15 Best Bachelor’s in Criminology Degree Programs

The University of Florida consistently ranks among the best universities in the nation and for good reasons. UF serves nearly 56,000 students each semester across 16 colleges, including the College of Liberal Arts and Science, where you will find the largest interdisciplinary program on campus: the Department of Sociology and Criminology.

Tuition Costs for the 2024-2025 Academic Year:

• In-State: $6,380
• Out-of-State: $28,658

UF’s Department of Sociology and Criminology is a thriving department with over 1,000 undergraduate students. Through this best bachelor’s in criminology, you can take criminology classes online or on campus, and both tracks lead to careers within the criminal or juvenile justice systems. Some graduates begin careers right away and others pursue law school or find an affordable criminal justice master’s program.

You will complete 34 credits of criminology major courses like:

• Law and the Legal Process
• Advanced Principles of Criminal Justice
• Research Methods

At least 18 criminology electives, as well as Statistics 1, are also required. Another graduation requirement is an exit exam on crime, criminal justice, law, and theory.

Student Consensus: Student reviews of the criminology program highlight UF’s commitment to a comprehensive and research-driven curriculum, emphasizing both theoretical knowledge and practical applications. Students particularly appreciate opportunities for field experience and internships through partnerships with local law enforcement agencies. Additionally, UF’s criminology program is reputed for strong faculty expertise, which aids students in securing internships and jobs in criminal justice and related fields post-graduation.

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Some of the best universities were founded more than 100 years ago, so don’t let it fool you that the University of South Florida is still fairly young. Established in 1956, USF is consistently ranked by the U.S. News & World Report as one of the top public schools, educating more than 49,000 students across 13 colleges.

Tuition Costs for the 2024-2025 Academic Year:

• In-State: $211.19 per credit
• Out-of-State: $575.01 per credit

USF’s Department of Criminology offers a top Bachelor of Arts in Criminology that can be taken through its Tampa, Sarasota-Manatee, or Petersburg campuses or entirely online. This flexible degree program provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in careers revolving around the criminal justice system:

• law enforcement
• detention
• corrections
• judiciary
• probation
• juvenile justice

At USF, you will develop critical thinking skills and gain knowledge in theory and crime through courses like:

• Theories of Criminal Behavior
• Research Methods in Criminal Justice
• Patterns of Criminal Behavior

Along with 36 general education hours, you will complete 42 credits of upper-level coursework in sociology and criminology courses, a capstone course, and an internship.

Student Consensus: Students in USF’s criminology program generally appreciate the comprehensive curriculum, which emphasizes both foundational theories and real-world applications. Reviews also highlight accessible faculty who are active in criminology research, enriching the academic experience. Students report strong preparation for careers in law enforcement, corrections, and community-based roles through internships and networking opportunities, particularly around the Tampa Bay area.

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The University of Maryland-College Park is not only the state’s flagship university but also one of the nation’s most distinguished public research institutions. Located just outside of Washington D.C., UMD is home to more than 40,7000 current students and offers a combined 301 academic programs across 12 colleges and schools. For an exciting academic program with lots of opportunities, check out UMD’s Criminology and Criminal Justice (CCJS) degree.

Tuition Costs for the 2024-2025 Academic Year:

• In-State: $5,904.50 per semester (full-time undergraduate students)
• Out-of-State:$20,593.00 per semester (full-time undergraduate students)

UMD’s degree is a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice focuses on three pillars of the criminal justice system:

• courts
• policing
• corrections

You will understand crime through political, economic, and social viewpoints as you study both theories and apply research to criminological concepts.

Additionally, you have opportunities to earn credits and gain experience by conducting undergraduate research, as well as getting involved through internships and other experiential learning opportunities.

Student Consensus: Students often describe UMD’s criminology program as an engaging, hands-on experience with access to expert faculty who are active in impactful research areas like criminal justice policy and community safety. The curriculum provides both a solid academic foundation and practical skills, with students reporting high satisfaction in courses focused on criminal justice systems, policing, and policy-making. For those interested in criminology as a pathway to careers in law enforcement, public policy, or research, UMD’s program is praised for its strong reputation and the practical insights offered through its proximity to Washington, D.C. Opportunities for internships and networking in government and non-profit sectors add considerable value for students preparing to enter the workforce.

