Accredited Online Criminology Degrees

An online criminology degree focuses on the causes, patterns, and societal impacts of crime. Unlike criminal justice degrees that emphasize enforcement and operations, criminology emphasizes research, data analysis, and prevention strategies. If you’re interested in the psychological, social, and systemic factors behind criminal behavior, an online criminology degree offers a unique and insightful educational journey.

Ready to find your program? Browse over 105 online criminology degree listings below.

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What Is Criminology?

Criminology is the scientific study of crime, criminal behavior, and the criminal justice system.

Students enrolled in an online criminology program explore:

• Why individuals commit crimes
• How social structures and deviant behavior influence criminal activity
• Patterns and trends in criminal victimization and crime scenes
• The effectiveness of laws, criminal courts, and policies
• Strategies for crime prevention, rehabilitation, and emergency management

Unlike criminal justice programs, which focus on policing strategies and enforcement, criminology is more analytical and research-driven, preparing students with necessary skills in data analysis and communication.

• Criminal Justice, Safety & Law Degrees Category

Students comparing all program options across fields can also explore

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What You Can Do With a Criminology Degree

A criminology major prepares graduates for several career paths involving analysis, policy, and social impact.

Common career opportunities include:

• Crime analyst
• Policy analyst
• Social services specialist
• Probation or parole officer
• Correctional treatment specialist
• Researcher in criminal behavior
• Victim advocacy specialist

Graduates often work in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, research institutions, and human services programs. The degree also prepares students for graduate school and related fields such as forensic psychology and public administration.

Students exploring related fields may also consider:

• Criminal Justice Degrees
• Emergency Management Degrees
• Homeland Security Degrees
• Forensic Science Degrees

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Career Paths in Criminology

Professionals with an online criminology degree typically focus on understanding and preventing criminal activity.

Examples include:

• Crime Analysts
  Analyze data to identify crime patterns and support prevention strategies
• Probation and Parole Officers
  Work with offenders to support rehabilitation and reduce recidivism
• Policy and Research Professionals
  Evaluate laws, programs, and social interventions related to crime and the legal system

These roles help shape safer communities through insight, research, and practical knowledge.

Job Outlook and Salary Expectations

Criminology careers offer steady opportunities across multiple sectors.

• Many roles fall within criminal justice field, social services, and public administration
• Salaries often range from $50,000 to $70,000 depending on the role, with specialized positions paying more
• According to labor statistics, police and detectives earned a median annual wage of $74,910 in 2023
• Social and community service managers made a median annual wage of $77,030 in 2023
• Demand continues for professionals focused on crime prevention, intelligence analysis, and emergency management

Advanced degrees can lead to higher-paying roles in research, forensic psychology, or policy development.

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Why Choose a Criminology Degree

Criminology is ideal for individuals who want to understand and address the root causes of crime.

Key benefits include:

• Focus on prevention, social impact, and crime analysis
• Opportunities in research, policy, and criminal justice courses
• Strong foundation for graduate study in law school, forensic psychology, or public policy
• Ability to influence long-term solutions to crime and criminal victimization
• Development of critical thinking, communication skills, and data analysis expertise

What You’ll Learn in a Criminology Program

Programs emphasize criminological theory, research methods, and behavioral analysis.

Common core courses include:

• Criminological theory and deviant behavior
• Sociology and social sciences related to crime
• Psychology of criminal behavior
• Research methods, statistics, and data analysis
• Criminal law, legal process, and justice system policy

Many programs also offer practical knowledge through internships, fieldwork, or research projects, preparing students for real-world challenges.

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Is Criminology Right for You?

This field is best suited for individuals who are curious, analytical, and interested in social systems.

You may be a good fit if you:

• Enjoy research, critical thinking, and analyzing data
• Are interested in psychology, sociology, and liberal arts
• Want to influence policy, prevention strategies, and policing strategies
• Prefer analysis and prevention roles over direct enforcement

Education Path and Degree Options

Criminology degrees are available at multiple levels and formats, including flexible online courses.

• Bachelor’s degrees in criminology typically require around 120 credits and four years of study
• Many programs offer accelerated or flexible formats for transfer students and working adults
• Master’s degrees in criminology prepare graduates for advanced research or policy positions
• Doctoral degrees in criminology focus on academic or high-level research careers

Many students use criminology as a foundation for law school, graduate school, or careers in public administration and human services.

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Specializations and Career Advancement

Criminology graduates often specialize in areas such as:

• Juvenile justice
• Behavioral analysis and criminal profiling
• Cybercrime and forensic psychology
• Homeland security and emergency management
• Victim advocacy and public policy reform

Specialization helps align career pathways with individual interests and long-term goals.

GetEducated has a career center for criminal justice and legal studies.

Other related articles in the criminal justice, administration, and law space include

• How to become a police officer and detective
• How to become a police officer, four steps to the best job outlook
• How to become a forensic scientist
• Forensic science careers

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How to Choose the Right Program

When selecting an online criminology program, consider:

• Strength of research, analytical coursework, and major courses offered
• Opportunities for internships, fieldwork, or real world experience
• Faculty expertise in criminology, social sciences, or the legal system
• Flexibility for online students balancing work and family commitments
• Regional accreditation and admission requirements
• Availability of financial aid and support for out of state students

Programs with strong research components and practical learning provide the best preparation for career opportunities and graduate school.

GetEducated has several ranking reports for administration, criminal justice, law, paralegal and related degrees:

• Associate's degree in criminal justice ranking report
• Bachelor's degree in criminal justice and administration ranking report
• Bachelor's degree in criminology and forensic psychology
• Master's degree in criminal justice and administration ranking report
• Master's degree in criminology ranking report

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Cost of Criminology Degrees

Costs vary depending on the program and institution.

• Online bachelor’s degrees typically range from $30,000 to $50,000
• Graduate degrees can cost between $20,000 and $60,000

Online students often save money on commuting and campus fees, and some programs offer flat-rate tuition or lower rates for distance learners.

Be sure to compare programs for value, flexibility, and career outcomes.

Compare Accredited Online Criminology Programs

GetEducated helps you find programs aligned with your goals.

You can:

• Compare accredited online degrees and criminal justice programs
• Review tuition, program features, and delivery formats such as asynchronous online courses
• Explore research-focused curricula and specializations
• Find flexible options designed to support eligible students and transfer students

Browse programs below to get started.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a criminology degree?

A criminology degree focuses on studying crime, criminal behavior, and the societal and systemic factors that influence crime.

What jobs can you get with a criminology degree?

Graduates can work as crime analysts, probation officers, crime scene investigators, researchers, policy analysts, or in social services.

What is the difference between criminology and criminal justice?

Criminology focuses on understanding why crime happens and analyzing criminal behavior, while criminal justice focuses on enforcing laws and managing justice systems.

Is criminology a good career?

Yes. It offers opportunities to influence crime prevention, policy, social change, and provides several career paths in related fields.

Do you need a graduate degree in criminology?

Not always, but advanced degrees can lead to higher-level roles in research, academia, forensic psychology, or policy.

Can criminology lead to law school?

Yes. Many students use criminology as a foundation for law school or careers in public administration and human services.