Criminology Degree Programs

Criminology Graduate Programs: Overview

Criminology Graduate Programs teach ways to analyze and potentially prevent crime. To do this, programs first examine leading factors of crime. This could involve studying human behavior or law enforcement challenges to better predict criminal patterns.

Some programs may then go a step further and help students design new policies and methods to address these issues and possibly reduce crime rates.

What Is Criminology?

Criminology is a branch of sociology that studies contributing factors of crime. More specifically, it looks into the circumstances that cause crime or how crime could affect a certain area. For example, studies in criminology could examine some of the following factors.

• Frequency
• Location
• Human Behavior
• Economic
• Political

You might study these and other topics as part of the programs. This may help you develop your understanding of the different contributing causes that go into criminal activities. Additionally, classes may teach methods to combat or eliminate issues in these fields.

Masters Degree in Criminology Programs

Masters in criminology programs develop students’ understanding of research methods and criminological theories. Specifically, students may study criminal behavior and how the criminal justice system functions, as well as the challenges it may face. Then, students may have the chance to conduct their own research into ways to combat those same obstacles.

Many students earn their masters degree in 1-2 years of full time study. The combination of criminal justice tactics and research knowledge could help students prepare for leadership roles within the industry.

A masters in criminology program may also act as a gateway to a PhD program. If this is your goal, you may wish to find a program with a strong research component or thesis option. This is because PhD in Criminology programs are often research heavy.

Applicants to masters programs may need a bachelors degree, minimum GPA and recommendations. Timelines and requirements vary by program and enrollment.

Potential Criminology Masters Courses

While earning your masters in criminology degree, you could have the chance to take some of the following classes.

• Research Methods
• Statistics for Criminal Justice Research
• Criminological Theory
• Disaster Planning
• Human Behavior
• Issues in Law Enforcement & Corrections

These are only a sample of topics. Some masters programs may also offer specialty areas or focus on particular areas of the law enforcement system. Intelligence, forensics and crime analysis are just a few examples. This may effect course offerings and requirements. Check with potential criminology schools for more curriculum details.

Graduate Certificate Criminology

Graduate certificates in criminology are often designed to help professionals who are already working in the field explore new methods and techniques. Since this program typically builds on existing knowledge, curriculum is more succinct.

Many certificates in criminology programs focus on collecting and interpreting new criminal data. Courses could include some of the following.

• Investigative Analysis
• Criminal Intelligence
• Criminal Law & Procedures

Classes may vary by school.

Additionally, certificate programs may also be offered for those new to criminology. In these cases, courses cover basic material so that students could have a firm foundation when moving into the field. This could be a great choice for students looking to move into law enforcement positions or prepare for a later masters programs.

Doctorate in Criminology Programs

Doctorate in criminology programs, often offered as PhD in Criminology programs, are primarily focused on designing new, effective policies in the criminology field. While the other programs may prepare students to jump into the industry, doctoral programs take a larger view. Classes cover ways to study trends, societal issues, and more from bigger perspectives.

For example, students could study crime in multiple urban areas as opposed to a single town. By conducting research and analyzing their findings, they could then try to design new methods to enhance national criminal laws.

To prepare for this, students may study some of the following topics.

• Crime & Policy
• Research Methods & Statistics
• Research Psychology
• Political Theory
• Policy Analysis

These are only a few samples of courses you could taking during your PhD criminology program.

When applying, be aware that doctorate in criminology programs may requires students to have previously earned a related graduate degree. Typically, this means a masters degree.

Doctorate in Criminology Dissertation

Doctoral programs typically require students to complete a dissertation to graduate. A dissertation usually involves students researching a facet of criminology and then using their data to construct possible solutions. Some may even go as far as to test the effectiveness of those solutions.

For example, you could study how a recent government policy is positively or negatively effecting crime in a certain area. Findings are then presented to department faculty.

Dissertations typically take the place during one full semester. However every criminology school may design their programs differently. Therefore it’s best to contact an advisor for details.

Ways to Attend Graduate Criminology Programs

Depending on your educational goals and personal schedule, some types of criminology graduate programs might be better suited to your lifestyle. Different programs may provide more research opportunities or convenient class times. Below are few ways you could earn your graduate criminology degree.

Graduate Criminology Schools

Attending a graduate program in criminology on campus could provide access to the latest trends in related technology. Some pieces of criminology equipment might be too expensive for students to purchase for themselves. But, many criminology schools provide campus technology labs to help students further their studies or research.

Students mainly interested in research might also want to attend a campus program because of the opportunities to work with professors. Many professors continue to conduct experiments while teaching on campus.

During a semester, they may ask students to assist them in running experiments or collecting data. The real-world application of your knowledge might not only be a learning opportunity, but also a great addition to your resume.

Online Criminology Graduate Programs

Online graduate programs in criminology might be perfect for students who are also working. Especially those currently pursuing a career in law enforcement. Positions in law enforcement may require both day and night shifts, so attending typical class times could be hard.

An online program might allow you to log into your classes as your time allows. Plus many use message boards, video and digital libraries to help bring the classroom experience to you. Contact individual schools to learn more about what resources may be available.

Hybrid Graduate Criminology Programs

Hybrid criminology graduate programs may have students complete the majority of their school work online, but then attend campus programs as part of a residency program. Residencies are typically structured like workshops where students interact with new criminology material.

This may be a great choice for students who want the flexibility of the online program, but also want in-class instruction. The campus portion of hybrid programs are often conveniently scheduled for the weekend, so that professionals may not miss work for their education. Program schedules and requirements vary so talk to an advisor before enrolling.

What Could I Do with a Graduate Criminology Degree?

Many students may choose to pursue a career as a criminologist after graduating. This is a focus within sociology. Criminologists study the behavior of criminals and patterns in crime. This could include studying the social influences and human behavior that contribute to crime.

Students who have earned a PhD in Criminology might also consider teaching at the postsecondary level. These roles generally require applicants to hold a doctoral degree in criminology. According to the Bureau of Labors Statistics (BLS), postsecondary teachers earned a median salary of $84,380 in May 2023. And, these roles are projected to possibly increase by 8% from 2023 to 2033.

GradSchools.com offers 73 Graduate Schools with Criminology Graduate Programs