10 Best Criminology Schools in the World

Are you passionate about making a lasting impact in your society in the area of safety through the combination of criminality? A degree in criminology from any of the Best Criminology Schools in the World can really go a long way in helping you. These best schools with criminology majors can help you build a lasting career in criminology.

Criminology encompasses the scientific study of criminal activities and laws. It gives students that opportunity to know the reasons behind crimes, how to curtail crimes, and insight into the criminal justice system.

Interestingly, there are some schools that offer criminology degree courses in the world.

Note, these schools with criminology majors are top-notch in the world in the area of the courses they provide, conducive learning environment, tuition fees, and acceptance rate.

Now, this will interest you the more….!

I have put down here a comprehensive list of the 10 best criminology schools in the world that offers criminology degree courses and programs at different levels.

This list is ranked based on the school’s number of programs, acceptance rate, graduation rate, and employability rate. And also, they are arranged in no order.

List of Schools of Criminology Majors

  • University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 
  • University at Albany–SUNY
  • Griffith University, Australia 
  • The University of Sydney, Institute of Criminology
  • Victoria University of Wellington, School of Social and Cultural Studies 
  • The University of Hong Kong, Centre for Criminology
  • The University of Florida, Gainesville, FLA 
  • The University of Leicester, Department of Criminology
  • The College of New Jersey, School of Criminology
  • University of Maryland–College Park

Before we explore these schools, let’s get a deep insight into what Criminology is and why you should study it. While reading this article, you will find answers to the questions below:

  • What is criminology?
  • Why should I study criminology?
  • What can I do with a degree in criminology?

Now, let’s go…

What Is criminology?

According to detectiveedu.org, Criminology is the scientific study of the causes of crime, the criminals involved, and its social impact.

Hence, Criminologists study criminology in an attempt to understand better what motivates the criminal to act in a criminal manner. Their work is generally focused on the study of:

  • Theories explaining illegal and/or deviant behavior
  • The social reaction to crime
  • Political terrain of social control
  • The effectiveness of anti-crime policies
  • Criminals
  • Crime victims

Food Science goes beyond what to eat or what not to eat. Food Science studies food’s nature, best processing, and preservation methods. Here is a list of the 10 Best Schools for Food Science in the World

Why Should I Study Criminology?

Are you really concerned about the rate of criminal activities in your society and want to help curb it? If yes, then you need to take a program in criminology.

Meanwhile, You will agree with me that crime is one plague that cannot be totally eradicated in society.

And according to research, the possibility of getting a society with no crime is ZERO. So the only remedy is to curtail and manage it lawfully.

However, studying criminology at any of the best schools with criminology majors gives you in-depth knowledge about the causes of crime.

Moreso, it will provide you with analytical answers to some professional crime questions. Additionally, it helps you cope in a society where crime exists.

A criminology degree is a pathway to a successful career in different law enforcement organizations and governmental agencies.

What Can I Do With A Degree In Criminology?

A lot! With a degree in criminology, you would have a whole lot of high-paying opportunities out there that you can fit into.

Although I didn’t put down a comprehensive list of all the numerous opportunities, the following below will give you a hint of the series of opportunities you have once you graduate or decides to take up a career in criminology.

  • Forensic Psychology
  • Private Investigate
  • Forensic Accounting and Fraud Investigation
  • Crime Scene Investigation
  • Social Work and Victimology

Now, let’s go on to list the best schools that offer criminology in the world.

#1. University of Pennsylvania

Acceptance Rate: 9%

Graduation Rate: 96%

Employability Index: 91%

The U of Pennsylvania is one of the best criminology schools in the US that offers top-notch programs to both international students and US Citizens.

However, it is renowned for its rich academic history and comprehensive education system. Note that the school’s criminology programs allow students to better understand the causes of criminal behavior.

Moreso, the University provides scholarship opportunities to students who are passionate about building a career in criminology. These scholarships cover a larger percentage of their tuition fees, and other expenses will be taken care of.

However, below are the courses offered by the Department of Criminology

The University of Pennsylvania ranked 13th in the QS World University Rankings 2014-15 and 16 in the Times University World Rankings 2014-15.

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#2. University of Florida

Acceptance Rate: 42%

Graduation Rate: 88%

Employability Index: 92%

The U of Florida is one of the best criminology schools in the US. Its ability to provide a standard educational system for both citizens and international students through an innovative curriculum made it famous.

However, this is among the US best schools with criminology majors. Interestingly, it provides undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. degree programs in criminology, sociology, and law.

At U of F, students are equipped with in-depth knowledge and understanding of the criminal law system in addition to the psychological aspects of crime.

Furthermore, scholarships are awarded to some citizens and international students, but you must work for some weeks before you can be entailed for it.

Note that the department offers graduate study in Criminology, Law, and Society (CLS), leading to an M.A. degree. And also a Ph.D. degree, and a joint M.A./J.D. degree.

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#3. The University of Sydney, Institute of Criminology 

Next on our list of best criminology schools in the world is the University of Sydney. The Sydney Criminology Institute is one of the best schools that offer a degree in criminology.

The school specializes in criminal justice, criminology, and criminal law courses.

Moreso, the institute offers the following programs; a master’s degree and a postgraduate diploma in criminology and general and vocational education.

Furthermore, six solid teachings and research experiences are been provided under criminology. This gives students the opportunity to work with leaders in the criminology field when writing projects.

The Criminology Institute offers extensive experience in the teaching and research of criminology, and students have the opportunity to collaborate with leaders in this field to complete their education and projects.

