Best Schools for Criminology in the US

Criminology is a field that attracts individuals with a passion for understanding and addressing issues related to criminal behavior. Studying criminology equips you with analytical skills, knowledge of legal frameworks, and insights into the social dynamics shaping crime and justice. 

Choosing the right school for studying criminology is crucial for gaining a solid education and setting the foundation for a successful career in criminal justice, law enforcement, or related fields. Here, we'll explore some of the best criminology schools in the United States.

Top Schools for a Criminology Degree in the US

1. University of Pennsylvania

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Tuition: $61,928

Acceptance Rate: 9%

UPenn's criminology degree program integrates sociology, law, and psychology. It benefits from its urban setting, providing students with opportunities for real-world observations and social science internships within a diverse metropolitan area.

Notable faculty: Adrian Raine, Criminologist specializing in the biological basis of criminal behavior.

2. University of Maryland - College Park

Location: College Park, Maryland

Tuition: $10,779 for in-state, $36,891 for out-of-state

Acceptance Rate: 45%

UMD College Park’s Criminology and Criminal Justice program is renowned for its research excellence and strong ties to government agencies in the Washington, D.C. area. Students benefit from internships and networking opportunities.

Notable faculty: Denise Gottfredso, an expert in school violence prevention and criminological theory.

3. University of California - Irvine

Location: Irvine, California

Tuition: $13,753 for in-state, $43,507 for out-of-state

Acceptance Rate: 21%

UC Irvine's Department of Criminology, Law and Society offers a multidisciplinary approach to criminology. The bachelor's degree program combines liberal arts areas to focus on issues such as social control, law, and crime prevention.

Notable faculty: Elliott Currie, Criminologist known for his work on crime, justice, and inequality.

4. Florida State University

Location: Tallahassee, Florida

Tuition: $6,507 for in-state, $21,673 for out-of-state

Acceptance Rate: 61%

FSU's College of Criminology and Criminal Justice is one of the oldest and most respected criminology programs. It emphasizes research, policy analysis, and practical experiences in the criminal justice system.

5. John Jay College of Criminal Justice (CUNY)

Location: New York, New York

Tuition: $7,470 for in-state, $15,930 for out-of-state

Acceptance Rate: 45%

John Jay College is dedicated to criminal justice education. Its location in New York City provides unparalleled opportunities for internships and exposure to various facets of criminal justice.

Notable faculty: Peter Moskos, Sociologist and former Baltimore City Police Officer, specializing in police culture.

6. Northeastern University

Location: Boston, Massachusetts

Tuition: $56,880

Acceptance Rate: 7%

Northeastern's School of Criminology and Criminal Justice offers co-op programs, allowing students to gain hands-on experience with criminal justice agencies, law firms, and nonprofits.

Notable faculty: James Alan Fox, Criminologist and expert on mass murders and school shootings.

7. University of Cincinnati

Location: Cincinnati, Ohio

Tuition: $12,138 for in-state, $26,994 for out-of-state

Acceptance Rate: 86%

UC's School of Criminal Justice is known for its cutting-edge research and emphasis on evidence-based practices. It collaborates with local criminal justice agencies to provide students with practical experiences.

Notable faculty: Robin Engel, expert in policing, crime prevention, and criminal justice policy.

8. CUNY Hunter College

Location: New York, New York

Tuition: $7,382 for in-state, $15,442 for out-of-state

Acceptance Rate: 48% 

Hunter College's Department of Sociology offers a strong focus on criminology, emphasizing sociological perspectives on crime and justice.

Notable faculty: Victoria Bond, sociologist specializing in race, crime, and justice.

9. Texas State University

Location: San Marcos, Texas

Tuition: $11,400 for in-state, $23,980 for out-of-state

Acceptance Rate: 88%

Texas State's Criminal Justice program emphasizes critical thinking, research, and community engagement. The program benefits from its location near Austin, providing diverse opportunities for internships.

Lesser-Known Schools for Criminology in the US

1. Eastern Kentucky University

Location: Richmond, Kentucky

Tuition: $9,876 for in-state, $19,948 for out-of-state

Acceptance Rate: 64%

EKU's School of Justice Studies offers a variety of programs, including criminology, with a focus on applied learning. The school has a strong reputation for producing professionals in criminal justice.