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The flagship university of the Minnesota system, the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, is known as “one of the most prestigious public research universities in the nation.” Currently, there are more than 485,000 UMN alumni, which include:

• Former vice U.S. Presidents
• A Nobel Peace Prize recipient
• Inventors
• Journalists
• Athletes

Tuition Costs for the 2024-2025 Academic Year:

• In-State: $17,370 per year
• Out-of-State: $38,518 per year

At UMN, you can earn either a high-value Bachelor of Arts or Science through the sociology of law, criminology, and deviance program. You will study not only criminology but how it relates to the sociological investigations of law and deviance. The BA requires foreign language credits, while the BS focuses more on statistics, calculus, and data analysis. 

Additionally, with the BS degree, you can tailor your degree by choosing one of these four tracks:

• Health care and careers
• Organization, business, or non-profit
• Policy analysis
• Quantitative emphasis

BA students may choose one of these tracks too, but they are not required to do so. They may choose a minor in sociology or population studies. For more information on UMN’s sociology of law, criminology, and deviance degree, check out this video where a current alumni explains his experiences in the program.

Student Consensus: Students often describe the criminology program at UMTC as both challenging and rewarding, with a curriculum that combines foundational theory with real-world applications. The program is well-regarded for providing students with numerous opportunities to engage in hands-on learning, including internships and collaborations with local agencies in the Twin Cities area. Many students highlight the supportive faculty and the program’s connections to community organizations, which can lead to career openings in law enforcement, policy-making, and community services. With the school’s emphasis on research and practical skills, the criminology program appeals to students eager for a comprehensive and dynamic learning experience.

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Founded in 1851, Florida State University is the oldest higher education institution in the state. With 44,161 students from all around the globe and 283 degree programs, FSU is thriving. The College of Criminology and Criminal Justice is one of the nation’s best at producing “critical, independent thinkers,” so if you’re interested in pursuing either an on-campus or online bachelor’s in criminology, you won’t want to miss this one.

Tuition Costs for the 2024-2025 Academic Year:

• In-State: $215.55 per credit
• Out-of-State: $721.10 per credit

FSU’s affordable Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice is offered both on campus or online and is adaptable to meet an array of career options. Aside from general education requirements, you will earn 36 credit hours in criminology courses and either earn a minor, or second major from another department or complete an internship.

FSU’s criminology degree is not only known for its accessibility and adaptability but for its partnership with some of the best criminal justice agencies. Additionally, FSU offers one of the best-value master’s degrees in criminology—a joint degree for “ambitious students seeking a more hands-on career in the field of criminal justice.”

Student Consensus: FSU’s criminology program is widely praised for its focus on research and real-world impact, making it a standout for students interested in criminal justice and public safety. The program offers unique learning experiences through close partnerships with law enforcement and public agencies in Tallahassee, providing students with internships and networking opportunities that often lead to jobs upon graduation. The faculty’s research expertise in areas such as juvenile justice, victimology, and corrections gives students valuable insights, while the program’s support for diverse student backgrounds makes it highly appealing to students seeking both academic rigor and a community-oriented approach.

Ohio State Buckeyes are part of one of the nation’s largest and most comprehensive universities, complete with a top-ranked medical center, cancer hospital, and research center. Within the College of Arts and Sciences, you will find 38 academic departments and schools with more than 80 majors. Through the Sociology Department, you will find our #6 ranking: a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice studies.

Tuition Costs for the 2024-2025 Academic Year:

• In-State: $13,244 per year
• Out-of-State: $40,022 per year

OSU’s criminology program is offered from the Columbus, Marion, and Mansfield campuses. To begin this program, you must first complete Sociology 1101: Introduction to Sociology. You will then work through core courses such as:

• Criminology
• Research Methods in Sociology
• Statistics in Sociology

You will also complete either a research project, a study-abroad trip, or an internship.

One of the best parts of being an OSU criminology major is the opportunities to get involved through research projects and experiential learning. OSU also offers a variety of student organizations and clubs. OSU criminology graduates start careers in:

• law enforcement
• delinquency prevention services
• corrections
• crime prevention organizations
• probation and parole

Student Consensus: OSU’s criminology program is highly regarded for its strong research focus and practical applications. Students appreciate the unique learning experiences facilitated by faculty members actively involved in criminal justice research, particularly in urban crime and policy analysis. The university’s connections to law enforcement and public policy bodies in Columbus provide criminology students with valuable internships and mentorships, enabling them to gain first-hand exposure to criminal justice in both local and state contexts. Students often highlight OSU’s approach to blending theoretical learning with these real-world experiences, which they find beneficial for career preparation in fields such as corrections, forensic analysis, and public policy.

North Carolina State University is a leading public research university that is known as a “powerhouse in science, technology, engineering and math,” but excels across disciplines. NC State is a college that offers a BA in criminology.

