Online Criminology Degree Programs

An online criminology degree prepares professionals for careers in local, state, and federal law enforcement, corporate and government security, protective services, United States Customs, and Immigration.

Criminology is defined as a social science that is focused on the cultural, social, cultural and individual causes and effects of illegal behavior. It is related to sociology and psychology, and is concerned with crime prevention and law enforcement. An online degree in criminology focuses on exploring and understanding how the criminal mind works. It deals with the study, research, and reporting of social and psychological conditions related to crime. The online criminology program introduces students to online criminology classes in public safety, law enforcement, social services, human services, public safety, homeland security, and the functions of the criminal justice system. The field of criminology plays an important role in understanding and improving public safety, in addition to research, theory, practice, and technology to be better able to respond to criminal intent and activities.

Online Criminal Justice and Criminology Degree Programs

University of the Rockies

• Doctor of Psychology - Criminology and Justice Studies
• Master of Arts in Psychology - Criminology and Justice Studies
• Graduate Certificate in Criminology and Justice Studies

Portland State University

• Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice

Tiffin University

• BS - Criminal Justice - Justice Administration
• MS - Criminal Justice - Crime Analysis
• MS - Criminal Justice - Homeland Security
• MS - Criminal Justice - Justice Administration

Locate a School of Criminology in your area

Search for Online Criminology Degree Programs

Criminology Courses and Training

There are various levels of study in the online criminology degree program including the criminology PhD, the masters in criminology and the online criminology bachelor degree programs. These may fall under various departments including criminal justice, sociology, public policy and administration and other areas in the social sciences. Criminology education and training focuses on various aspects that include:

• Homeland Security
• Professional Ethics
• Practical Psychology
  Psychology of Violence
• Social Violence
• Crime Analysis
• Criminal Behavior
• Decision Making and Problem Solving
• Homeland Security and Disaster Response
• Leadership Skills

Online criminal justice criminology classes may include:

• Crime, Criminology, and Justice
• Administration of Justice
• Forensics Sciences Research Methods
• Psychology of Crime
• Criminal Law
• Research Methods in Criminal Justice

Criminology Careers

A career in criminology involves seeking more effective ways of protecting citizens from crime, psychological behaviors and rehabilitating criminals, conducting research and analysis of situations that cause criminal behavior, and how laws apply to investigations.

Criminologists also work with forensic scientists in crime scene analysis, data collection, and investigations. The criminology career therefore combines law enforcement, justice administration, police services, and forensic science.

With an online criminology masters degree you would likely work in a supervisory position. Thus, a criminologist is responsible for researching criminal laws, analyzing criminal behavior, crime prevention, crime intelligence, and corrections. Some careers in criminology are:

• Law Reform Researcher
• Community Corrections Officer
• Police Officer
• Drug Policy Advisor
• Protection Analyst
• Crime Intelligence Analyst
• Private Detectives and Investigators
• Correctional Officers

Expected Salary and Projected Career Growth

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2008, criminologists and sociologists who study human behavior and interaction earned an average income of about $75,460 per year. The BLS also estimates that employment for sociologists will grow by 11% between 2006 and 2016. The median income for detectives and criminal investigators is around $55,000.

Online criminology degree programs continue to serve the need for trained and qualified professionals to work in the field of criminal justice and forensic science. The federal government and law enforcement agencies in the United States are looking for qualified professionals to work in the field protecting the citizens.