What are the top criminology master’s programs in the USA?

Key takeaways

• Finding the top criminology master’s program can be overwhelming as there are several exceptional programs offered by US colleges and universities. 
• A master’s degree can lead to enhanced career opportunities in leadership roles. 
• Education Pays, a report by BLS, states that master’s degree holders earn more than bachelor’s degree holders and have lower unemployment rates. 
• University of California Irvine offers a two-year program in criminology, law, and society and is one of the best master’s in criminology in the United States. 
• Michigan State University offers a master’s in Criminal Justice, which is an excellent option for students who want a career in criminology but also want to keep their options open. 
• Other universities offering excellent master’s programs in criminology are Florida State University, San Jose State University, University of Central Missouri, and more. 

America is among the most sought-after study destinations, especially when it comes to college education. When it comes to fields such as criminology and criminal justice, the educational institutions in the country have much to offer. As a leader in criminology research, aspiring professionals get the chance to learn from industry leaders and renowned professionals and develop unparalleled expertise in the field. 

In this guide, we bring to you a list of the top criminology master’s programs in the USA. Here, you will find some of the top-ranked programs and list of career opportunities you can explore with a master’s degree in criminology. 

List of the top criminology master’s programs in the USA

Criminology is an interesting field involving the study of criminal behavior, criminals, their motivations behind their crimes, and factors contributing to the development of a criminal mindset. The program studies the criminal mindset not only from a psychological perspective but also from a societal and anthropological perspective, combining both social and behavioral sciences. 

At the bachelor’s level, you develop a comprehensive understanding of the field and gain knowledge and skills needed for entry-level roles in the field. Additionally, you can pursue a specialization of your choice to build skills relevant to your career aspirations. However, if you want to advance your career and be considered for managerial roles, a higher qualification such as a master’s program is essential. Here is a list of some of the best criminology master’s programs in the US. 

Arizona State University 

Arizona State University is among the USA’s top universities, ranking highly for a number of programs. Its criminology program is no exception. Moreover, its criminology program is ranked among the top 10 by leading education reviewing sites, including US News and World Report. The ASU offers a Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice that is taught by industry professionals with significant achievements under their belt. 

The program is specifically designed to provide industry professionals with high-level understanding of the empirical and theoretical concepts on criminology and criminal justice. Moreover, you will build strong research skills preparing students for a successful career in the field. Graduates will be well-versed in statistical analysis, Policy analysis, project management, program planning, and more. 

Another great advantage of pursuing an MS in Criminology at ASU is that the university allows you to pursue concurrent programs. Additionally, you can choose a Public Administration or a Public Policy program and pursue two degrees simultaneously, customizing your learning experience. What makes it even better is that you can seek the help of educational advisors present on campus to make a decision that suits your career aspirations. 

Florida State University

Florida State University offers a 1 year master’s in criminology and criminal justice specifically designed for professionals wanting to expand their career opportunities to leadership roles. The program features an extensive curriculum focusing on building professional skills and expertise. Moreover, students must complete an internship, along with other experiential learning requirements. Through the program, you will gain theoretical knowledge and build professional work experience together. 

Moreover, the program is among the top research programs in the country, known for combining research, policy, and practice in the classroom. FSU’s Criminology and Criminal Justice program’s academic excellence is visible in the numerous awards and international recognition the program has received over the years. 

If you want to learn from faculty with expertise in research and publication, this is the field for you. Being one of the top colleges for criminology, it is ideal for those who want to excel in the field and go on to take leadership roles in law enforcement agencies, courts, corrections institutions, research institutions, and more. 

San Jose State University

Whether you are an international student or someone who wishes to pursue international job opportunities in the field of criminology, San Jose University offers the ideal program for you. The university offers a Master of Science in Global Criminology with the option to pursue a concentration in criminology. The program features an extensive curriculum covering global criminals and crime, offering you a chance to expand your horizons. 

Through the program, you will learn the differences and similarities in criminals carrying out the same crime but in different countries. Additionally, you will be able to better understand what kind of factors influence criminal minds and if there are any that transgress cultures and international boundaries. Moreover, with the knowledge gained from the program, you will be able to make a difference globally, helping solve cases and devise strategies to prevent crime. 

University of Central Missouri

The University of Central Missouri offers an MS in Criminal Justice and Criminology program that students can also pursue as an accelerated program in combination with your bachelor’s. The program features 30 units and is available completely online. It is ideal for those who want to pursue an advanced degree with full-time employment. 

Through the program, you will develop in-depth theoretical knowledge and professional skills needed for career advancement in the field of criminology. Here, you will learn about the criminal justice system, criminal justice administration, modern issues, and more. The program’s strengths is its hands-on learning approach which forces students to not only to develop an understanding of pressing issues, but also find functional solutions. 

If you want a program that focuses on developing critical thinking and analytical skills as well as enhancing problem-solving abilities, this is the ideal choice for you. Moreover, the flexibility and convenience offered by the University of Central Missouri are unparalleled, making it one of the best programs in the USA.

Michigan State University

Michigan State University offers an MS in Criminal Justice program that focuses on understanding crime, its causation, behaviors, ethics, and more in combination with criminal justice administration and policy management. Thus, it is the ideal program for those who want leadership roles in crime management, emergency management, criminal investigation, and more. 

The program curriculum focuses on enabling students to develop and apply analytical skills to prevalent crime issues. Moreover, you will learn statistical analysis, research methods, pattern identification, and other techniques that will enable you to better understand and highlight issues and factors that may lead to criminal behavior. 

Even though it is not a criminology program, with an MS in criminal justice from Michigan State University, you can explore several jobs in criminology and even obtain leadership roles in the field. 

University of California Irvine

The University of California, Irvine offers a Master of Advanced Study in Criminology, Law, and Society. If you are looking for a program that will significantly enhance the career opportunities available to you, this is the one for you. It is designed to help graduates secure top-tier positions in various segments within the criminology and criminal justice landscape. You can easily secure leadership positions in law enforcement, criminal justice administration, corrections, parole, social work, and so on. 

What makes it even better is that it is an asynchronous online program providing students with the utmost flexibility and convenience. They can take their classes at any time from anywhere. Here, you get the opportunity to learn from esteemed industry leaders. Renowned names include the former president of the American Society of Criminology. 

MAS in Criminology, Law, and Society at UCI is a longer program featuring 52 credit hours, taking about 2 years to complete. However, the program’s comprehensive curriculum is the reason why it is one of the best master’s in criminology that you can pursue in the USA.

Take your career forward with the best criminology master’s programs!

An advanced degree makes you eligible for leadership roles and increases your earning potential and job security. These findings are published in a report titled Education Pays by the United Bureau of Labor Statistics. So, if you want to lead a successful and financially rewarding career in criminology, then opt for one of the top criminal justice master’s programs in the US. 

However, if you want to go into the research side of criminology search for the top criminal justice PhD programs. You can become an industry expert with a doctorate. A master’s degree is ideal for those who want to seek roles in law enforcement agencies, courts, corrections, and other similar organizations. They can choose from our list of the best masters in criminology to give their career the boost they need.