Known for its affordability, NC State continuously ranks as “the Best Value for Students” by Money Magazine. NC State’s bachelor’s in criminology is offered through the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, an excellent undergraduate program!

Tuition Costs for the 2024-2025 Academic Year:

• In-State: $8,986 per year
• Out-of-State: $33,034 per year

NC State’s low-cost criminology program focuses on understanding “the causes, correction, and prevention of crime and the agencies involved in criminal justice.” Of the 120 required credit hours, you will take required courses such as Social Research Methods and Theories of Social Structure before you complete electives such as:

• Violence, Terrorism, and Public Policy
• Juvenile Delinquency
• Quantitative Data Analysis in Sociology

Additionally, a 120-hour internship with a criminal justice field agency is required during your final year. Be prepared to get involved and network with like-minded peers with service opportunities and organizations, such as the Criminal Justice Club (CJC).

Student Consensus: NC State’s criminology program is valued for its integration of data analysis and social sciences, catering to students interested in the intersection of criminology and technology. The program is unique for its research-driven approach, focusing on urban crime prevention, juvenile justice, and predictive analytics in criminal justice. Students appreciate the opportunities to work with the Research Triangle’s network of law enforcement agencies and tech firms, which provides access to internships and hands-on learning in policy and community safety. Graduates often highlight the program’s practical skill-building, which equips them well for roles in public policy, law enforcement, or further academic research.

Founded in 1890, Washington State University is known for its life-changing research and ranked among doctoral universities with “highest research activity” in the Carnegie Classification. Additionally, WSU is one of the best colleges that offer a B.A. in criminology. The bachelor’s in criminal justice and criminology is a “policy-focused curriculum” that prepares students for careers in the criminal justice system, government agencies, and private sector organizations.

Tuition Costs for the 2024-2025 Academic Year:

• In-State: $6,686 per year (tuition and fees)
• Out-of-State: $14,965 per year (tuition and fees)

Through WSU’s criminology program, you will complete 45 credits in core classes like:

• Administration of Criminal Justice
• Criminology Theory
• Realizing Justice in a Multicultural Theory

Political science and research courses are also required. By the time you’re a senior, you will complete a seminar course in Ethical Issues in Criminal Justice and an internship.

As a WSU criminology and criminal justice student, you will get involved in student organizations such as the Criminal Justice Club and the national criminal justice honor society, Alpha Phi Sigma. If traveling out of the country excites you, check out the study abroad program to London. To add flexibility, WSU offers the BA in criminal justice and criminology both on campus and online.

Student Consensus: Students in WSU’s criminology program often appreciate the balance between classroom learning and field experience. WSU’s criminology curriculum emphasizes rural and community-focused criminal justice issues, which is particularly relevant given the university’s setting in Pullman, Washington. Students frequently highlight opportunities for real-world experience through local law enforcement partnerships and WSU’s connections within the state. Additionally, the program’s emphasis on forensic science and correctional systems makes it a strong fit for students interested in specialized career paths, such as forensic analysis or correctional rehabilitation.

Missouri State University is a public university with a “close-knit community of passionate and steadfast learners” who come from all over the globe. Currently, over 22,000 students, spread across four campuses (including one in Dalian, China!) call Missouri State home. Missouri State offers both a Bachelor of Arts and Science in criminology and criminal justice, along with six certificate programs you can add to customize your degree.

Tuition Costs for the 2024-2025 Academic Year:

• In-State: $9,502 per year
• Out-of-State: $18,770 per year

The BA and BS programs are flexible, and courses can be taken on campus, online, or both. The BS focuses on criminology and criminal justice, while the BA holds a liberal arts background and entails courses in foreign languages, fine arts, and humanities. Both the BA and BS include core criminology classes like:

• Introduction to the American Criminal Justice System
• Policing
• Criminal Law and the Courts

You can also count your electives towards certificates in:

• Criminal investigation
• Terrorism and national security
• Criminal courts
• Family and juvenile support services
• Conservation law enforcement
• Victim advocacy

Missouri State criminology alumni work in different careers, such as:

• FBI agents
• police officers
• detectives
• family and drug court administrators
• youth counselors

Student Consensus: Students in Missouri State’s criminology program frequently commend the program’s practical and community-oriented approach to studying criminal justice. Located in Springfield, the program provides students with direct access to internships and collaborations with local law enforcement, social services, and court systems, which many students feel provides a well-rounded, realistic view of criminal justice work. Students also appreciate faculty with extensive field experience, especially in areas like juvenile justice and forensic psychology, which helps them gain insights into potential career paths and engage in research or public service projects that support local communities.

