Most Popular Online Criminology Degrees
Our list of the most popular online criminology degree programs highlights accredited schools graduating the most students in this field, pointing you to where learners are truly succeeding.
Key Takeaways:
- #1 University of South Florida leads with 387 graduates from its online bachelor’s in criminology last year.
- The University of Florida has the best graduation and retention rates among students on our list, placing in the top 3% of all schools nationally.
- ECPI University Online is in the top 5% nationwide for virtual enrollment, making it the most popular online school overall.
See our methodology for details about how we choose the accredited online schools that make the cut. We also spoke with Patti Yencho about how a criminology degree can translate into real-world roles in insurance, fraud prevention, and risk management. Read her expert insights below.
Most Popular Online Criminology Degrees
| Rank | School | Graduates | Annual Tuition | Median Salary | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Florida Online | 387 | $15,853 | $51,831 | 93% | |
| University of Florida | 209 | $15,000 | $61,030 | 92% | |
| Washington State University | 177 | $13,021 | N/A | 87% | |
| University of North Carolina at Wilmington | 122 | $21,318 | $48,855 | 92% | |
| Missouri State University | 113 | $8,700 | $48,173 | 82% | |
| University of West Georgia | 99 | $6,466 | $48,072 | 84% | |
| Indiana State University | 93 | $12,972 | $50,821 | 90% | |
| Western Kentucky University | 80 | $16,530 | N/A | 94% | |
| ECPI University Online | 69 | $18,484 | N/A | N/A | |
| University of Missouri at Saint Louis | 68 | $37,590 | $50,009 | 86% | |
| National Louis University | 67 | $11,880 | N/A | 86% | |
| University of Massachusetts - Dartmouth | 64 | $10,770 | $65,646 | 82% | |
| Southern Illinois University - Carbondale | 61 | $9,645 | $55,612 | 87% | |
| Arkansas State University | 61 | $7,260 | $40,796 | 91% | |
| University of Idaho | 57 | $29,020 | N/A | 80% |
Most Popular Online Criminology Degrees - Program Details
- Graduates: 387
- Annual Tuition: $15,853
- Median Salary: $45,443
- Recommendation: 93%
Why we like them: USF Online secures the top spot in terms of total graduates, with 387 criminology students graduating last year. This, we believe, proves the program’s popularity as well as its success. We also like that it offers a unique Cybercrime concentration that delves into human behavior in cyberspace, cybervictimization, and digital forensics.
- Graduates: 209
- Annual Tuition: $15,000
- Median Salary: $49,912
- Recommendation: 92%
Why we like them: UF provides extensive elective options, including six criminology and law electives, customizable to your interests, such as Media and Crime or Juvenile Justice. Graduates benefit from a wide-ranging career pipeline, spanning CIA analyst, court clerk, to law enforcement officer.
- Graduates: 177
- Annual Tuition: $13,021
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: 87%
Why we like them: WSU's online criminology program is the second oldest continuous criminal justice program in the nation, a legacy that brings a strong professional network that few can match. Alumni from this program routinely achieve top administrative roles in corrections and courts nationwide and leverage their education for law school or private sector advancement.
- Graduates: 122
- Annual Tuition: $21,318
- Median Salary: $41,747
- Recommendation: 92%
Why we like them: UNCW’s criminology B.A. stands out for its applied learning ethos, and it offers three concentrations: Criminology, Criminal Justice, and Public Criminology. The program strongly encourages a practicum, offering diverse placements from local law enforcement to state bureaus and justice centers.
- Graduates: 113
- Annual Tuition: $8,700
- Median Salary: $41,726
- Recommendation: 82%
Why we like them: MSU’s criminology and criminal justice program has a customizable curriculum built from a diverse range of electives, allowing students to tailor their studies to niche interests like terrorism, gangs, and human trafficking. And these faculty-developed courses are identical to the on-campus experience.
- Graduates: 99
- Annual Tuition: $6,466
- Median Salary: $41,811
- Recommendation: 84%
Why we like them: UWG’s criminology degree offers an array of specialized courses such as crime mapping using ArcGIS/CrimeStat, criminal profiling, global crime, environmental criminology, and corporate/white-collar crime. And the faculty’s diverse backgrounds — ranging from research specialists to practitioners — further amplify exposure to niche insights.
- Graduates: 93
- Annual Tuition: $12,972
- Median Salary: $45,272
- Recommendation: 90%
Why we like them: ISU's program has practical forensic training through its dedicated Crime Lab, where you benefit from hands-on experience in ballistic analysis, fingerprint collection, blood spatter analysis, and crime scene documentation. This level of laboratory instruction is rarely matched in online criminology degrees.