2. Sam Houston State University

Location: Huntsville, Texas

Tuition: $9,060 for in-state, $18,060 for out-of-state

Acceptance Rate: 97%

SHSU's College of Criminal Justice is one of the oldest and most respected criminal justice programs in the country. It emphasizes research, policy analysis, and practical experiences.

Notable faculty: Phillip Lyons, Criminologist known for his work in police practices and policies.

3. University of Louisville

Location: Louisville, Kentucky

Tuition: $11,460 for in-state, $27,954 for out-of-state

Acceptance Rate: 82%

UofL's Department of Criminal Justice offers a range of programs, including a strong emphasis on criminological theory and empirical research.

Notable faculty: Geetha Suresh, an expert in white-collar crime and corporate crime.

4. University of South Florida

Location: Tampa, Florida

Tuition: $8,350 for in-state, $19,048 for out-of-state

Acceptance Rate: 44%

USF's Department of Criminology offers a diverse range of courses, and its faculty members are actively engaged in research, contributing to the field's advancements.

Notable faculty: Bryanna Fox, Criminologist specializing in policing and the criminal justice system.

5. California State University, Long Beach

Location: Long Beach, California

Tuition: $6,886 for in-state, $18,766 for out-of-state

Acceptance Rate: 40%

CSULB's Department of Criminal Justice offers a well-rounded curriculum with a focus on crime prevention and community engagement.

6. University of Central Florida

Location: Orlando, Florida

Tuition: $6,368 for in-state, $22,467 for out-of-state

Acceptance Rate: 41%

UCF's Department of Sociology offers a criminology track with an emphasis on critical thinking, research skills, and understanding the social causes of crime.

Notable faculty: Lorie Fridell, Criminologist specializing in police use of force and racial profiling.

7. Portland State University

Location: Portland, Oregon

Tuition: $9,741 for in-state, $28,047 for out-of-state

Acceptance Rate: 93%

PSU's Criminology and Criminal Justice program emphasizes a critical and interdisciplinary approach. The university's location provides unique perspectives on urban crime and justice.

Notable faculty: Kris Henning, Criminologist with expertise in evidence-based policing and program evaluation.

These lesser-known schools may not be as widely recognized, but they offer strong bachelors and graduate programs in criminology, often with a focus on practical applications and research. Always explore the specific offerings, faculty expertise, and opportunities each school provides to find the best fit for your academic and career goals.

What courses can I expect to take as a criminology major? 

Here's a quick look at the courses you'll dive into as a criminology major, covering everything from the psychology of crime to criminal law and justice ethics.

• Introduction to Criminology

• Criminal Justice System

• Criminal Law

• Sociological Theories of Crime

• Psychology of Criminal Behavior

• Juvenile Delinquency

• White-Collar Crime

• Victimology

• Research Methods in Criminology

• Criminal Justice Ethics

• Comparative Criminal Justice

• Corrections and Penology

• Policing

• Cybercrime

• Terrorism and Homeland Security

• Criminal Procedure

• Gender and Crime

• Race, Crime, and Justice

• Forensic Psychology

• Criminal Justice Policy

How to decide which university to pick?

Choosing the right university for criminology involves considering various factors to ensure a well-rounded and enriching academic experience. Here's a guide to help you make an informed decision:

1. Program Reputation and Accreditation 

• Assess the reputation of the criminology program and faculty expertise.

• Look for any specializations or unique features within the program.

• Verify if the university and its criminology program are accredited.

• Check for program-specific accreditations if applicable.

2. Faculty and Course Offerings

• Explore the backgrounds and research interests of the criminology faculty.

• Consider the availability of renowned experts in specific criminological areas.

• Check if the curriculum aligns with your interests and career goals.

3. Internship and Practical Opportunities

• Evaluate the availability of internships, co-op programs, or practical experiences.

• Consider the university's connections with criminal justice agencies.

4. Networking and Alumni Engagement

• Explore the success stories of criminology alumni from the university.

5. Location

• Consider the location and its relevance to your career goals.

• Think about potential internships or job opportunities in the area.

6. Financial Considerations

• Evaluate tuition costs, financial aid options, and scholarship opportunities.

  - Note that the tuition numbers listed above are not exact, and exact costs vary

7. Criminal Justice Community Connections

• Assess the university's relationships with local and national criminal justice organizations.

• Check for partnerships that provide students with real-world insights.

By thoroughly researching and weighing these factors, you'll be better equipped to select a university that aligns with your academic, personal, and career aspirations in the field of criminology. Explore the best criminology colleges and begin your career in criminology today!