12 Best Online Bachelor's in Criminology Degree Programs 2026

Best Online Bachelor's in Criminology Degree Programs

To help students find the best online bachelor's degree programs available in criminology, Learn.org has researched, analyzed, and compared programs from across the country. The following is our definitive list of the best online criminology programs based on a wide range of data from the Department of Education and school websites. Students would do well to study at any of these schools that offer a range of distinctive features, such as small class sizes, unique learning experiences, expert faculty, and hands-on experience using various techniques and methods used in the field of criminology.

1. Missouri State University

Missouri State University in Springfield has a Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Criminology that can be taken online or in a hybrid format that accepts dual and/or transfer credit to help students finish their degree more quickly. Those who pursue this degree have the unique opportunity to focus their studies to prepare for specific careers in the field by earning a specialized certificate in conjunction with the program in areas like national security or criminal investigation. A testament to the school's generous credit policy, students who are interested in earning a graduate degree in the field can choose to take advantage of the school's incredible accelerated program that allows up to 12 hours of credit to count toward both undergraduate and graduate hours.

2. Western Kentucky University

Bowling Green's Western Kentucky University provides an online BA in Criminology with flexible self-paced or semester-based courses. Core criminology courses are conveniently offered in both the fall and spring for schedule flexibility and include a senior seminar course. The university prides itself on its support services for online students, such as online orientations, online tutoring, and even an online writing center. Online learners at the school also benefit from the school's Coaching for Academic Readiness Excellence & Success (WKU C.A.R.E.S) that groups students with an academic coach to provide academic guidance through graduation.

3. University of North Carolina Wilmington

The University of North Carolina at Wilmington offers an online BA in Criminology that includes both fully-online learners and main campus learners completing the degree in a blended format. Both formats are taught by expert faculty and provide students with the chance to focus their studies with fully-online concentrations in criminology, public criminology, or criminal justice. Transfer students with an associate's degree can usually complete the degree in less than 2 years so they can quickly move right into their career.

4. Indiana State University

Indiana State University in Terre Haute provides an online BS in Criminology and Criminal Justice that is taught by faculty with doctorates and work experience in the fields. Students benefit from hands-on learning experiences through an internship with a criminal justice organization and/or participating in the School of Criminology and Security Studies' incredible symposiums with specialized topics of interest. To help pay for school, the university offers distinct scholarships for incoming freshmen and transfer students.

5. University of Florida

The University of Florida, based in Gainesville, has an online BA in Criminology that can be completed at a much lower cost than similar programs. Coursework allows learners to choose from criminology and law electives to help them individualize their studies and align them more closely with career goals. The online program provides students with flexible full- or part-time learning formats so they can easily work school around their personal schedule. Online students still receive the real college experience and have a chance to socialize through the university's Gator Clubs and networking events in and out of Gainesville.

6. The University of Alabama

The University of Alabama in Birmingham offers an online BA in Criminology and Criminal Justice that is taught by the same elite faculty members that teach on-campus classes. Students in the program are able to further focus their studies and prepare for their specific career goals with a required minor in computing technology and applications or communication studies. Even though they aren't on-campus, these students are well prepared for academic success because of available tutoring, library resources, and technical support.

7. Arkansas State University

Jonesboro's Arkansas State University provides an online BA in Criminology that allows students to apply for and begin classes within the same month every 7 weeks, providing the ultimate flexibility. Those in the program have the opportunity to double major and complete an additional online bachelor's degree in sociology, communication studies, or political science to further prepare for a specific career. In-state and out-of-state students benefit from the same affordable tuition rates and accelerated, 7-week courses to help them finish their degree as quickly as possible.

8. University of Missouri- St Louis

The University of Missouri in St. Louis offers a BS in Criminology and Criminal Justice that has all required coursework available online. Not only are students trained in the research methods of the field, but they can also customize their degree by taking courses specific to the various areas of criminal justice, including the courts, corrections, and policing, as well as the different areas of criminology that explore issues of gender, race, and more. The Criminology and Criminal Justice Department boasts expert faculty who continue to make contributions to the field through research and are known internationally for their work.