- Graduates: 80
- Annual Tuition: $16,530
- Median Salary: $40,742
- Recommendation: 94%
Why we like them: WKU's degree leans heavily into sociology and psychology rather than just traditional criminal justice or forensics. This provides a broader social-science grounding for those interested in law enforcement, corrections, or advancing to graduate or law school.
- Graduates: 69
- Annual Tuition: $18,484
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: N/A
Why we like them: The most distinctive feature of ECPI's crime and intelligence analysis program is its specialized, technology-driven curriculum that integrates geospatial technologies, digital forensic training, crime mapping, and mobile device forensics. There are intensive lab-based exercises, simulated scenarios, and a focus on collaborative intelligence decision-making processes.
- Graduates: 68
- Annual Tuition: $37,590
- Median Salary: $45,065
- Recommendation: 86%
Why we like them: UMSL's criminology and criminal justice program has a dual-degree accelerated track, which offers you the opportunity to earn both a bachelor's and a master's degree with fewer total credit hours than pursuing each independently. It awards up to 15 academic credits for prior police academy training to certified law enforcement officers, significantly recognizing your professional experience.
- Graduates: 67
- Annual Tuition: $11,880
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: 86%
Why we like them: NLU's criminology degree highlights core modules in areas like media’s influence on crime, juvenile justice systems, and victimology, as well as a dedicated focus on ethical decision-making and social justice.
- Graduates: 64
- Annual Tuition: $10,770
- Median Salary: $53,581
- Recommendation: 82%
Why we like them: UMass Dartmouth had 64 individuals recently complete this program. You can pursue a dedicated pre-law concentration, tailored to position you for advanced study and careers in legal fields.
- Graduates: 61
- Annual Tuition: $9,645
- Median Salary: $50,711
- Recommendation: 87%
Why we like them: SIUC has a dual degree option, where you can complete both a Criminology B.A. and a J.D. from the School of Law in six years rather than the typical seven. The program also provides a variety of specialized minors, such as Forensic Science, and a distinctive Conservation Law Enforcement certificate endorsed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
- Graduates: 61
- Annual Tuition: $7,260
- Median Salary: $36,369
- Recommendation: 91%
Why we like them: A-State’s criminology program allows you to double major seamlessly with select online programs, such as Communication Studies, Political Science, Sociology, or Business Administration.
- Graduates: 57
- Annual Tuition: $29,020
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: 80%
Why we like them: At UI, you can get your criminology degree fully online with an in-state tuition rate for all online learners, regardless of residency. You can also obtain an optional certificate in diversity and inclusion and by immersing yourself in internships with law enforcement and correctional agencies. Unique experiences include the Inside-Out program at the Idaho Correctional Institution and the opportunity to study abroad for comparative justice exploration.
From Forgery to Fraud Prevention: Patti Yencho on Real-World Roles for Criminology Grads
Owner, Professional Insurance Advisors
Patti Yencho, owner of Professional Insurance Advisors, wants criminology students to know that their skills are in high demand — just not always in the places they expect.
“The insurance industry desperately needs people who understand criminal behavior patterns and can assess threats systematically,” Yencho explains. With over two decade of experience protecting businesses and professionals, she’s seen criminology graduates thrive in roles far removed from courtrooms or police departments.
Take the crime insurance division at her firm, where criminology-trained professionals help businesses guard against internal threats like employee dishonesty, forgery, and computer fraud. “One client saved $200,000 when a criminology-trained risk assessor identified vulnerabilities in their cash handling procedures before a theft occurred,” she says. These grads, she notes, bring a sharp intuition for criminal motivation that “traditional insurance agents miss.”
But the opportunity doesn’t stop there. Yencho calls the bonding sector “another goldmine” for criminology graduates. In roles that require evaluating contractors for performance bonds or fiduciary risk, their behavioral insight is critical. “I recently worked with a criminology graduate who moved into our bonds department and immediately improved our screening process by identifying patterns in contractor fraud cases,” she shares.
For students considering a criminology degree, Yencho’s message is clear: look beyond law enforcement. “Private companies are realizing they need criminology expertise far beyond just hiring security guards,” she adds. In other words, there’s untapped demand in risk management, insurance, and fraud prevention.
This advice could be helpful to keep in mind as you are choosing the best online criminology degree for you.
EXPERT TIP
"My clients in accounting and professional services specifically request team members with criminology backgrounds to help design internal controls and prevent white-collar crime. The demand is there, but most graduates don't know these opportunities exist."
