Key takeaways
- The employment growth of criminology will be 13% by 2032. Hence, students must study criminology theory in college!
- Students must consider online colleges for criminology in the US to polish their critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills.
- Studying criminology theory in college gives students details about the criminal justice system concerning the American society of criminology.
- The benefits of a criminology degree are creating a safe and secure environment, interpreting criminals and crime, and finding thrilling and lucrative jobs.
- The job opportunities for criminology majors include victim liaison officers, policy consultants, detectives, prison officers, and crime scene investigators.
- The perks of an online degree are lesser cost, more flexibility, and mobility.
- Online colleges for criminology in the US are the University of South Florida, Northwest Missouri State University, Arkansas State University, SUNY College of Technology at Canton, University of Missouri – St. Louis, Maryville University of Saint Louis, and Texas Tech University.
- The University of South Florida and Texas Tech University are among the most affordable colleges, whereas the University of Missouri–St. Louis and Maryville University of Saint Louis are the most expensive.
- Criminology majors can enter fields like research, NGOs, and law enforcement.
- The average criminology salary in the US is approximately $50,000 – $60,000. However, it can vary according to your expertise.
Did you know that the employment growth of criminology is 13% by 2032? That means the demand for criminology jobs will increase with time. Criminology theory is relevant to policing, research methods, ethics, etc. If you want to polish your critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills, consider online colleges for criminology in the US!
There are multiple perks of studying online like affordability, flexibility, etc. Also, students have several job opportunities after earning a bachelor’s degree in criminology. For example, they can enter various fields like research, NGOs, law enforcement, etc. Continue reading this blog if your curiosity has been piqued!
To give an overview of this blog, we will look into criminology, the significance of a criminology degree, jobs for criminology majors, the advantages of online degrees, and a list of reputable US colleges with criminology degrees. So, without further ado, let’s begin!
What is criminology?
Have you ever thought of what goes on in the heads of criminals? If so, this degree is for you! The criminology degree delves into the human psyche to comprehend criminal activities. They conduct qualitative and quantitative research to compare crime trends and discover laws to reduce crime.
What are the benefits of learning about criminology theory?
Do you enjoy watching shows like The Boys, Sherlock, and Criminal Minds? If so, you are reading the right blog! There are innumerable advantages of a criminology degree like creating a secure environment for all, understanding the psyche of criminals, and exciting job opportunities.
The following list expands on the benefits of a criminology degree in detail:
Create a safe and secure environment
At some point, every individual thinks of potential solutions for criminal activities. However, being unaware of the process, they cannot get help. However, if you study criminology in college, you can learn about the procedures and make changes for the betterment of society!
To eliminate crime, criminologists deal with various professionals like police officers, social workers, politicians, psychologists, and lawyers. They must discuss crimes with them to learn the background and how to tackle issues. For instance, it is crucial to understand that if poverty is causing robberies, arresting the poor will not reduce crime in the long run.
Moreover, several times criminals are in desperate need of therapy or another treatment instead of being thrown into jail or prison. Hence, discussing issues with other parties helps find solutions for criminal activities.
Interpreting criminals and crime
Most people have an adverse outlook regarding criminals. That makes sense because criminals impact society negatively – physically and mentally in more ways than you can imagine. However, they do not think of the reasonings for their thinking and behavioral patterns. This is where criminologists come in.
A criminologist’s job is to perceive criminal activities from several lenses. They interpret criminal behavioral patterns by delving into their psyche and environmental factors to find the root of the issues. For example, some criminals have been bullied, have toxic households, or are excluded by society. Such factors build up frustration and anger within individuals, leading to heinous crimes.
Reasons for their obnoxious behavior do not justify their actions, but provide an insight into the rationale for it – helping professionals get to the root of the problem. Comprehending the other side of the story is beneficial for discovering solutions, which is done with the help of criminologists.
Thrilling and lucrative jobs
Interpreting the psyche of the human mind to understand criminal activities is far from monotonous. That is because criminologists discover shocking stories and explanations for crimes. They also encounter criminals and professionals like lawyers, social workers, and government agencies, making their jobs intriguing and happening. Don’t want to sit in a chair perpetually for 8-9 hours in front of a screen? Consider a criminology degree from the US!
Criminology courses refer to psychology, anthropology, and biology, making learning in college for students fascinating. Furthermore, criminologists can become policy consultants and assist the government with policies. They can also suggest sessions and programs for awareness to prevent crimes in schools and organizations.
What are the job opportunities in criminology?
After earning a degree in criminology, students can explore criminology career opportunities in various fields like NGOs, law enforcement agencies, government, etc. The average criminology salary in the US is approximately $50,000 – $60,000. However, it can vary according to your expertise.
If you want to make a difference in society by reducing crime, keep reading! The following list explains the job descriptions of criminology professionals:
Victim liaison officer
The tasks of victim liaison officers revolve around supporting victims emotionally after a violent incident, like a terrorist activity. Their purpose is to help victims who have undergone physical or mental abuse by criminals. For instance, victim liaison officers ensure victims are heard and updated concerning sentencing.
Detective
If you have watched Sherlock or The Boys, you must be aware of the responsibilities of detectives. The tasks of a detective are analyzing crime, discovering solutions for criminal behavior, and eventually, arresting them. For this, detectives must comprehend how the criminal mind works and think of ways to eliminate crime. A college degree in criminology can provide more info regarding crime and detectives!
Prison officer
Have you heard of the Stanford prison experiment by Zimbardo? In the study, participants were assigned the roles of prisoners and prison officers. The latter carried out brutal punishments, like locking the prisoners (participants) in a room, even though it was merely an experiment. Do you want to make a difference by being an understanding prison officer? If yes, study criminology in college.
