Choosing the right college is crucial if you want to pursue a career in criminology. With so many options, deciding which schools offer the best programs for your specific goals and needs can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve researched for you and compiled a list of the 15 best colleges for criminology majors in 2023.
Our rankings consider various factors, including academic reputation, graduation rates, student satisfaction, and post-graduation employment prospects. We’ve also considered factors such as the availability of internships, research opportunities, and specialized coursework in areas like forensic science and criminal justice policy.
Whether you want to become a law enforcement officer, criminal investigator, or criminology researcher, these top-ranked colleges offer the resources and support you need to succeed. From Ivy League institutions to top public universities, there’s something for everyone on our list.
So if you’re ready to take the first step towards your career in criminology, read on to discover the 15 best colleges to consider in
Table of contents
- What Subjects are Best for Criminology?
- What Qualifications Do I Need to Study Criminology?
- How Many Years Does It Take to Study Criminology?
- Best Colleges For Criminology Majors
- University of Southern Maine
- University of Texas
- University of Massachusetts
- The University of Nebraska
- University of Maryland
- The University of Houston
- Framingham State University
- University of Florida
- University of Cincinnati
- Sam Houston State University
- Rutgers University
- University of Pennsylvania
- Northeastern University
- Washington State University
- University of California
- FAQs – Best Colleges for Criminology
- Conclusion
- REFERENCES:
- Recommendations
What Subjects are Best for Criminology?
Criminology is an interdisciplinary field that combines knowledge from various academic disciplines, including sociology, psychology, law, and criminal justice. Students interested in pursuing a degree in criminology should focus on the following subjects:
- Sociology: To understand how social structures, norms, and values influence criminal behavior.
- Psychology: To explore the psychological and behavioral factors contributing to criminal behavior.
- Law: To understand the legal framework of the criminal justice system.
- Criminal Justice: To learn about the administration of justice, law enforcement, and corrections.
- Statistics: To analyze and interpret data related to crime and criminal justice.
- Ethics: To explore the ethical dilemmas and challenges in the criminal justice system.
- Forensic Science: To understand the scientific methods used to investigate and analyze criminal evidence.
What Qualifications Do I Need to Study Criminology?
The qualifications required to study criminology may vary depending on the educational institution and degree level sought. Generally, a high school diploma or equivalent is what you need to enroll in an undergraduate degree program in criminology. Some universities may also require applicants to have completed specific social science, mathematics, or English courses courses courses.
A bachelor’s degree in criminology is typically required for a graduate degree in criminology, criminal justice, or a related field. Applicants must also have a solid academic record, demonstrated research skills, and relevant work or volunteer experience.
In addition to academic qualifications, individuals interested in studying criminology should possess strong critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills. They should be able to analyze complex social issues, evaluate evidence, and communicate their findings effectively.
Interest in criminal justice, law enforcement, and social justice issues is also essential. Some institutions may require additional qualifications, such as language proficiency or standardized test scores, for international students or those seeking admission to competitive programs.
How Many Years Does It Take to Study Criminology?
The duration of a criminology program depends on the level of education and the country in which it is studied. Generally, an undergraduate criminology degree takes three to four years to complete. In contrast, a graduate degree, such as a Master’s or Ph.D., can take an additional two to six years. Some programs may also offer accelerated options, allowing students to complete their degrees in a shorter timeframe.
Additionally, online programs and part-time study may also impact the duration of the program. Students need to research the specific requirements of their desired program and institution to determine the time it will take to complete their degree in criminology.
Best Colleges For Criminology Majors
Here are our top picks on the best colleges for criminology in 2023:
- University of Southern Maine
- University of Texas
- The University of Massachusetts
- The University of Nebraska
- University of Maryland
- The University of Houston
- Framingham State University
- University of Florida
- University of Cincinnati
- Sam Houston State University
- Rutgers University
- University of Pennsylvania
- Northeastern University
- Washington State University
- University of California
University of Southern Maine
The University of Southern Maine is an excellent choice for criminology majors. The school’s Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice offers classes for students pursuing law enforcement or criminal justice careers.
You will have the chance to focus your studies on juvenile crime and delinquency, white-collar crime and gangs, and criminal behavior.
If you want to pursue a career in criminal profiling, you can also take courses in forensic psychology. The University of Southern Maine also offers minors in subjects like forensic science, criminology, and psychology, so you can round out your degree with classes in other related fields.
You can expect to complete your bachelor’s degree in just four years at this school, and the average annual in-state tuition is just $9,400.
