Are you a creative problem-solver with an interest in public safety? One of the Best Online Bachelor's in Criminology may be for you.
Criminology degrees help you understand the complex factors that contribute to crime and criminal behavior. You'll also learn about criminal justice institutions and various responses to crime. The degree can prepare you for careers in investigation, law enforcement, corrections, social services, and more.
With an increased demand for security, criminology is a growing field. You'll help maintain the balance between public safety and personal freedom. The best part is that you don't have to put your life on hold to earn a criminology degree. With these flexible online programs, you can find work-life balance while starting or advancing your career.
Accredited Online College Programs
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What kind of online bachelor's degree in Criminology should you get?
A general bachelor's degree will suffice for most entry-level careers in the criminology and criminal justice field. However, some programs offer concentrations or specializations. These may include criminal forensics, cybercrime, juvenile justice, or homeland security. If you have clear career objectives, you may wish to pursue a specialized degree.
Criminology degrees are available in person and online. Online courses allow you to customize your schedule and attend classes anywhere at almost any time. If you're seeking an online degree but unsure if criminology is for you, read our list of the Best Online Colleges and Universities.
How much money do people make with an online bachelor's degree in criminology?
Your salary will depend on what career path you choose to pursue. Below, we've listed just a few potential careers and their median salaries, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Law enforcement officer- $62,960
Detectives and criminal investigators- $79,970
Probation officer/correctional treatment specialist- $51,410
Correctional officer- $43,510
Social worker- $47,980
Most of these careers are projected to grow at an average or faster than average rate. Public safety will always be of vital importance, giving you job security. With a master's degree, you can earn more or advance to a leadership position. But whatever criminology career you choose, a bachelor's degree is a key first step.
What can you do with an online bachelor's degree in criminology?
A criminology degree opens a wide range of career possibilities. You can pursue policing or law enforcement, courts or community correction, corporate security, and crime scene investigation. You may also become a victim's advocate, a social worker, or an institutional counselor.
A bachelor's degree in criminology also provides an excellent foundation for graduate studies or law school. This can lead to supervisory or management positions, a law career, or even work in academia.
Criminology covers a broad spectrum. This includes crime prevention, analysis, response, and treatment/rehabilitation. As you pursue your degree, you may discover which stage or aspect of criminology most interests you.
What are the requirements for an online bachelor's degree in criminology?
Requirements vary according to the program you choose. Some requirements are identical to typical college application requirements: transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, etc. Other online criminology programs are meant for students who already hold an AA degree. For some, you'll need to be a working professional in a relevant field.
Although many of these programs recommend internships, they are typically not required. You may be expected to complete a capstone course, final exam, or final paper. In most cases, you will need to maintain at least a 2.0 in all major coursework.
What are the best online bachelor's degrees in criminology?
In this guide, we've listed the best online bachelor's degrees in criminology. Of course, you may be wondering how we define "best." We evaluate factors like school reputation, tuition, and overall return on investment. The programs on this list will give you the best education and best career outcomes for your hard-earned money.
To verify that our information is accurate, we gather data from reputable sources like:
Princeton Review
U.S. News and World Report
Bureau of Labor Statistics
PayScale
Official college and university websites
Whatever your aspirations in the wide world of criminology, these degree programs can help you achieve them.
Rankings
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