Criminology Degrees Online: An Overview
Criminology, a branch of sociology, is the study of crime and criminal behaviors. Criminology is an interdisciplinary field that draws on disciplines including psychology, economics, political science, and more. Students of criminology learn about why people commit crimes and dive deep into relevant concepts, such as criminal justice, law enforcement, and sociological factors that influence crime.
An online bachelor's degree in criminology typically takes four years to complete at a full-time pace. Students may have to demonstrate a certain minimum GPA and pass an entrance exam, like the SAT or ACT, in order to be admitted into an online criminology program.
You may also want to explore our list of the most affordable online criminology degrees to find budget-friendly programs that align with your career goals.
Is Criminology a Hard Major?
Criminology is an interdisciplinary major that requires students to read texts, write essays, and analyze various sources and statistics. Criminology may have less stringent requirements than some more technical fields, but it can still be a challenging major.
What Is the Difference Between BA and BS in Criminology?
In general, these are interchangeable degrees, with schools generally offering one or the other. However, a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology is often more common, as criminology is considered a social science.
A Bachelor of Arts in Criminology means that the curriculum requires more coursework that's focused on the humanities. This may include more writing projects and ethics classes, for example.
A Bachelor of Science in Criminology, meanwhile, focuses more on the science and mathematics involved in this field.
Is Criminal Justice and Criminology the Same?
Criminology and criminal justice are very similar, but there are a few important differences. Students who participate in an online criminal justice degree typically focus more narrowly on law enforcement, while those who study criminology focus more broadly on the sociological and psychological factors that influence crime.
Criminology Courses
Students majoring in criminology will gain exposure to a wide variety of disciplines, including sociology, psychology, history, and economics. Courses will focus on the study of crime and criminals, approaches to reducing crime, criminal justice legislation and reform, and why people commit crimes.
- Introduction to Criminology: Faculty introduce students to foundational concepts in criminology, including the study of crime, the history of criminal justice, and why/how crime occurs. Students gain exposure to theories and methods behind the study of criminology as well as current and historical trends in the field.
- Criminology and Public Policy: Students explore the intersection of the study of criminology with current policy and legislation in this course. Students may also learn about how policy at the local, state, and federal level can affect crime, including how policies may positively or negatively affect the rate of crime and the behavior of individuals.
- Quantitative Methods for Sociologists: As a branch of sociology, the study of criminology can involve quantitative research. This class introduces criminology students to quantitative research methods: experiments, observation, surveys, secondary data analysis, and more. This course enables students to more accurately gather and analyze sociological data as it relates to the study of criminology.
- Introduction to Law: An introductory law course exposes students to the relationship between criminology and the legal system. Students learn about the origin and development of the American legal system, including how laws affect crime, social justice, and the legal system.
- Contemporary Issues in Criminology: During this course, students are exposed to the latest trends and developments in this field, such as new explanations for crime, current criticisms of criminology, criminal justice reform, social justice, wrongful convictions, the death penalty, contemporary criminal law, and the difference between crime and social harm. Students gain a solid understanding of the current state of the study of criminology.
Criminology Jobs
Criminologists study how and why crimes occur, taking a sociological approach to the issue of crime. However, criminology can prepare students for a wide variety of other careers in the criminal justice field. Students may choose to pursue careers as criminologists who study and research crime. They may also pursue other related career paths, such as law enforcement or public policy.
Below we've listed a few career options for graduates of a criminology major:
- Criminologists are specific kinds of sociologists that study the sociology of crime. Criminologists are sometimes also known as penologists because they analyze the penal system. They may use both quantitative and qualitative methods when researching the cause and effects of crime.
- Law enforcement officers, like police officers and detectives, are responsible for protecting property and solving crimes.
- In addition to working as a member of law enforcement, students with a degree in criminology may also choose to pursue a career as a private detective or investigator. Private detectives are hired by citizens to conduct investigations into personal, legal, and financial issues.
- Forensic science technicians are responsible for collecting and analyzing evidence related to criminal investigations. In addition to a bachelor's degree in criminology, students may also want to pursue hands-on training related to lab work and evidence analysis in order to qualify for this position.
Is Criminology a Good Major for the FBI?
If you plan to pursue a career with the FBI, a degree in criminology can help prepare you. Majoring in criminology will expose you to the study of crime, and most positions with the FBI require at least a bachelor's degree.
That said, criminology isn't the only major that students interested in working for the FBI should consider. It may be the case that degrees in criminal justice degree, a computer science degree, or a forensic science degree may be a better fit for your career goals.
Is a Bachelor's in Criminology Worth It?