Interestingly, not only do they offer teaching and research opportunities and award over 700 scholarship programs to national and international students.

Also, there are prizes, financial grants, scholarships for graduate students, and even tips that can serve as Practical Tips On How to Pay Off Your Student Loans very fast.

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#4. The University of Hong Kong, Centre for Criminology

Acceptance Rate: 10%

Graduation Rate: 96%

Employability Index: 91%

Established in the 21st century, the University of Hong Kong, Centre for Criminology is one of the top-rated criminology schools in the world.

This center of learning provides exceptional educational services which aim at encouraging the development of crime-related research, criminal education, and justice policy in the Asian region.

Moreover, this criminology program focuses on transferring education in crime prevention and investigation.

The center covers a wide range of topics and experiences, and introductory courses are offered that cover theories and concepts used in criminology and crime prevention.

In addition to that, the center of criminology provides a home for coordinated and indigenous studies of crime and criminal justice in Hong Kong.

The University of Hong Kong offers merit-based scholarships to national and international students who cannot pay through school.

According to QS World University Rankings, the University of Hong Kong ranked 28 in the 2014-15 and 43 in the Times University Global Rankings 2014-15.

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#5. The University of Leicester, Department of Criminology

Acceptance Rate: 71%

Graduation Rate: 97%

Employability Index: 95%

The University of Leicester is one of the top criminology schools in the United Kingdom and among the best schools with criminology majors.

Basically, this criminology school, right from its inception, provides students with global education in criminal justice and criminology.

Being an exceptional academic haven, they never fail to provide a standard basis for learning, teaching, and research.

The school offers the following criminology programs;

  • Criminology in MSc
  • Crime, Justice, and Psychology MSc,
  • Terrorism, Security and Policing MSc
  • Criminology in Practice MSc
  • Criminology Ph.D. and MPhil.

It is important to note that the school provides opportunities in the form of grants and scholarship programs at the MSc and undergraduate levels to help national and international students.

Also, specific loans and awards are available for EU students who wish to obtain a degree in criminology in the criminology department.

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Interestingly, you can also check out this list of the 13 Best Schools For English Majors In The World.

#6. Griffith University

Griffith University, founded in 1975, is one of the largest and fastest-growing communities of criminology and criminal justice scholars and is among the best schools with criminology majors. 

Located in the Asia Pacific region, Griffith is known for its exceptional, innovative curricula. Additionally, they provide research opportunities that create a platform whereby, answers and solutions to universal problems are provided.

The University offers postgraduate courses in criminology and crime prevention that are conceived based on the global challenges of society and the welfare of society.

The courses allow students to understand the factors of early intervention and prevent defects and social crimes.

In addition, they offer scholarship opportunities to international students pursuing degree programs in criminology.

The following are the programs offered.

  • Diploma in criminology and criminal justice
  • Postgraduate programs in criminology
  • MSc in Criminology and Criminal Justice

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#7. Victoria University of Wellington, School of Social and Cultural Studies 

Acceptance Rate: 9%

Graduation Rate: 84%

Employability Index: 70%

Next on our list is the Victoria University of Wellington. The Victoria University School of Social and Cultural Studies is one of the best schools with criminology majors in New Zealand.

Basically, the school focuses on research and educational strengths for sociology, social policy, cultural anthropology, and criminology.

Moreso, the Faculty of Social Sciences and Cultural Studies teach criminology and its dimensions. Also, it analyzes crime processes and how it works in society.

Like every other school on our list, the school provides national and international students with scholarship opportunities to aid them in pursuing their careers.

And even after graduation, you can work as a researcher or analyst at a government agency like the Ministry of Justice, or the Department of Corrections.

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#8. University of Maryland

Acceptance Rate:43%

Graduation Rate: 85%

Employability Index: 93%

The University of Maryland is one of the best criminology schools in the US. Located between Washington, DC, and Baltimore, The University of Maryland is a public institution established in 1856.

The University of Maryland’s Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice offers both undergraduate and graduate programs in criminology. These programs are open to both national and international students.

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See also 10 Best Schools for Creative Writing in the World

#9. The College of New Jersey, School of Criminology

Acceptance Rate: 49%

Graduation Rate:87%

Employability Index: 93%

The College of New Jersey is one of the best schools that offer criminology programs in the world. The school is located in Trenton and was first founded as a teacher’s college.

The College of New Jersey Department of criminology offers a BA in Criminology, Criminology Minor, and a Quantitative Criminology Minor.

Furthermore, the school will help you gain a wider understanding of the social science behind criminology. And also, equip you with the practical skills needed in research methodology and data analysis.

In addition, the school runs programs like Policing Civil Societies, Judicature, Penology, Criminal Law, and Procedure.

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Best Criminology Schools FAQs

What is criminology?

Criminology is the scientific study of the causes of crime, the criminals involved, and its social impact. Hence, criminologists study criminology in an attempt to better understand what motivates the criminal to act in a criminal manner.

What can criminologists do?

With a degree in criminology you get the following opportunities;
Forensic Psychology
Private Investigate
Forensic Accounting and Fraud Investigation
Crime Scene Investigation
Social Work and Victimology

What are the best criminology schools?

These are the best criminology schools in the world;
University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 
University at Albany–SUNY
Griffith University, Australia 
The University of Sydney, Institute of Criminology
Victoria University of Wellington, School of Social and Cultural Studies 
The University of Hong Kong, Centre for Criminology
The University of Florida, Gainesville, FLA 

Conclusion

These are some of the best criminology schools. So if you have an interest in criminology, you can send your applications to any of these institutions.

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