100% Online Masters Degree in Criminology Program
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Crime will always be something society must contend with, and we must train the dedicated few who commit to preventing crime and bringing criminals to justice. There’s a whole world of options when it comes to diving into criminal justice, so there is no perfect path that can suit just about anybody. However, the right education and experience will probably help you get there and find you well on your way to landing a dream job with your Masters in Criminology.
The criminal justice field continues to expand, and there will always be a need for highly trained workers and criminology degree jobs. If you’re interested in a law enforcement degree, or even the study of the criminal mind and behaviors, you can either elect to study criminal justice broadly, or you can choose to enroll in a criminology degree program. Both educational paths are different in many ways, but specializing in criminology can be an incredibly rewarding pursuit.
After receiving an education in criminology, graduates will look attractive to prospective employers both inside and outside of the criminal justice industry with critical thinking, analytical and communications skills. Overall, the skills that are developed in studying criminology include a working knowledge of the science itself, but graduates should also have refined skills in producing and evaluating evidence, making reasoned arguments, and be able to make informed judgments with respect for ethics.
What exactly is Criminology?
Criminology falls under the umbrella of sociology, but it also relies on teachings and research from other fields of study such as of biology, statistics, economics, and anthropology. There are several sub-groups of study within criminology like feminist criminology, biosocial criminology, and so on.
100% Online Criminology Masters Program at West Liberty University
The Master of Science in Criminology, a fully online program, will provide a needed educational opportunity for three distinct groups:
- those wishing to further their education and pursue a doctorate in Criminology/Criminal Justice or related fields.
- criminal justice practitioners already working in the field who have previously completed their bachelor’s degree and are seeking advancement in their respective criminal justice occupational fields; and
- non-traditional and traditional students seeking to complete a master’s degree in criminal justice.
These occupational fields of criminology include corrections, law enforcement, and court-related services such as probation, parole, and rehabilitation, all of which are critical to this region, the state, and our nation.
Students will select from one of two possible tracks: law enforcement or corrections/courts.
Applications to the online Criminology Masters Degree Program are due by July 1st for the fall semester and by November 1st for the spring semester. Applications submitted after the due dates will be considered, but admission to MS CRIM cannot be guaranteed. Application submission does not guarantee acceptance into the program and students are urged to apply early. Students must first complete the Graduate Application for Admission online to be considered for admission to the MS Criminology program. All applicants must provide a complete application file which contains the following items (Click here for requirements)
The need for Criminal Justice professionals is always going to exist. The fields of Criminology will continue to grow, as there will always be a need for individuals to supervise, treat, counsel and arrest those who violate the law.
Criminology Employment Opportunities | Education Requirements | Percent Job Growth* |
Crime Scene Examiner | Bachelor degree and experience or master degree required for professional growth and promotion | 20% |
Detectives | Bachelor degree and experience or master degree required for professional growth and promotion | 10% |
Correctional Officer | Post-secondary education required. The correctional industry is one of the more accelerated fields for upward and professional growth. | 9% |
Probation Officer | Bachelor degree and experience or master degree required for professional growth and promotion | 19% |
Private Investigator | Requirements vary by state | 22% |
Paralegal & Court Reporters | Bachelor degree required by most employers, graduate education or terminal degree preferred | 28% |
Lawyers | Bachelor degree/master degree and law school requirements | 13% |
Gaming and Surveillance | Bachelor degree and experience or master degree required for professional growth and promotion | 14% |
Policing/Police Officers | Bachelor degree and experience or master degree required for professional growth and promotion | 10% |
*Statistics compiled on projected growth by year-end 2018 (BJS)