A bachelor's degree in criminology may be worth it for students who intend to pursue careers in law enforcement as criminologists or related endeavors. Studying criminology exposes students to crime, criminal law, and more, preparing them for a wide range of positions in the field of criminal justice.
That said, an online bachelor's degree in criminology may not be worth it for all students. Some positions in this field may not require a bachelor's degree, for example, while others may accept students with a wide variety of undergraduate majors.
Carefully consider the following pros and cons of getting your online degree in criminology:
Potential Benefits
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A bachelor's degree in criminology can prepare students for careers in criminal justice. Obtaining an undergraduate degree in criminology can help students qualify for jobs either in criminal justice or law enforcement agencies. There are also law enforcement degrees if you want to go that route instead.
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Criminologists usually earn high salaries. According to the BLS, criminologists (a sub-discipline within a occupation) can earn about $101,690 per year, depending on their experience and location, putting them well above the national average.
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An online criminology degree is a good fit for students with other responsibilities. Studying criminology online provides flexibility for students who may have other work or family commitments.
Potential Drawbacks
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A criminology degree may not be necessary to pursue a career in this field. While a bachelor's degree in criminology can aid students in getting a job in the criminal justice field, this major isn't necessarily required for entry-level positions, any bachelor's degree may suffice.
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An online criminology degree can be expensive. While studying criminology can prepare students for well-paying careers, the degree itself can be expensive, and students may have to take out student loans in order to afford it, even if they receive scholarships or other forms of financial aid.
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Online degrees may limit students' opportunities to gain real-world experience. Online degrees provide flexibility for students, but they may have drawbacks when it comes to hands-on learning opportunities.
Bottom Line
For students looking to study crime or pursue careers in the criminal justice field, a degree in criminology can be a suitable choice. This interdisciplinary course of study helps students develop the skills they need to understand and analyze crime. Students may go on to work as criminologists, researchers, and even social workers.
For students graduating with a bachelor's degree in criminology looking to further their education, a master's degree in criminal justice or a master's degree in homeland security could be helpful next steps.
Student Reviews of Online Criminology Programs
I feel incredibly grateful for the school and the support it has offered me throughout my educational journey. The professors are truly devoted and always there to assist me whenever I need help. I appreciate the accessibility of the online staff as well; they’re consistently available to address any concerns I may have. If anyone is seeking a place that embraces a biblical perspective in psychology, I wholeheartedly encourage you to consider this school. They show remarkable patience and a genuine... Read More
Review Date: 11/17/2024
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
ASU is an incredible college, staffed with fantastic professors who care about the education of their students. The classes that are offered in Criminal Justice program are relative to what you will need to know to get future employment in the field. My experience with the professors have been great, and they are all knowledgeable within their field of expertise.
Review Date: 8/9/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
One of the obstacles was the continue struggle to find ways to live and pay for my education for both my mother and I. After a while it took a toll on me and my grades dropped that resulted to the outcome of me the student owning money the needed for the classes that were failed. As a result I started working full time at a shoe retail store to help provide as a living and income to help pay for the student loans. Until I was dissatisfied with the outcome and where my life was going. At that point... Read More
Review Date: 7/9/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Arizona State University has an excellent environment something in which students will find ideal for their success. Furthermore, ASU staff will always help you in times of need and will push for achievement. Having someone standing by your side is helpful because you then have someone to support you. On my part, an ASU advisor, Donovan Lee, from the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice was there for me in all cases, and that is unforgettable.
Review Date: 4/8/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
University of New Mexico is a great middle ground school. Tuition isn't ridiculous and the professors are knowledgeable. Do your research on the professors before taking a course, though. The campus is on the smaller side and is open, so watch out for transients. Course selection wasn't the largest, so make sure you register for classes ASAP or you won't have the greatest schedule. UNM also offers several online classes and many degree programs can be completed online. This helps with a busy life... Read More
Review Date: 1/9/2020
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I really enjoyed most everything about attending ISU online. The only issue I had was with financial aid. It was a little bit difficult to get the information I needed. Other than that I learned a lot through the online classes and it helped me grow as a person.
