups, and social barriers; 
• Identify diversity and human rights issues concerning the criminal justice system and criminology; 
• assess and analyze the essential quality of research in criminology, criminal justice publications, and other media; 
• demonstrate academic and research proficiency in core criminology areas; 
• demonstrate excellent problem-solving, critical thinking, analytical, and interpersonal skills; 
• evaluate ethical issues related to criminology and the criminal justice system; and 
• show flexibility and adaptability, and work effortlessly in teams. 

Accreditation for Master’s in Criminology Online Programs

When pursuing an online master’s in criminology, it is always better to choose accredited criminology colleges. When a school is accredited, it means that the school is found to have gone through a high educational quality assurance procedure and has been evaluated by one or more independent accrediting organizations recognized by the U.S Department of Education (USDE) and/or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). While national agencies may accredit colleges, they are more usually accredited by six regional accrediting bodies, namely the:

• New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) 
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) 
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC) 
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) 
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) 
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) 

More information on accreditation is available in the Accreditation Guide. 

Timeline for graduation from Online Master’s in Criminology Programs

A master’s in criminology online usually comprises 30 to 36 credits. Students enrolled full-time in the degree can complete their programs in about two years. But some online master’s in criminology degrees can be completed in twelve to eighteen months, depending on the coursework, specialization, and college chosen. Part-time programs offered by some colleges will allow students to complete their programs within 3 to 5 years. 

Online Master’s in Criminology Programs Admission Requirements

The admission requirements for master’s in criminology online are similar to those for most graduate programs. The following are the most common criminology master’s admissions requirements at most colleges: 

• Online application for the chosen university, along with the application fee 
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university 
• Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 2.8 on a scale of 4.0 (varies by school) 
• Official academic transcripts that show completion of the most recent completed bachelor’s degree** 
• A Graduate Résumé 
• A Statement of Purpose or Personal Statement 
• At least 2 Letters of Recommendation 
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) Scores 
• College-specific requirements – some colleges will have specific requirements. Students must check with the admissions office at the college/s to which they are applying for exact requirements. 

**An unofficial copy of the transcripts indicating completion of the bachelor’s degree can be submitted during the application process. The official copy of the transcript must be submitted once admission is received. 

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.