Online BA in Criminology Degree
Become an Agent of Change with a Criminology Degree from Carlow
Develop as a compassionate, ethical leader in criminal justice with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology from Carlow University. The program provides foundational knowledge of the criminal justice system, emphasizing how trauma and mental health intersect with criminal behavior.
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- Duration 4 years
- Cost per Credit $495
- Credit Hours 120
Program Benefits
- Psychology and Social Justice-Focused Curriculum
- Internship Opportunities Available
- Supportive, Expert Faculty
- Accelerated Graduate Track Options Available
- 100 Percent Online
Make a Lasting Impact in the Evolving World of Criminology
When you choose to pursue a criminology major at Carlow University, you begin your journey to becoming an impactful professional ready to lead in today’s evolving field of criminology. Carlow’s criminology degree equips you with the tools to advocate for meaningful change and pursue a career in criminal justice, health services, or related fields.
Our cross-disciplinary approach explores crime, offenders, victims, and the systems—agencies, laws, and policies—that shape the criminal justice landscape. With guidance from experienced, supportive faculty, you’ll gain real-world preparation through internships that position you for success in roles like probation officer, substance use counselor, or corrections officer.
You have the opportunity to take up to 12 credits of graduate-level coursework while earning your BA in Criminology, saving time and money if you wish to pursue a graduate degree in psychology, counseling, social work or Carlow’s Master of Science in Fraud and Forensics.
The BA in Criminology program is also available on campus.
Curriculum
As a criminology major, you’ll benefit from an interactive online classroom environment and caring faculty. Small class sizes ensure you receive personalized attention while exploring the full potential of your criminology degree through our robust, interdisciplinary curriculum.
Explore CurriculumProgram Outcomes
- Work in criminal justice settings.
- Understand the intersection of environmental and intrinsic qualities that increase criminal behaviors and aggression.
- Apply techniques relevant to mental health assessment, competency evaluations, and environmental planning to better advocate for those impacted by the criminal justice system.
- Explore how poverty influences criminal behavior and assess initiatives aimed at prevention through early intervention and community support.
- Analyze the research on dangerousness and consider how antisocial personality traits, psychopathy and impulse control issues can affect rehabilitation outcomes in those who have been incarcerated.
- Examine policy decisions that have shaped the U.S. criminal justice system and assess key trends expected over the next 10–15 years.
- Interpret statistical data accurately and apply the structures and ethical guidelines of social science research.
Career Outlook
Graduates with a criminology degree are uniquely positioned to drive positive change in their communities and beyond. Carlow graduates are prepared to meet growing workforce needs in social services, criminal justice, and healthcare—fields that demand compassion, critical thinking, and ethical leadership.
Explore CareersAdmissions Requirements
To apply for the online criminology degree program at Carlow, you’ll need:
- A completed online application.
- Official transcripts.
- A cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
Tuition Details
The online criminology major at Carlow consists of 120 credit hours and costs $495 per credit hour for adult learners. You can transfer up to 90 credits into the program, meaning you could graduate with as few as 30 credits from Carlow.
Our team is committed to making your education affordable. We’re here to provide any help you need as you pursue your bachelor’s degree in our program.
View Tuition DetailsFaculty
Our responsive faculty and supportive community care deeply for students and work hard to help you meet your goals. With the assistance of a dedicated program-level faculty adviser, you’ll prepare to launch your career in criminology.
Meet Our FacultyWhen you join the Carlow family, you get an experienced and compassionate team dedicated to your personal and professional growth. Online learning at Carlow offers the flexibility you need while connecting you to a vibrant, close-knit and supportive community of instructors and learners.
Discover Carlow OnlineWe understand that pursuing higher education is an investment. Carlow’s staff is always available to answer questions and connect you to resources for loans, grants, scholarships and employer benefits.
Find Out MoreFrequently Asked Questions
Explore our frequently asked questions for in-depth answers. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, reach out to us.
Yes, the BA in Criminology program is available on campus.
The number of eligible transfer credits accepted depends on the online degree you choose.
- BA in Psychology: Transfer up to 90 eligible credits
- BA in Criminology: Transfer up to 90 eligible credits
- MA in Psychology: Transfer up to 9 eligible credits
You can complete the BA in Psychology in as little as one year, depending on transfer credits accepted. On average, this program takes 3-4 years to complete.
The BA in Criminology and BA in Psychology can be completed in as few as three years if you meet the admissions requirements for the three-year program plan.
Complete the MA in Psychology in as few as four semesters (including one summer).