University of Texas
The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) offers a dedication to research and a strong reputation in the field of criminology, making it an excellent choice for aspiring criminologists. It is among the best colleges for criminology in the world in 2023.
This school features a Department of Sociology, which houses the Institute on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, which works to address and prevent crimes related to domestic violence and sexual assault. You can work closely with this institute as an undergraduate to gain valuable experience that will give you an advantage when applying for graduate school.
The undergraduate program at UT Austin prepares students for a career in law enforcement, criminal justice, social work, or related fields. The rigorous curriculum includes various coursework on crime analysis, crime and society, and criminal law and procedure.
With an annual in-state tuition of $10,000, UT Austin is one of the most affordable schools on this list.
University of Massachusetts
The University of Massachusetts (UMass) is an excellent choice for students looking for the best colleges for criminology in 2023. This school’s Department of Criminal Justice Studies offers undergraduate courses in various criminology-related topics, such as forensic science, crime mapping and analysis, and forensic psychology.
If you are looking to pursue a career in law enforcement, UMass’s Department of Criminal Justice Studies also offers a program leading to a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. This program prepares you for a law enforcement, corrections, or security career.
You can also take graduate-level courses at UMass as part of a master’s in criminal justice program. The average annual in-state tuition at UMass is $15,000, and the school is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).
The University of Nebraska
The University of Nebraska at Lincoln (UNL) is an excellent choice for criminology majors. This school’s Department of Sociology, Criminology and Social Research offers undergraduate and graduate courses in various criminology-related topics, such as crime analysis and mapping, crime and justice, and juvenile delinquency.
You can also pursue a degree in criminal justice at UNL, which offers specializations in law enforcement, security, or corrections. This program prepares you for a law enforcement, safety, or corrections career.
You can also take graduate-level courses at UNL as part of the school’s criminal justice program. The average annual in-state tuition at UNL is $16,000.
University of Maryland
The University of Maryland (UMD) is also one of the best colleges for criminology. This school’s Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice offers undergraduate courses in various criminology-related topics such as forensics, criminal behavior, society, and criminal justice research methods.
If you are interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement, UMD also offers a program leading to a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. This program prepares you for a law enforcement, corrections, or security job.
You can also take graduate courses at UMD as part of a master’s program in criminal justice. The average annual in-state tuition at UMD is $15,000.
The University of Houston
The University of Houston is a great choice for criminology majors. This school’s Hobby School of Public Policy and the Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminology offer undergraduate and graduate courses in various criminology-related topics, such as crime and social organization, gangs, and public policy.
In the university system of Houston, Diane Z. Chase has been appointed by the University of Houston System Chancellor Renu Khator to the positions of senior vice chancellor for academic affairs and senior vice president for academic affairs and provost at the University of Houston.
UH also offers a program leading to a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. This program prepares you for a law enforcement, corrections, or social work job.
You can also take graduate courses at UH as part of a master’s program in criminal justice. The average annual in-state tuition at UH is $15,000.
Framingham State University
The University of Massachusetts at Framingham (UMass at Framingham) is also great for students looking for the best colleges for criminology in 2023.
This school’s Department of Criminal Justice and Sociology offers undergraduate courses in various criminology-related topics, such as crime mapping, gangs and criminal behavior, and federal criminal law.
Suppose you want to pursue a career in law enforcement. In that case. In that case, UMass at Framingham’s Department of Criminal Justice and Sociology also offers a program leading to a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. This program prepares you for a law enforcement, corrections, or security career.
You can also take graduate courses at UMass at Framingham as part of a master’s in criminal justice program. The average annual in-state tuition at UMass at Framingham is $15,000.
University of Florida
The University of Florida is an excellent choice for criminology majors. This school’s Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice offers undergraduate courses in various criminology-related topics, such as crime and the community, juvenile delinquency, and white-collar crime.
If you are interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement, UF also offers a program leading to a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. This program prepares you for a law enforcement, corrections, or security job.
You can also take graduate courses at UF as part of a master’s program in criminal justice. The average annual in-state tuition at UF is $15,000.
University of Cincinnati
The University of Cincinnati is an excellent choice for criminology majors. This school’s Department of Criminal Justice offers undergraduate courses in various criminology-related topics, such as crime mapping, criminal justice research methods, and the criminal justice system.
This program prepares you for a law enforcement, corrections, or security career.
You can also take graduate courses at U of C as part of a master’s program in criminal justice. The average annual in-state tuition at U of C is $15,000.
