10 Easiest Criminology Degree Programs 2026

Criminology degrees can vary widely in intensity, but some programs offer a more approachable path for students who want structure without overwhelming demands. Whether you prefer flexible online courses, streamlined major requirements, or supportive learning environments, certain schools make it easier to earn your degree while still building strong skills in criminal justice.

These programs may reduce barriers by offering generous elective options, avoiding thesis requirements, or creating clear degree plans that help you stay on track. If you're searching for a criminology degree that fits your goals and feels manageable, the list below highlights some of the easiest options available today.

What Makes a Criminology Degree “Easy”?

Some criminology programs feel easier because they reduce barriers related to admissions, coursework, or required field experiences. For many students, an easier degree is one that offers flexibility, clear pacing, and fewer intensive research or practicum requirements. The factors below often help create a smoother path to graduation in criminology:

• programs that require fewer upper-division or specialized criminology credits
• flexible elective options that let you tailor your schedule
• online or hybrid formats that allow learning from home
• no mandatory thesis, field study, or internship
• acceptance of transfer credits to shorten degree time
• clear degree maps that keep course sequencing simple

Easiest Criminology Degree Programs

These criminology programs stand out for offering flexible formats, streamlined requirements, and admissions processes that may feel more accessible. Each school provides a pathway to a respected criminology degree with fewer hurdles along the way.

1. Colorado State University–Pueblo

Colorado State University–Pueblo offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in criminology with flexibility and accessibility. Students complete 120 total credits, including 36 criminology-specific credits divided into core courses and electives.

The program allows students to explore criminology through research or field experiences, though these activities are optional. Its structure makes it approachable for learners who prefer a clear and manageable academic path.

2. Valparaiso University

Valparaiso University’s Bachelor of Arts (BA) in sociology with a criminology concentration provides a broad understanding of social systems. Students complete 21 core credits and 15 credits in criminology.

All majors complete a capstone seminar that helps them integrate what they’ve learned in preparation for graduation or further study. The program is structured to support students who want a balanced academic load with room for electives.

3. State University of New York at Canton

State University of New York (SUNY) Canton’s BS in forensic criminology blends core coursework with specialized electives across criminology and forensic studies. Students move through required lower-level and upper-level courses before completing a structured senior seminar.

The curriculum focuses on applied learning without demanding additional thesis or research components. The program’s flexibility makes it a strong option for students seeking an easier path within forensic-oriented criminology.

4. University of Northern Iowa

The University of Northern Iowa offers a criminal justice and criminology program with optional emphasis in law enforcement or corrections. Students complete 39 major hours in the standard track or 48 hours if they choose an emphasis.

A senior diversity seminar may be part of the graduation requirements, but no thesis is required. Its emphasis pathways allow students to personalize their degree while keeping the workload manageable.

5. Missouri State University

Missouri State University’s BS in criminology and criminal justice is designed for learners seeking a structured but flexible experience. Students complete 120 hours total, with a strong mix of upper-division coursework in the major.

The program does not include a mandatory internship, field experience, or thesis. Instead, students finish with a senior seminar that ties together key concepts in criminology.

6. University of Massachusetts–Dartmouth

The BA in crime and justice studies at UMass Dartmouth is available on campus or online, giving students flexibility in how they complete coursework. The major includes 39 credits—27 in core requirements and 12 in electives.

Students complete an internship during their senior year, but other research-heavy components like thesis writing are optional. This structure gives students practical experience without overwhelming academic demands.

7. Benedictine University

Benedictine University’s BA in criminology combines coursework in sociology, political science, and criminology. Students complete 39 major hours, including required foundational classes and several electives.

A supervised internship or senior thesis caps the program, offering two pathways for completion depending on student preference. This choice helps make the program feel more flexible and approachable.

8. Kansas State University

Kansas State University’s criminology program features 44 required major hours that span foundational courses, core concepts, and skill-based requirements. Students also choose from electives that explore inequality, social contexts, and specialized criminology topics.

A six-credit capstone option lets students pick between an internship or additional upper-level coursework. This flexibility supports students who want to avoid intensive field commitments.

9. Wilkes University

Wilkes University offers a BA in criminology with a structured curriculum that includes introductory classes, core coursework, and major electives. Students complete 44 major credits as part of the 120-credit degree.

A senior capstone requires students to write and present an empirical research paper, helping them refine analytical and professional skills. The program is designed to be accessible while still providing meaningful academic challenges.

10. University of Texas Permian Basin

UT Permian Basin provides a BS in criminology and criminal justice studies with 48 required major credits. Students complete core courses in policing, criminal behavior, research methods, and criminal justice systems.

A senior seminar or internship is required, but the program avoids extensive fieldwork or multi-semester thesis projects. This creates a smoother path for students who want a straightforward route to graduation.

How We Rank Schools

These rankings highlight criminology programs that provide an approachable path to graduation while maintaining academic quality. Each school was evaluated using consistent criteria designed to identify programs that may feel easier for a wide range of students.

• Accreditation: Each school on the list is accredited, ensuring its criminology degree meets recognized academic standards.
• Degree requirements: We look for programs with fewer specialized credits, simple course sequencing, and no mandatory thesis requirements.
• Online options: Schools that offer flexible online or hybrid formats may make degree completion easier for working adults.
• Affordability: Programs with lower costs or strong financial aid options help reduce financial strain for students.

FAQs About the Easiest Criminology Degrees

Choosing an easier criminology program does not mean compromising on educational value. These FAQs address common concerns students have when seeking a degree that feels manageable while still preparing them for meaningful careers.

Is Criminology a Good Major for Someone New to the Field?

Criminology is a strong choice for beginners because most programs start with foundational courses in crime theory, justice systems, and social behavior. Students are not expected to have prior experience and can build knowledge step by step.

Introductory classes also help students discover which areas of the field most interest them. This makes the major approachable for those entering college directly or returning after time away.

Do Criminology Programs Require Math or Science?

Most criminology majors require only basic math, such as introductory statistics. These courses help students understand crime data, research findings, and evidence-based practices.

Beyond statistics, the curriculum focuses more on writing, theory, and social science concepts. This structure may make the degree easier for students who feel less confident in advanced math or science.

Are Online Criminology Degrees Easier To Complete?

Online criminology programs often feel easier because they provide flexibility for working adults and family caregivers. Students can complete coursework on their own schedule rather than attending fixed in-person classes.

However, the academic expectations are typically identical to on-campus programs. The experience feels more manageable because students can pace their learning based on personal obligations.

Explore Criminology Degrees

If you’re ready to begin studying crime, justice systems, and social behavior, exploring criminology programs is the first step. Learn.org can help you compare flexible, accessible options so you can find a degree that fits your goals and schedule.