Penn State has been known as a leader in higher education and ground-breaking research for over 150 years. U.S. News & World Report ranks Penn State as #28 among the national universities for 2024. Additionally, Penn State’s criminology program ranks among the top programs in the U.S. and prepares you for a variety of careers, law school, or graduate school. 

Tuition Costs for the 2024-2025 Academic Year:

• In-State: $20,644 per year
• Out-of-State: $41,790 per year

Penn’s State Bachelor of Arts in criminology focuses on criminal justice, crime, and social research while providing a strong liberal arts background. Students will understand how crime and justice are related to “human behavior, social environments, and government policy.” General education courses, electives, and BA degree requirements make up 40 required credits for this major.

Notable courses include:

• Criminal Theory and Evidence
• Research Methods in Criminology
• Social Problems
• Race, Crime, and Justice

Some Penn State criminology graduates work in criminal justice careers such as law enforcement, research analysis, or corrections. However, others start graduate or law school.

Student Consensus: Students in Penn State’s criminology program often emphasize the program’s well-rounded curriculum, which integrates theoretical and hands-on learning. The program is known for its focus on criminological research and policy, with students gaining valuable skills through data analysis, crime prevention studies, and exposure to legal practices. The program’s strong ties with Pennsylvania’s legal and law enforcement sectors offer students unique opportunities for internships and networking, particularly for those interested in fields like forensic science, criminal justice policy, and corrections. Many students also note the value of Penn State’s extensive alumni network, which helps with job placements in law enforcement and government agencies.

Founded in 1874, The University of Nevada was signed into law under the Morrill Act of 1862 by President Abraham Lincoln. Today, UNR is ranked a top National University by U.S. News & World Report, known for its transformative education, innovative research, and global impact. UNR’s best- value bachelor’s degree in criminal justice provides a well-rounded curriculum with hands-on application for those who aim to become working professionals in the field.

Tuition Costs for the 2024-2025 Academic Year:

• In-State: $9,578 per year
• Out-of-State: $27,720 per year

Through UNR’s low-cost BA in criminal justice, you can either earn a comprehensive degree or choose a specialization in law and justice or justice studies. Both options involve major core requirements such as:

• Introduction to Administration of Justice
• Police in America
• Courts and American Legal System
• Research Methods in Criminal Justice

UNR offers internship opportunities so you can apply knowledge learned to on-the-job training. Graduates are well prepared to start careers, including law enforcement, law, and administration. Many students also go to graduate school after graduation. Additionally, UNR is known for its affordability and reports that 55% of first-year students received need-based financial aid and more than half of graduates leave with no debt.

Student Consensus: UNR’s criminology program is often highlighted by students for its practical emphasis on crime prevention and community-oriented justice. Located in Reno, the program benefits from local partnerships with law enforcement agencies and state criminal justice departments, allowing students to engage in internships and projects tailored to rural and urban justice needs in Nevada. Students frequently mention the program’s focus on the application of criminological theories in real-world settings, which is especially useful for those pursuing careers in law enforcement, correctional services, or community advocacy.

Known for its high value—the lowest tuition of universities in the UW system—as well as its commitment to equity and inclusion, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater offers award-wining academics and a strong sense of community. Once you see all UW has to offer, you may want to join the Warhawks while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in criminology.

Tuition Costs for the 2024-2025 Academic Year:

• In-State: $8,616 per year (WI resident); $5,793 per year (Rock County, WI resident); $10,031 per year (MN resident); $14,411 per year (Return to WI)
• Out-of-State: $18,716 per year

UW’s Sociology, Criminology, and Anthropology department offers both a Bachelor of Arts and Science in criminology. Regardless of whether you choose a BA or BS, you can choose between tracks in law enforcement and investigation or adult and youth correction. Notable courses include Methods of Social Research, Sociology of Police and Courts, and forensic criminology courses.

As an undergraduate criminology student, you have the opportunity to participate in an independent undergraduate research project, a senior seminar, or an internship. Depending on your future career goals, you can also earn certificates in:

• applied research
• corporate social responsibility
• disability studies
• forensic science

If you’re interested in applying to UW-Whitewater, check out the admissions requirements here.

Student Consensus: Students in UW-Whitewater’s criminology program appreciate its strong community-focused approach, particularly as it prepares students for careers in areas like community policing, social services, and law enforcement in rural contexts. The program emphasizes practical skills through fieldwork, collaborations with local agencies, and real-world problem-solving. Students also benefit from UW-Whitewater’s commitment to accessible education, with many finding it to be a supportive environment for developing both analytical and interpersonal skills needed in criminal justice fields.