9. University of South Florida

Tampa's University of South Florida has an online BA in Criminology that prepares students for a future career in the field by specially developing their communication and critical-thinking skills. Juniors and seniors interested in earning credit and additional hands-on experience in the field can take advantage of the school's internship program that connects them with pre-approved agencies in the field at the local, state, and even federal levels. Students also benefit from individualized advising and the availability of 4-year and 2-year plans of study for those with prior academic credits.

10. Southern Illinois University- Carbondale

Southern Illinois University in Carbondale offers an online BA in Criminology and Criminal Justice that is available to both freshmen and transfer students and is taught by the same expert faculty as the on-campus program. For convenience and flexibility, the program has asynchronous coursework that allows students to work at their own pace and is available in fall, spring, and summer terms for convenience. Students also have the option to pursue the program part-time and/or choose from multiple start dates throughout the year to best fit their schedule. Learners get real-world practice in the field with readings and various assessment activities throughout the curriculum.

11. University of West Georgia

The University of West Georgia, in Carrollton, provides an online BS in Criminology that prides itself on its diverse faculty members with noteworthy backgrounds in human services and the criminal justice system. New students can complete the degree in as little as 3 years and can complete a required orientation online or on-campus. Transfer students benefit from the school's generous transfer policy that allows up to 90 credits of the required 120 credits for the degree to be transferred in, allowing for an even faster rate at which they can complete the degree.

12. Johnson C. Smith University

Johnson C. Smith University, in Charlotte, North Carolina, offers an online BA in Criminology that is 1 of just 4 schools in the state to earn certification from the North Carolina Department of Justice Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission. Students get real, hands-on research experience helping analyze surveys conducted in the local community during their research methods course. Graduates of the program have found employment with important government organizations like the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Learn.org's school ranking methodology categorizes and assesses data from schools and other reliable sources, such as the U.S. Department of Education, and weighs the information based on quality, cost, value and other factors critical to students' academic decisions.

Online Criminology Degree Overview

Online criminology degree programs are readily available at all levels, except at the doctoral level. Although these programs are available 100% online, some undergraduate programs might allow students to engage in an optional in-person internship. While some programs focus solely on criminology, some programs incorporate other fields of study, including criminal justice.

Online Associate Degrees in Criminology

Online associate degree programs in criminology are usually offered as Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Criminal Justice and Criminology or Associate of Science in Criminology programs. In these programs, you can expect to complete around 60 to 90 credits. Some programs are designed specifically for students who would like to transfer into a criminology bachelor's degree program. Some of the topics you could encounter in your studies include:

• Forensic psychology
• Crime analysis
• Criminology
• Social problems
• Violence and deviance
• Criminal investigation
• Psychological profiling

Online Bachelor's Degrees in Criminology

Students have several options when it comes to online bachelor's degree programs in criminology, including:

• Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in criminology
• Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice
• Bachelor of Arts in Criminology
• Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice

Depending on the program, you could be required to complete 120 to 180 credits. Some of the course topics that you could come across include:

• Criminal psychology
• Policies and practices in crime control
• Criminal justice systems
• Policing
• Crime, gender, and race
• Criminal justice research methods
• Social problems
• Moral issues

Some programs include a capstone course, which usually requires students to complete a research project. Some programs could require an exit exam before students can graduate.

Online Master's Degrees in Criminology

For an online master's degree in criminology, you could find the following types of programs available:

• Master of Advanced Study (MAS) in Criminology, Law, and Society
• Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice
• Master of Science in Criminology
• Master of Arts in Criminology

Some of these programs are designed specifically for individuals already working in the field and want to gain additional experience to expand their career choices, while some programs are suitable for students who want to extend their education to the doctoral level. There are also some programs available to students who have a bachelor's in another field and want to switch over to criminology.

Students might have to complete 30 to 36 credits for these programs. Some programs offer thesis and non-thesis options, while other programs include a culminating experience, which could be a comprehensive exam.

Some of the topics that students might learn about in these master's programs include:

• Criminological theories
• Organizational dynamics in the criminal justice system
• Criminal justice ethics
• Quantitative strategies used in analysis
• Correctional counseling
• Public administration

Online Doctoral Degrees in Criminology

There are no online doctoral degree programs in criminology. Doctoral programs are available onsite, so students interested in studying at this level will have to attend an in-person program.

