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Designed to give students a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system, this type of program covers various topics such as forensics and criminal psychology. Students may learn how to research effectively to uncover hidden criminal backgrounds, or they could take classes on security. Each course gives students specialized knowledge on the subject of crime, from how a criminal thinks to the history of laws.
When enrolled in a Master in Criminology program, students may develop a variety of critical skills that can aid them in both their careers and personal lives. Research and analytical skills could lead to promotions and even increases in salary, while critical-thinking skills can help students on the job or at home.
The price of a master’s degree varies between schools because each one has its own tuition cost and fees. Factors such as how long the program takes to complete and whether courses are taken on campus or online may also affect the cost.
Students who hold a Master in Criminology can have access to a wider variety of interesting jobs than someone who only has a bachelor’s degree. Those with this kind of background may elect to work in law enforcement as either a police officer or a detective, or they could choose to work behind the scenes as a forensics researcher or consultant. Some may enjoy becoming lecturers and teaching the material to up-and-coming students. A background in criminology could also qualify a student to work in security.
Because universities understand that many students enrolled in a master’s program are juggling jobs and families with their education, many schools have started offering online classes to give students more flexibility. Search for your program below and contact directly the admission office of the school of your choice by filling in the lead form.
Masters in Criminology courses aim to give students an advanced critical understanding of the following:Study criminology
How and why certain types of behavior are classed as criminal (criminalization);
How societies respond and how crime is experienced by victims and society as a whole;
How crime is represented (or misrepresented) in the media and popular culture;
The control, prevention and management of criminal behavior;
How punishment is carried out in criminal justice systems.
Most Masters in Criminology degrees will be made up of a range of optional and core modules to develop your knowledge in the topics mentioned above, whilst also gaining a deeper understanding of quantitative research methods in criminology. You’ll typically be assessed by a mix of essays and exams, and the final assignment you’ll complete is likely to be a dissertation that demonstrates the research and analytical skills you’ve acquired during your degree.
Depending on where you study, your Masters in Criminology degree may be one or two years long. Although primarily based on theory, some Masters in Criminology courses combine theory with practice, particularly those which also cover criminal justice. This may involve completing a relevant work placement within the criminal justice system.
Masters In Criminology Requirements
In many ways, applying to a criminology master’s program requires similar forms and materials as undergraduate applications. Expect the most significant difference when writing essays: prompts on criminology topics where you can express your opinions and discuss your professional goals. An application may even ask you to submit a work or academic sample instead of a traditional essay.
If you apply to online programs, expect more questions concerning your professional criminology experience. Online programs may either let you skip courses or award you credit if you possess specific professional experience. Unless otherwise stated by the university, lacking this experience does not lower your admission chances.
Apply to three to five universities that represent a mix of safety and reach schools. This way, you should receive an acceptance from at least one school and start your education as soon as possible. All schools you apply to should align with your academic needs and future plans.
Prerequisites
- Bachelor’s Degree: Except in the case of dual-degree programs, you must already possess a bachelor’s degree before applying to criminology master’s programs. Most programs require a bachelor’s degree in criminology or a related field such as psychology, sociology, or history.
- Professional Experience: Although some programs appeal to applicants with professional experience, few programs require it. Professional experience makes you a more competitive applicant.
- Minimum GPA: Programs can require that applicants earned a minimum undergraduate GPA. If you possess a GPA slightly below the cutoff, the program might still accept your application if you have work experience or excellent test scores.
Admission Materials
- Application: Every program to which you apply will use a unique application. Including the time to write and polish essays, completing an application should take approximately one week.
- Transcripts: Send each program you apply to a copy of your undergraduate transcripts. As soon as possible, contact the registrar’s office at the school where you earned your bachelor’s degree and request that it send your transcripts. These requests are accompanied by a small fee.
- Letters of Recommendation: Programs typically ask for two to three letters of recommendation from college professors or work supervisors if you have professional experience. Give these people a month or more to write your letters.
- Test Scores: Even if your program does not require test scores, a good GRE score can set you apart from other applicants.
- Application Fee: Graduate programs charge more for applications than undergraduate programs. Expect to pay $100 per application you submit. Some universities provide fee waivers to students with demonstrated financial need.
What Can You Do With A Masters In Criminology
Criminology master’s programs boast coursework specializations, which allow students to focus their studies toward specific career goals. In the table below, learn about five popular concentrations and the career paths associated with each.
CONCENTRATION | DESCRIPTION | CAREERS |
---|---|---|
Global Criminology | This concentration instructs students on the latest global crime trends. Courses in this concentration include international human rights, policing in global contexts, and cyber forensics. Graduates help law enforcement agencies combat international crime such as mail fraud and crimes committed over the internet. | Adviser, postsecondary teacher, policy maker |
Criminal Behavior | Criminal behavior instructs students on criminals’ motivations, psychology, and backgrounds. Students take courses about the relationship between violence and crime, interviewing, and interpreting witness testimony. Graduates often assist law enforcement agencies in creating a criminal profile in response to one or more heinous crimes. | Criminal profiler, adviser, consultant |
Conflict Management | Crimes often involve conflicts such as hostage situations. Conflict management specialists use their expertise to bring these incidents to peaceful resolutions. In conflict management courses, students learn crisis negotiation fundamentals and crisis management techniques. This concentration appeals to students who already work as police officers or those planning to work for a law enforcement agency. | Hostage negotiator, crisis negotiator |
Victimology | Victimologists research how people change as the result of a crime happening to them. Students in this concentration learn compassionate interviewing skills, the psychology of victimhood, and advanced research skills they need to convey their findings to lawmakers and other stakeholders. Students with a bachelor’s in psychology tend to excel in victimology. | Victimologist, lobbyist, consultant |
Law and Society | Law and society appeals to students who plan to go into research careers. The concentration stresses research skills and the latest developments in the criminology field. Students who select this or a similar concentration should expect to write a thesis as part of their master’s programs. Many graduates go on to complete a criminology doctorate. | Postsecondary teacher, policy adviser, crime analyst |