Sam Houston State University
If you are looking for a smaller school with a small class size, you should check out Sam Houston State University. The university is located in Huntsville, Texas, and is known for being an excellent fit for students interested in criminology, criminal justice, and law enforcement. Also, it is known as one of the best colleges for criminology in the world in 2023.
SHSU has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best universities in the country and has an excellent reputation as a research institution. If you want a law enforcement career, SHSU has a long history of producing successful officers for nearby law enforcement agencies.
At SHSU, you will have the opportunity to take a wide range of criminology and law-related courses, and you will also have the opportunity to conduct research and attend conferences at nearby institutions. SHSU is an excellent choice for students who want a law enforcement career and want to attend a smaller, more private university.
Rutgers University
Rutgers University is the right choice if you are looking for a large, well-known university.
Also, Rutgers is one of the largest universities in the country, with a main campus in New Brunswick, New Jersey, and satellite campuses in nearby Newark, Camden, and several other major cities throughout the state.
Rutgers is one of the top research universities in the country, and it has a wide array of programs and degrees available to students. At Rutgers, you will have the opportunity to study criminology in both the humanities and social sciences departments, and you will have the chance to pursue a graduate degree in the field.
Rutgers is an excellent choice for students pursuing a law enforcement, public service, or criminal justice career.
University of Pennsylvania
If you are interested in studying at a top research university that offers a wide variety of programs and majors, then the University of Pennsylvania is the right choice. With a large and diverse student body, Penn is an excellent choice for criminology students pursuing a degree in a different field.
Pennsylvania is one of the top research universities in the country and has an excellent reputation for academics and research. Suppose you are interested in pursuing a career in criminology. In that case, you can take a wide range of specific and related courses, including a strong focus on quantitative methods.
Also, you should apply as early as possible, as the university receives many applications yearly.
Northeastern University
Northeastern University is an excellent choice if you want to attend a large university near Boston, Massachusetts.
The university has a long history of producing successful graduates and has a reputation for being one of the top universities in the country for producing successful graduates. At Northeastern, you will have the opportunity to study criminology and related fields in both the humanities and social sciences departments, and you will have the chance to pursue a graduate degree in the area.
Northeastern is an excellent choice for students pursuing a law enforcement, public service, or criminal justice career. At Northeastern, you will have the opportunity to take a wide range of criminology and law-related courses, and you will also have the opportunity to conduct research and attend conferences at nearby institutions.
Washington State University
Washington State University is the right choice if you want to attend a large university in a beautiful location. With a large student body, a beautiful campus, and a strong emphasis on research, Washington State University is an excellent choice for students interested in criminology but wanting to pursue a degree in a different field.
Washington State University has received a high volume of honors and recognition, including a spot as one of the top public universities in the country.
Washington State University has a long history of producing successful officers for nearby law enforcement agencies.
At Washington State University, you will have the opportunity to take a wide range of criminology and law-related courses, and you will also have the opportunity to conduct research and attend conferences at nearby institutions.
University of California
If you are interested in attending a large public university in a beautiful location, the University of California is an excellent choice.
With a large student body and a reputation for excellence, the University of California is an excellent choice for students interested in criminology but wanting to pursue a degree in a different field.
The University of California has a strong reputation for academics and research and offers students various programs and degrees. The University of California has a long history of producing successful officers for nearby law enforcement agencies.
At the University of California, you will have the opportunity to take a wide range of criminology and law-related courses, and you will also have the opportunity to conduct research and attend conferences at nearby institutions.
FAQs – Best Colleges for Criminology
Criminology may require some math skills, such as statistics and data analysis. However, it depends on the specific program and courses chosen.
Yes, studying criminology can be worth it as it can lead to a career in law enforcement, criminal justice, research, policy, and advocacy.
Yes, criminology is a good major for FBI careers, providing criminal behavior, law enforcement, and justice knowledge.
Conclusion
The field of criminology is growing rapidly, and students interested in pursuing a career in this area must choose the best college to achieve their goals. Our article has provided a comprehensive list of the 15 best colleges for criminology majors in 2023 based on program offerings, reputation, faculty expertise, research opportunities, and alumni outcomes. By selecting one of these institutions, students can gain a solid foundation in criminology and build a successful career in law enforcement, corrections, social work, policy-making, or academia. Additionally, our article has highlighted the importance of conducting thorough research before considering factors like location, cost, and fit. With the right college choice, students can pave the way for a rewarding and impactful career in criminology.
REFERENCES:
- Best College – Best Online Criminal Justice Programs of 2023
- College of factual – 2023 Best Criminology Bachelor’s Degree Schools