These on-campus programs are usually offered as Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs. Some of the available options at this level include:

• PhD in Criminology
• PhD in Justice, Law, and Criminology
• PhD in Criminology and Criminal Justice
• PhD in Criminology and Justice Policy

These doctoral programs usually require students to complete between 30 to 36 credits if they already have a master's degree. Comprehensive exams and a dissertation are common requirements.

Some doctoral programs are fully funded, which means you won't have to worry about how you're going to pay your tuition.

Online Certificates in Criminology

Online certificates in criminology can be found in several areas, including:

• Criminology and criminal justice
• Applied criminology
• Forensic criminology
• Criminology and criminal justice system

Graduate and post-bachelor's programs usually require students to have a bachelor's degree before enrolling in the program. Undergraduate certificate programs usually only require students to have a high school diploma or GED.

Online undergraduate certificate programs in criminology could require students to complete 15 credits, while online post-bachelor's and graduate certificate programs in criminology could require students to complete around 15 to 40 credits.

Depending on the certificate program, students could encounter topics in the following areas:

• Victimology
• Analysis of violent crime
• Research in criminal justice
• Policing
• Criminological theories
• Forensic psychology
• Crime and substance abuse
• Violence in the U.S.

Criminology Specializations/Concentrations

Within a criminology major, students in an online bachelor's degree program could have several concentrations that they can choose from. Options available include:

• Psychology and the legal system
• Sociology
• Corrections and human behavior
• Law enforcement

Curriculum/Coursework for a Criminology Degree

In an online bachelor's in criminology program, students should expect to complete introductory criminology courses along with advanced courses in the field. Students usually have to complete at least one sociology, psychology, or anthropology course or a combination of these.

Here is a look at some of the common coursework that is typically found in an online program.

U.S. Policing: Courses that cover policing in the United States usually provide students with a historical overview of the field as well as its current role in the criminal justice system. Topics that might be covered include community partnerships, current issues in policing, police bureaucracy, public safety, and documentation.

Psychology: Courses in psychology usually cover introductory concepts that help familiarize students with the study of behavior and research. Some programs offer psychology courses that are more specific to criminology and cover topics such as forensic psychology, social psychology, psychopathology, and abnormal psychology.

U.S. Judicial System: Courses that cover the judicial system in the United States usually go over the composition of the court system and also its functions. Some courses might also examine organizations that work with those in the field and procedures that take place in the court system.

Criminal Justice Research Methods: In courses that cover research methods, students usually learn about the evaluation methods that are used in the criminal justice system and to analyze crime. Topics that students might study could include sampling techniques, multivariate data analysis, probability sampling techniques, creating research questions, and ethics and research.

How Long Does it Take to Get an Online Bachelor's in Criminology?

An online bachelor's in criminology can take 4 years to complete. Students in these programs usually have to complete the following types of courses:

• General education
• Major
• Major electives
• Concentration (if applicable)

Courses in these programs usually last for about 7 to 7.5 weeks, delivered one course at a time.

Accreditation for Online Bachelor's in Criminology Degrees

The only accreditation that online bachelor's in criminology degree programs have is regional accreditation. This is the type of accreditation that an entire college or university receives for all of its programs. Common accreditors include:

• Higher Learning Commission
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
• New England Commission of Higher Education
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• WASC Senior College and University Commission
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Accreditation is important since it plays a significant role in students being able to receive federal financial aid to pay their school fees. Accreditation also signifies that the programs at a school have met rigorous requirements set forth by an accrediting agency. For students who are considering transferring to another school, accreditation is also important since accredited schools will not accept credits from unaccredited schools.

Criminology Licensure & Certification

If you would like to become a correctional treatment specialist, you might have to pass a certification exam after you complete a training program. This requirement can vary, depending on your state or whether or not you're working for the federal government.

Those who would like to become bailiffs might need certification as well. Just like correctional treatment specialists, this requirement can vary from state to state. For example, Texas and Louisiana both require certification. This is usually done after completing a training program such as the Peace Officer Standards Training (POST). Trainees usually have to pass a comprehensive exam before gaining certification.