The state’s flagship university, the University of New Hampshire, has produced proud Wildcat alumni like writer John Irving, filmmaker Jennifer Lee (the director of “Frozen,”), and Baseball Hall of Fame inductee. UNH features a justice studies dual major, an interdisciplinary academic program that combines social science, humanities, and professionally oriented departments like education and social work.

Tuition Costs for the 2024-2025 Academic Year:

• In-State: $19,202 per year
• Out-of-State: $39,852 per year

The goal of UNH’s justice studies undergraduate program is to produce graduates with expertise in law and justice in American society. If you are interested in both a criminology and forensics degree, you can choose to minor in forensics. You will study topics like racial justice and cybercrime. This criminal justice program requires you to complete 32 credits in required courses like:

• Introduction to Justice Studies
• Research Methods
• Politics of Crime and Justice
• Criminology

As a senior, you will complete an internship in New England or Washington D.C. in an organization related to the justice system. You may also consider the study abroad program to Budapest, Hungary. UNH justice studies graduates start careers like:

• criminal investigators
• drug court directors
• human rights advocates
• police officers
• profilers

Student Consensus: Students often describe UNH’s criminology program as engaging and research-driven, with a notable emphasis on current social issues within the criminal justice system. Given its proximity to state agencies and local law enforcement, students benefit from hands-on learning opportunities, internships, and networking. Many students also highlight the faculty’s expertise in areas such as restorative justice and youth crime prevention, which enhances both classroom discussions and fieldwork experiences. The program is well-suited for those interested in careers that blend community involvement with law enforcement or criminal justice reform.

The largest public research university in Virginia, George Mason University, holds the “strong ideals of academic excellence and service,” and those values translate into all 211 academic programs. Students come from over 130 countries to attend GMU, creating a diverse student body of approximately 39,000 students. You won’t want to miss GMU’s Bachelor of Science in criminology, law, and society.

Tuition Costs for the 2024-2025 Academic Year:

• In-State: $14,220 per year
• Out-of-State: $38,688 per year

GMU’s BS in criminology, law, and society focuses on the justice system and the social, moral, and human issues surrounding it. You may choose to pursue a concentration in:

• criminal justice
• homeland security and justice
• law and society

Through the B.S. in criminology courses, you study topics like criminal justice ethics, research methods and analysis, and constitutional law relating to the criminal process.

You can either choose between an internship in a justice organization or a minor in a related field, like computer science or intelligence studies. GMU criminology graduates are well prepared for careers in:

• law enforcement
• investigations
• corrections
• the courts
• private and homeland security

Student Consensus: Students at GMU often appreciate the criminology program’s interdisciplinary approach, which includes partnerships with public policy, psychology, and computer science departments. This integration allows criminology students to engage with a variety of fields, making the program especially appealing for those interested in areas like cybercrime and forensic psychology.

Ranked by U.S. News & World Report as #11 in “Top Public Schools Regional University (Midwest),” the University of Northern Iowa has been offering high-quality, affordable education since 1876. Among the 160+ majors is a Bachelor of Arts in criminology, one that has been offered at UNI since 1985!

Tuition Costs for the 2024-2025 Academic Year:

• In-State: $9,936 per year
• Out-of-State: $21,712 per year.

UNI’s bachelor’s in criminology includes an optional emphasis in criminal justice and prepares students for professional careers in:

• law enforcement
• security
• probation and parole
• corrections
• juvenile justice
• crime analysis
• crime research

You may also pursue a program certificate in crime mapping to further tailor your program.

Expect to study topics through a research-based knowledge lens, like criminal behavior, policing, community and institutional corrections, and law. Experiential learning is always an important factor of a strong undergraduate program, especially in criminology. UNI encourages its students to learn through internships in:

• police departments
• private security
• defense attorney practices
• other criminal justice-related settings

Student Consensus: UNI’s criminology program is often appreciated by students for its community-oriented focus and practical fieldwork opportunities, especially within Iowa’s public safety and correctional systems. Given UNI’s location in Cedar Falls, the program frequently collaborates with nearby law enforcement and social service agencies, offering students internship placements that provide real-world experience in juvenile justice, rehabilitation, and community policing. Students highlight the faculty’s focus on preparing graduates for roles that involve direct engagement with community safety and policy, which is particularly valuable for those interested in community-based justice and reform-oriented work.