Criminology, Online Master of Science
Elevate your expertise in crime and justice online
Expand your understanding of crime, victimization, the justice system and their societal impacts through University of Idaho’s online Master of Science (M.S.) in Criminology degree program. Designed for working professionals and remote learners, this program allows you to study from wherever you are while gaining the same knowledge and hands-on learning opportunities the on-campus program offers.
A flexible criminology degree that fits your life
By completing your criminology degree online, you can balance your studies with professional and personal commitments, all while unlocking new career possibilities in criminal justice, research, policy analysis and beyond. You also build in-demand skills in crime prevention, problem-solving and crime analysis. Explore more opportunities in U of I’s criminology online master’s degree program:
- Pay in-state tuition, regardless of your location, as a full-time online student.
- Choose the thesis or non-thesis track to advance your career in criminal justice or continue your studies at the doctoral level.
- Put learning into practice through internships with law enforcement agencies, courts, probation and parole, victim services and other organizations in your local area.
- Participate in research projects with experienced faculty members in areas such as violent crime, firearms policy, law and society, crime in the media and terrorism.
Get started with the online master’s in criminology program
The online M.S. in Criminology is ideal for:
- Working professionals seeking a flexible way to advance their careers in criminal justice or related fields.
- Individuals interested in understanding and addressing social issues like crime, victimization and institutional responses to crime.
- Students interested in earning a doctoral degree in criminology.
Want to earn your criminology degree in person? Explore University of Idaho’s on-campus M.S. in Criminology program.
Go behind the scenes. University of Idaho’s online master’s in criminology degree program covers the causes and consequences of crime, the factors that influence criminal behavior and how to strengthen our justice system through a 30-credit hour, research-driven curriculum.
You’ll explore topics in criminology, electives tailored to your interests and capstone opportunities where you apply your knowledge. Our online criminology degree mirrors the academic rigor of the in-person program while offering the flexibility of remote learning.
Core criminology courses include:
- Advanced Criminological Theory
- Criminology in Practice
- Justice Institutions
- Qualitative Methods in Criminology
Graduates from University of Idaho’s criminology online program have gone on to make a difference in communities, organizations and justice systems across the country. When you earn a criminology master’s degree, you’ll have the expertise to lead in criminal justice, policy reform and community safety efforts or continue your studies in a doctoral program.
University of Idaho offers affordable tuition and the best value to students. As an online student, no matter where you live, you pay U of I’s in-state tuition rate for your online criminology master’s degree. Additionally, the College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences offers annual scholarships totaling $1.6 million. For more information about scholarships, email class@uidaho.edu.
Review university-wide scholarships and financial aid opportunities.
Even as an online student, you can get involved in student groups and other activities led by the criminology program, like virtual events, guest lectures and more, such as:
- The state of Idaho’s only Inside-Out program with the Idaho Correctional Institution – Orofino
- The “Citizen’s Police Academy” offered by the Moscow Police Department and U of I
- U of I’s Prison Education Initiative
- The Idaho Criminology Abroad program
- Research projects with your professors, including presenting at regional and national conferences
- Alpha Phi Sigma, the National Criminal Justice Honor Society, Criminology Club and Quantitative Working Group
Explore More Student Opportunities
Learn by doing: Internships
Online learning doesn’t limit your hands-on experience. You can gain practical knowledge and build your resume through internships tailored to your career goals. U of I helps connect online students to virtual and local opportunities in areas like law enforcement, corrections, juvenile justice facilities, youth services and county courts.
If you’re passionate about understanding criminal behavior and positively impacting criminal justice, take the next step by submitting your online criminology degree application. All applicants must meet the following admission requirements:
- Education Level: Bachelor's degree in criminology or a related field
- Undergraduate GPA: 3.0 (applicants with a lower GPA may be considered under specific circumstances)
- GRE: Optional but recommended
- TOEFL/IELTS (for international applicants): 79/6.5
- Number of References: Three
- Writing Sample: One writing sample from a prior criminology-related course
Learn more about how to apply to U of I’s criminology online master’s degree program.
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Have questions?
Whether you’re curious about program details, the application process or online learning, we’re here to answer your questions about University of Idaho’s online Master of Science in Criminology degree.