Criminology Career Information

Graduating from an online criminology bachelor's degree program could prepare individuals for a variety of career options in areas such as law enforcement, business, and social services. If you would like to work with individuals in a rehabilitative capacity within the criminal justice system, working as a correctional treatment specialist might be an ideal career path for you. If your interest lies in working in a law enforcement capacity within the court system, becoming a bailiff could be a good career choice.

How to Become a Correctional Treatment Specialist

Correctional treatment specialists or correctional counselors, as they are sometimes called, work directly with inmates, probationers, and parolees. These workers usually engage in the following duties:

• Create rehabilitation plans
• Supply clients with resources needed for rehabilitation, such as finding housing
• Conduct psychological tests and evaluations on inmates
• Create case reports
• Keep track of clients' progress

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), most correctional treatment specialists work in state and local government. This accounts for 97% of the jobs in this field.

Correctional treatment specialists need to have particular skills that can be helpful to them in their everyday work. One skill that they need to have is organizational skills since they usually have to juggle multiple caseloads. Good communication skills are important since these workers must keep the lines of communication open with clients, their families and lawyers, as well as members of law enforcement and the judicial system. Emotional stability is also important since some clients can be difficult to deal with and confrontational.

To become a correctional treatment specialist, you'll need a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, social work, or a closely related field like criminology. Completing a training program might be a requirement, after which you might have to work as a trainee for up to one year.

The BLS grouped probation officers and correctional treatment specialists together for salary statistics and noted that these workers made a median annual salary of $54,290, as of May 2019. The top 2 industries for these workers were state and local government, which paid median annual salaries of $52,500 and $57,920, respectively.

How to Become a Bailiff

Bailiffs or court officers work in courtrooms and courthouses, ensuring the safety of those within the building. These workers usually complete the following duties:

• Keep evidence in their possession until it is needed
• Implement court rules
• Ensure order in the courtroom
• Safeguard judges, witnesses, prisoners, and jurors

The BLS states that most bailiffs work in state and local government. This accounts for 99% of the jobs in the field.

To work in this field effectively, bailiffs must also possess particular skills. They must have physical strength in case they have to restrain an inmate or any other person. They also need to have emotional stability since court situations may become violent and individuals could become combative during court rulings. Interpersonal skills are also important since bailiffs must interact with judges, attorneys, and others within a courtroom.

Educational requirements for bailiffs can vary from one state to the next, and from one agency to the next, but the minimum requirement is a high school diploma. Gaining an online bachelor's in criminology could provide individuals with better insight into the field. Before going into the field, bailiffs usually have to attend a training academy as well. This training usually covers self-defense, regulations, procedures, and policies.

The BLS reported that bailiffs across the country made a median annual salary of $47,830, as of May 2019. The top 2 industries for these workers were state and local government, which paid median annual salaries of $69,130 and $42,610, respectively.

Financial Aid and Scholarship Information for Criminology Degrees

Funding is an important issue when it comes to paying for your criminology education. One of the most important things that you should do is make sure you fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Federal financial aid is accepted at all accredited colleges and universities. Filling out the FAFSA form will allow you to see what types of federal aid you are eligible for.

You could be eligible for grants, like the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Federal Pell Grant, or Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant. Under normal circumstances, you do not have to repay funding that you received through a federal grant.

Additional federal funding could come in the form of loans.

To be eligible for federal financial aid, you must meet certain requirements, including the following:

• U.S. citizen or approved non-citizen
• High school, homeschool, or GED graduate
• Enrolled or enrolling in a certificate or degree program
• Social security number

In addition to federal financial aid, students can also apply for various scholarships through private and non-profit organizations, as well as the schools that students choose to attend.

A couple of scholarships that students might be interested in include the following:

Zinda Law Group Scholarship: Undergraduate students who are pursuing a degree in a criminal justice-related field can apply for this scholarship. For this scholarship, students must submit a 500 to 1,000-word essay. The award amount is $1,000.

Eugene H. and Rosalind D. Czajkoski Scholarship Fund: Students enrolled in a program within Florida State University's College of Criminology and Criminal Justice can apply for this scholarship. Students must submit a 1,500 to 2,000-word essay along with their application. Award amounts vary.