Criminology
Master of Science
Elevate your expertise in crime and justice
What causes crime? How can we better prevent it? These are the pressing questions at the center of University of Idaho’s Master of Science (M.S.) in criminology program. You’ll gain tools to uncover the complexities of crime, victimization and justice through research, experiential learning and real-world applications with this interdisciplinary degree.
Throughout the criminology master’s degree program, you’ll explore evidence-based methods for crime prevention, analyze the social, cultural, political and economic reasons behind criminal behavior, and study the broader impacts of crime on society. Why choose U of I?
- Tailor your academic experience to align with your ambitions, whether in law enforcement, corrections, criminological research, policy analysis or advancing your education toward a doctorate.
- Take the thesis or non-thesis track depending on your academic goals.
- Collaborate with faculty members on groundbreaking research addressing topics like policing, violence, homicide and victimization, or intern with criminal justice agencies.
- Gain global perspectives through international study abroad programs.
University of Idaho also offers the M.S. in criminology program online. Designed for working professionals and remote learners, the online option allows you to study from wherever you are while gaining the same knowledge and hands-on learning opportunities the on-campus program offers.
Overview
Investigate the factors behind criminal behavior
Degree fit
U of I’s criminology master’s degree program is a good fit if you:
- Seek to understand the causes and consequences of crime and victimization.
- Want to prevent crime and improve the way justice institutions operate.
- Are interested in pursuing leadership roles in criminal justice or plan to earn a doctoral degree.
- Already work in criminal justice and want to elevate your career.
Curriculum and courses
The master’s in criminology degree is a 30-credit program that provides a deep understanding of crime and justice through a mix of core courses and electives. Whether you choose the thesis or non-thesis track, you gain critical insights and practical experience to advance your career in criminology.
The curriculum covers advanced theories of crime, data analysis and applied practices. Core courses include:
- Advanced Criminological Theory
- Criminology in Practice
- Data Analysis in Criminology
- Justice Institutions
Career outcomes
Current job openings
1,522 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and mid-career salaries
- Postsecondary Sociology Teachers • Postsecondary Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers
$82,691 - Supervisors of Police and Detectives
$121,104 - Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
$74,799 - Detectives and Criminal Investigators • Intelligence Analysts
$106,768 - Social Science Research Assistants
$51,314
* Career data provided by Lightcast.
Financial aid and scholarship opportunities
Financial aid
Paying for college can feel overwhelming, but U of I’s Financial Aid Office is here to help. Our experienced financial aid counselors can assist you in exploring financial aid options, making informed financial decisions and addressing common concerns.
For information on FAFSA deadlines, financial aid types and eligibility requirements, visit the University of Idaho Financial Aid Office website.
Plan ahead — estimate your cost of attendance with U of I’s Cost Calculator.
Clubs and involvement opportunities
Enrich your criminology education by participating in activities that connect your coursework to the real world. From engaging in hands-on experiences to building professional networks, University of Idaho’s M.S. in criminology program offers various ways to get involved and prepare for leadership roles in the future. 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
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.
Application information
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
- GPA: 3.0 (applicants with a lower GPA may be considered under specific circumstances)
- GRE: Optional but recommended
- TOEFL/IELTS: 79/6.5
- Number of references: 3
- Other requirements: One writing sample from a prior criminology-related course
Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application.