Best Online Bachelor's Degrees in Criminology

Online bachelor's programs in criminology and criminal justice typically do not have additional areas of concentration. However, some closely related online bachelor's programs in criminal justice do have additional areas of concentration, including a concentration in criminology and other subjects that are related to criminology. These areas help students further focus their studies and skills with the intent to prepare for a specific job in the field. Some possible concentrations for online criminal justice programs include:

• Law enforcement
• Forensic psychology
• Juvenile justice
• Crime scene investigation
• Homeland security
• Criminal psychology
• Substance abuse
• Corrections
• Human services and advocacy

There are some free online criminology courses available for those who do not want to pursue an entire degree, but a bachelor's degree in the field also gives students the chance to take general education courses for a well-rounded education. In addition to general education courses, students in a bachelor's program take in-depth criminology courses and usually some electives to help them explore various areas of interest. Some programs may include an internship experience for additional hands-on learning in the field. While each online bachelor's program in criminology and criminal justice is unique with the specific courses it requires, some common courses and topics for these programs include:

• Introduction to criminal justice
• Correctional system
• Criminology
• Sociology of crime
• Policing
• Judicial system
• Statistics
• Psychology

Online bachelor's degree programs in criminology and criminal justice are typically designed to take 4 years to complete. However, there are several different ways that students may be able to earn their degree faster than this. For example, students who enter a program with their associate's degree or other college credit may be able to count that credit toward the usually required 120 credits. Those with an associate's degree may be able to complete their degree in as little as 2 years. Some schools also provide credit for life experiences, such as military service. There are also some schools that allow students to test out of some subjects and save some time and money on courses through the College Level Examination Program (CLEP).

Accreditation helps students know that their school has met academic standards for the different degree programs that they offer. At the regional level, schools with online bachelor's programs in criminology and criminal justice may have accreditation from organizations like the Higher Learning Commission, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), or the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). Attending an accredited institution also makes students eligible to apply for federal financial aid.

Some programs may have an additional level of accreditation that is specific to the subject matter. In the case of criminal justice and criminology, some bachelor's and master's programs are accredited by the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS). Other programs may be designed by participants in the ACJS and base the curriculum on the guidelines set by the organization.

Students who aspire to use the title of 'criminologist' typically need to earn an advanced degree in the field, gain some experience in the discipline, and then pass a licensure exam. These exams and requirements may vary by state. In general, many positions in the criminal justice system, like police officers or correctional treatment specialists, have additional trainings and experiences that must be completed to qualify for a position, and some of these programs may conclude with a certification exam. There are also some professional organizations, like the American Corrections Association, that offer certifications in different areas of corrections. For example, the ACA provides certifications in areas like adult corrections, juvenile justice, and healthcare. There are also some criminal justice-related positions that may require licensure. For instance, social workers usually need to have licensure or certification for nonclinical positions and clinical positions must have a state license to practice.

There are many different careers that may utilize, benefit from, and/or require an education in criminology. Typically, these careers involve working with people and most commonly those moving through the criminal justice system in some way. Salaries and specific education requirements may vary depending on the type of career. For example, the salary and career information for forensic criminology professionals differ from those in law enforcement. A few different examples of careers for those with a bachelor's degree in criminology include:

• Police officers
• Detectives
• Probation officers
• Correctional treatment specialists
• Social workers
• Forensic specialists
• Social and community service managers
• Court clerks
• Youth correctional officers
• CIA analysts

How to Become a Detective and Criminal Investigator

Becoming a detective or criminal investigator usually requires at least a high school diploma, but agencies at the federal level, like the FBI, may require a college degree. These professionals must complete training at a training academy to learn local and state laws, ethics, and hands-on skills in emergency response, firearm use, patrolling, and more. In order to qualify for these training programs, students usually need to be 21 years of age or older, a citizen, hold a driver's license, and meet set physical requirements. Detectives usually work a few years as a police officer before advancing to their position.

Detectives and criminal investigators work to solve criminal cases by collecting evidence. This may require them to conduct interviews, analyze records, and arrest suspects. Some of these professionals may specialize in specific types of crime, like homicide. As of 2019, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) stated that detectives and criminal investigators made a median annual salary of $83,170 and had a job outlook of 1% from 2019 to 2029.

How to Become a Probation Officer and Correctional Treatment Specialist

Students interested in becoming a probation officer or correctional treatment specialists must have at least a bachelor's degree. These professionals must also complete a training program if they meet the qualifications of being 21 years of age or older, have a driver's license, and pass a criminal background check, drug tests, and/or other competency exams. Training programs may conclude with a certification exam and those beginning their career may have to work as a trainee for a given period of time. Internship experience is highly beneficial in these professions and advancement may occur with further education and/or experience.

Probation officers help monitor and assist law offenders as they reassimilate to society by conducting visits and ensuring that the offender is meeting the requirements of his or her probation. Correctional treatment specialists serve as case managers and help create the rehabilitation plan that law offenders follow. The BLS reported that probation officers and correctional treatment specialists made a median annual salary of $54,290, as of 2019. These professionals had a job outlook of 4% from 2019 to 2029.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) should be students' first stop when looking for ways to pay for their postsecondary education. This application helps determine any federal loan and/or grant that students may qualify for based on financial need. After this step, students may search and compete for additional grants and/or scholarships to help pay for school. These additional opportunities may be available from sources like local communities, professional organizations, or postsecondary institutions for a wide range of demographics and interests.

Students interested in studying criminology may be able to apply for scholarships from their school of interest. Many departments of criminal justice and/or criminology offer scholarships at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels. Here are a few examples of available scholarships at different schools:

• Watts College School of Criminology and Criminal Justice (Quasi) Scholarship- This scholarship is available to undergraduate students at Arizona State University who meets a set GPA and demonstrates community service and leadership.
• Wade and Alice Knapp Scholarship Fund- This fund awards two $2,000 scholarships to undergraduates at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln who are majoring in criminology and criminal justice.
• The Crockett Family Fund for Excellence- This award is open to undergraduate or graduate students at Florida State University majoring in criminology and criminal justice. Preference is given to students who graduated from Blanche Ely High School or is a resident of Broward County, Palm Beach County, or Miami-Dade County, FL.

Students trying to determine which online bachelor's degree program in criminology is right for them may begin by considering what type of degree they want to earn. Students may need to decide between a BA or a BS degree and/or a criminology and criminal justice degree or a criminal justice degree with a concentration in criminology. Usually, these programs still offer many of the same types of courses in both criminal justice and criminology, but BA degrees may contain more liberal arts courses, while BS degrees may be more technical in nature. Online students wishing for more real-world, hands-on experience may also look for a criminology program with an internship experience or other hands-on learning opportunities.

Additional factors, like the cost of a program, accreditation, and/or the formatting of a program may also play a role in a student's decision. Tuition rates vary greatly from school to school as do learning formats when it comes to online vs. on-campus. Students should try to attend an accredited institution to qualify for financial aid, and may want to look for a school that bases its curriculum on the standards of the ACJS. Depending on a student's schedule, he or she may need to search for a program that offers flexible learning, such as part-time formats, accelerated course schedules and/or asynchronous online classes.

There are several national and international professional organizations in the field of criminology and criminal justice that help professionals in these fields connect with one another and offer other valuable resources. Some of these organizations work in advocating for research and progress in the field, while others may focus on providing professional development opportunities. A few examples of professional organizations in criminology include:

• Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences- The ACJS offers membership and standards for academic programs in the field. The group hosts an annual meeting, provides awards and grants to students in the field, and provides additional resources through their site, like publications and career resources.
• American Society of Criminology- The ASC is actually an international organization that offers membership for professionals working to prevent and control crime and delinquency. The organization's website provides links to various publications and employment opportunities.
• American Correctional Association- Intended specifically for those working in corrections, the ACA provides membership and a wide range of professional development resources, including certifications and e-learning opportunities. The group also provides conferences, publications, and other video and media resources.