Prison officers must look after prisoners’ health and safety. For example, they must keep tabs on prisoners, conduct search procedures, etc. All in all, they play a crucial role in maintaining law and order within prisons.
Crime scene investigator
As a crime scene investigator, you must gather forensic proof from crime scenes for analysis and searching criminals. Their responsibilities are observing, compiling, and analyzing evidence. The gathered evidence helps with criminal proceedings.
What are the advantages of studying criminology theory online?
Affordability
Opting for a degree online can be much cheaper than physically attending it. Several colleges have lower costs of online degrees because students do not utilize campus facilities and resources. Hence, research college websites for college planning.
Also, students do not have to spend huge sums on accommodation, meal plans, conveyance, etc. Just imagine how much money you would end up saving!
Flexibility
One of the good aspects of an online degree is the flexibility that comes with it. Students do not have to base their lives around classes because they are online. That way they can manage other activities because classes do not have fixed timings and days.
In an online format, especially in the case of asynchronous classes, students can watch class recordings whenever they want and from wherever. Night owls can take classes at night, whereas morning people can in the morning. Doesn’t it sound convenient?
Mobility
Students can take classes from anywhere in the world with an online degree. That way they can study criminology theory in a reputable college that is far away. Moreover, online degrees let students work and travel during the semester. Students who cannot attend on-campus classes for financial reasons can avail of this option.
List of US colleges for an online criminology degree
Has the blog evoked an interest in learning about criminology theory? Are you considering pursuing an online degree in the US for criminology? If yes, below are some colleges with an online criminology degree in the US:
University of South Florida
The criminology degree at the University of South Florida helps students become successful in the professional world. Students learn about the modern urban criminal justice system and get job offers from jail and detention facilities, law enforcement agencies, cybercrime, and private sectors. Moreover, the University of South Florida offers students financial aid, student loans, grants, scholarships, and fellowships for financial ease.
Northwest Missouri State University
Northwest Missouri State University’s online criminology degree helps students learn how to tackle crime in society. Students learn to analyze crime through psychology and sociology to comprehend human behavior and thinking patterns. They also acquire critical thinking skills and info about qualitative and quantitative research methods to become familiar with justice and law.
Northwest Missouri State University graduates have become corrections officers, probation officers, and criminologists. Also, they provide scholarships, grants, loans, and employment opportunities to students from all financial backgrounds!
Arkansas State University
Criminology students at Arkansas State University learn about criminology theory in depth because they dive into the nitty gritty details of race, gender, ethnicity, and other societal aspects. Also, students learn how to prevent crime in society by studying psychology and sociology.
Courses like policing and surveillance, criminology, and independent study are taught online. Moreover, Arkansas State University provides students with scholarships, loans, grants, and work-study options!
SUNY College of Technology at Canton
Online criminology classes at the SUNY College of Technology at Canton discuss criminology theory concerning the criminal justice system. Their renowned faculty members teach courses like causes of crime, sex offenders, and serial murderers and their victims to instill concepts about the rationale for criminal activities and how to deal with them. Also, the SUNY College of Technology at Canton offers students private alternative loans, financial aid, scholarships, and even military benefits.
University of Missouri – St. Louis
Students at the University of Missouri – St. Louis learn about crime and the justice system by studying courses relevant to law, social science, criminology, public admin and corrections, etc. Theories of crime, research methods in criminology and criminal justice, and statistical analysis in criminology and criminal justice are courses. University of Missouri–St. Louis’s graduates have become a career counselor and logistics managers. Furthermore, they offer financial aid and scholarships!
Maryville University of Saint Louis
An online bachelor’s degree from the Maryville University of Saint Louis helps students learn about criminal activities and how to tackle them. They learn about law enforcement and multiple perspectives to analyze crime like psychology, sociology, biology, etc. They encourage students to intern at protective service agencies to grow professionally and personally. Also, the Maryville University of Saint Louis offers grants, loans, work-study programs, and financial aid!
Texas Tech University
Studying criminology at Texas Tech University helps students learn about crime through perspectives like race, biological and social relationships, gender, religion, etc. Their renowned faculty discusses significant criminological theories in courses like the history of the United States to 1877, language, philosophy, and culture, and the U.S. criminal justice system. Furthermore, Texas Tech University helps students financially by offering financial assistance!
Fees of US colleges with online criminology degrees
One of the perks of an online degree is the lower cost of education. However, the fees vary from university to university. Hence, students must research the tuition fees of colleges to compare and contrast among colleges.
Below is a list of US colleges offering criminology degrees online:
| College | Program tuition rate |
| University of South Florida | $211/credit (in-state) |
| Northwest Missouri State University | $320/credit |
| Arkansas State University | $276/credit |
| SUNY College of Technology at Canton | $295/credit |
| University of Missouri – St. Louis | $504/credit (in-state) |
| Maryville University of Saint Louis | $540/credit |
| Texas Tech University | $234/credit (in-state) |
Enroll in a college to learn about criminology theory!
To conclude, there are several reasons for students to opt for an online criminology degree. For instance, they can tackle criminal activities by understanding criminology theory and the human psyche. Also, students have well-paying and exciting job opportunities as criminology majors because they work with law enforcement agencies and do not have to sit in front of a PC all day.
Furthermore, online degrees help students study criminology theory from wherever in the world and whenever they want. This lets them work while studying if they cannot afford on-campus classes. So, do you want to save money and travel anywhere while earning a criminology degree? If so, consider opting for an online criminology degree from a US college like Texas Tech University!