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 ÷ÈÓ°Ö±²¥â€™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.
÷ÈÓ°Ö±²¥ 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
This program could be a good fit if you:
- Enjoy working with numbers.
- Like to solve problems and puzzles.
- Have a strong work ethic.
- Are detail-oriented.
- Like working with technology.
- Want broad career pathways.
Career outcomes
Current job openings
1,522 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and starting salaries
- Postsecondary Sociology Teachers • Postsecondary Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers
$48,689 - Supervisors of Police and Detectives
$93,651 - Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
$60,273 - Detectives and Criminal Investigators • Intelligence Analysts
$79,818 - Social Science Research Assistants
$40,241
* Career data provided by
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 ÷ÈÓ°Ö±²¥ Financial Aid Office website.
Plan ahead — estimate your cost of attendance with U of I’s Cost Calculator.
Clubs and involvement opportunities
Hands-on learning
You have many hands-on learning opportunities to ensure your readiness for the real business world as an accounting student. These interactive programs give you practical experience and business know-how that will set you apart.
Accounting hands-on learning opportunities include:
- Barker Review Group: Serve as the officials and account review team for the Barker Trading Competition.
- U of I Internal Controls Review: Work with the U of I controller’s office to review the internal controls over the cash receipting process of university decentralized units.
- Volunteer Income Taxation Assistance (VITA): Prepare tax returns for low-income individuals.
Application information
Applicants for the Master's in Accountancy program must meet the following admission requirements:
- Education level: Bachelor's
- GPA: 3.0
- GRE: No
- TOEFL/IELTS: 88/6.5
- Number of references: 3
- Other requirements: No
Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application.