Review Date: 2/16/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
My time at Arizona State University has been nothing short of amazing. The instructors I have had the pleasure of meeting are very professional and knowledgeable. I never once had a professor who I felt was unprofessional or a lesson I felt was just a waste of time. The work was at a normal difficulty and the lectures were full of good information. As long as you take notes and study, you set yourself up for success. If you struggle at all, there is multiple resources that Arizona State has to offer... Read More
Review Date: 7/30/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Central Connecticut State University is a great college for incoming students to consider. I am finishing my Bachelor's Degree in Criminology in May and it has been a wonderful experience. You get to take courses in your major, minor (if applicable), and courses in subjects such as history, science, math, English, social/behavioral sciences, and a world language. Getting to take all of these courses is helpful, especially for incoming students who are not sure what they want to major in yet. The... Read More
Review Date: 4/20/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Texas A&M-San Antonio is a fast-growing University. Texas A&M-San Antonio has the potential to become the University that welcomes diversity. If not, it already is. I really loved being part of the A&M family. While being in Texas A&M-San Antonio, I was able to attend several activities the university and network with other students who were really interested in advancing their career. In one occasion, Texas A&M-San Antonio was able to bring the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). They offered... Read More
Review Date: 6/24/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The majority of courses and instructors are outstanding, however, the campus itself is nice but concerning, due to safety reasons. I enjoyed my experiences there but have had major issues after graduation. I received the wrong degree two months after graduation, and have been waiting 6 months for my correct degrees. My transcripts have also been showing wrong info. I have two majors, and they state a major and minor. I have been trying to get this situated since June and it is now going to be December.... Read More
Review Date: 11/29/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
ASU is a very diverse and open school. It has many opportunities for students and I am beyond grateful for my time there. I was given many chances for internships and jobs, as well as scholarships and help from advisors and other students alike. The classes are smaller and you really do feel connected to your professors. Overall I would attend ASU again.
Review Date: 8/10/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Going in as an anthropology degree and being in a liberal arts college was at first a very daunting task, but with the guidance offered by the University of Florida's advisers, professors, and graduate students I was able to find my niche, intern at the United States Marshal Service and even graduate college with a full time job. At the university of Florida there is a huge outlet for opportunity and guidance, with students and teachers alike willing to help you and make sure you take advantage of... Read More
Review Date: 3/25/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
My experience at University of Maryland was great. I had to great professors who would input there work experiences into the class lectures. I had the chance to have a variety of professor's who were lawyers, police officers, and detectives. They taught me how to use the knowledge in the classroom into the real world.
Review Date: 7/27/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The four years that I spent at Mississippi State University were four of the most fun years I have ever had. The campus was the first thing that I loved about the school. All of the class buildings are in a rectangle shape around what is called the Drill Field, which takes two minutes to get across in all directions. I had visited other campuses before and did not like the fact that their class buildings were spread out so far from each other. The campus is also filled with beautiful trees that made... Read More
Review Date: 7/31/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The University of New Mexico provides an enriching educational setting that embraces diversity in culture and learning styles. The campus is rich in student resources and all the staff I encountered were professional and kind. The one-stop student resource center was especially convenient and quick. This is especially true for financial aid services. My questions and concerns were promptly addressed whether by telephone or in person. The campus hosted many events while I was a student including political,... Read More
Review Date: 10/13/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The University of New Mexico is a very good school to attend. The majority of the professors are there to help you and further your education. The classes are all offered mostly in the mornings so it is easy to make a good schedule and be able to work or do other things in the afternoons. The campus is beautiful, as well as the whole city of Albuquerque being great. There are many good outdoor activities to do around campus.
Review Date: 7/23/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Lynchburg College, now known as University of Lynchburg, is a tremendous institution. The student and faculty body is and feels like a family. The campus feels like home. The professors are phenomenal individuals who truly cater to their students aspirations. The only downside to my experience at LC was the unnecessary general education requirements such as freshman and senior symposiums, physical/health education, etc. Those specific courses wasted my time and could have been used in taking courses... Read More
Review Date: 7/21/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Cabrini university was a wonderful school. From 2012-2016 I attended Cabrini. I played both soccer and basketball at Cabrini. My student athlete experience was remarkable. Starting freshman year, you dont know anyone and moving away from home is scary. Everyone at cabrini becomes family and helps you through tough battles.
Review Date: 9/15/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) gave me exactly what I wanted out of a university. I was able to obtain a phenomenal education from professor that got to talk with students on an individual level. Yes, I was stressed most of the time, but this was due to the want I had to achiever the highest level of success. The professors I was able to learn under wanted to mold me into the best student and professional, I can say with certainty that this is true. With all of that guidance partnered with... Read More
Review Date: 6/28/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I have two Bachelor's Degree. My Criminology, Law, and Justice degree was very informative and I feel ready to go into my field and do lots of research. My school is a research heavy school. So most of my classes were based off of research that is already done. There was not a lot of opportunity to do actual research (i.e. go out into the field, conduct your own research). One usually had to just jump on the bandwagon of the research that the professors were doing with very little room for creativity... Read More
Review Date: 2/16/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes