Majoring in criminology can help you become an expert on criminal activity. While completing this degree, you'll learn what factors motivate people to commit crimes and how to reduce or prevent these offenses.
With a bachelor's in criminology, you can work in corrections, law enforcement, community services, and forensic science. Your career options include detective, probation officer, crime scene investigator, and forensic science technician.
Read on to learn about the best online criminology programs, including how much you can expect to pay in tuition and the average salary you can earn after graduation.
Start Your Criminology Degree Journey Now
Best Online Criminology Programs of 2026
How We Highlight What Schools Do Best
We analyzed each school's program to identify qualities that set it apart from others on this list, prioritizing factors like affordability, degree focus, flexibility, transfer options, program type, and reputation. Based on these strengths, we assigned each school a superlative category.
Since many programs share similar offerings and outcomes, our goal is to simplify your college decision-making by highlighting the features most relevant to your needs.
We verified these schools' facts in November 2025.
Why You Should Get a Degree in Criminology
Study criminal behavior and solutions: Criminologists are experts in understanding criminal behavior and finding ways to prevent offenses and improve the justice system.
Expand your career opportunities: Earning a bachelor's in criminology can lead to several career paths, including forensics, criminal investigations, community planning, and law enforcement.
Prepare for law school: A criminology degree can give you a solid foundation if you're planning to attend law school.
Benefits of Getting a Criminology Degree Online
Our 2025 Online Education Trends Report found that 94% of online bachelor's students and graduates think earning an online degree has had or will have a positive return on investment.
A whopping 97% of online program graduates said they would recommend online education to others, highlighting the practical benefits of online learning.
Additionally, three-out-of-four online program students and graduates (75%) said an online learning environment is equal to or better than learning on campus.
How to Choose the Best Online Criminology Program for You
Before applying to an online criminology program, it's important to consider several factors like cost, length, and application requirements. You should also evaluate your career options to ensure that the degree aligns with your long-term goals. This way, you can make sure the program meets your needs and sets you up for future success.
How Much Does a Bachelor's in Criminology Cost?
Average Cost of Bachelor's in Criminology Degrees
Avg. Tuition & Fees (2020)
$12,815
Avg. Net Price (2020)
$6,144
Source: NCES PowerStats
According to theNational Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average cost of tuition and fees for a bachelor's in criminology was $12,815 in 2020. However, that price tag could drop by over $6,000 with financial aid, such as grants and scholarships or student loans.
Once you've picked your preferred criminology program, make sure to contact the school's financial aid department to ask what programs you qualify for. Also, make sure to file your Free Application for Federal Student Aid, more commonly known as FAFSA.
Find Financial Aid for Your Online Criminology Degree
How Long Does It Take to Get a Bachelor's in Criminology?
Typical # of Credits
120 Credits
Typical Program Length
4 Years
A bachelor's in criminology typically takes four years and 120 credits to complete. However, you can fast-track your education by enrolling in an accelerated program, if your preferred school offers it. And if you're changing schools or changing your major, you could try transferring relevant credits.
Many colleges also offer credits for life and work experiences. These experience-based credits are usually granted if you can demonstrate extensive experience from a previous job or professional certification, for example.
Bachelor's in Criminology Application Requirements
High school diploma or GED diploma
Minimum GPA (between 2.0 to 3.2)
What Can You Do With a Criminology Degree?
A criminology degree opens doors to careers in law enforcement, such as federal agent, detective, and probation officer. Additionally, criminology graduates can pursue roles in crime analysis, forensic science, and more.
Below are some of the most popular roles you can get with a criminology degree:
| Job | Median Annual Salary 2024 | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Forensic Science Technician | $67,440 | Collects and analyzes evidence at crime scenes and in laboratories. |
| Detective and Police Officer | $77,270 | Prevents criminal activity and solves local, state, and federal crimes. |
| Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialist | $64,520 | Helps rehabilitate people who have been charged with crimes. |
| Information Security Analyst | $124,910 | Detects cyber threats, protecting organizations from virtual security threats. |
Is an Online Bachelor's in Criminology Worth It?
A bachelor's in criminology opens the doors to numerous career paths in criminal justice and security.
The mean starting salary of criminology graduates in the class of 2023 was $45,925, according to theNational Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). Still, keep in mind that some of the lowest-paid roles — such as probation officers — still pay over $60,000 each year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
However, you could earn much more. A criminology degree can lead to high-paying job opportunities, with roles like information security analyst earning more than $120,000 per year.
Another advantage is the flexibility an online criminology program provides. These programs can be helpful, especially if you find balancing your personal life and work challenging.
However, there are some disadvantages. For example, you might need a master's or doctoral degree to qualify for specialized criminology roles, such as forensic psychologist.
Education Beyond a Bachelor's in Criminology
After earning your bachelor's in criminology, you can go on to get a master of arts (MA) or master of science (MS) in criminology. The most advanced degree would then be a Ph.D. in criminology and/or criminal justice.
These advanced degrees can create higher-paying opportunities for you in academia, law enforcement leadership, policy-making and more.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminology Degrees
While criminology and criminal justice have similarities, each field focuses on different aspects of crime. In a criminal justice program, you'll study the system and processes related to laws and the legal system. On the other hand, criminology focuses on understanding the causes and patterns of criminal behavior.
