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CRIMINOLOGY

Explore the Social Causes and Impacts of Crime with MU’s Criminology Degree

Manchester University’s Bachelor of Science in Criminology Program immerses you in the study of crime, criminal behavior and societal responses. Our interdisciplinary approach fosters critical thinking and a deep understanding of the complex social dynamics of criminology. You’ll explore the origins and societal consequences of crime and the legal frameworks developed to combat it.

Our Criminology Program emphasizes excellence, diversity and inclusiveness, critical thinking, honesty and integrity, service, justice and community. This emphasis, along with experiential learning and a comprehensive curriculum, prepares you for a wide range of rewarding criminology and criminal justice career paths.

Working closely with our dedicated faculty, you’ll have ample opportunities to develop professional skills through engaging courses and hands-on learning. These experiences will equip you with a solid understanding of criminological theory, research methods, the criminal justice system, criminals, victims and contemporary issues in the field.

For students seeking a quicker path to the field, Manchester also offers a two-year Associate of Science in Criminology.

MU BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CRIMINOLOGY AT A GLANCE

  • Credits: 49*
  • Time to Completion: 4 years
  • Learning Environment: On-Campus
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

*The Bachelor of Science in Criminology requires 49-51 credits while the Associate of Arts in Criminology is a 2 year program requiring 27 credit hours.

49

Credits*

4

Years

Job Outlook

Learn More

Fall Session

August 2025

Learning Environment

On-campus

Accreditation

Higher Learning Commission

*The Bachelor of Science in Criminology requires 49-51 credits while the Associate of Arts in Criminology is a 2 year program requiring 27 credit hours.

Why Choose Manchester for Your Criminology Degree?

Our Criminology Program offers a robust education that integrates theory with real-world applications, providing you with the tools needed to excel in various careers in criminal justice and related fields. Our graduates are equipped with critical thinking skills and practical experience that make them competitive candidates for a variety of roles. Whether you’re interested in law enforcement, victim advocacy or further academic study, our bachelor’s in criminology provides a solid foundation for your future success.

Gain Real-World Experience for Your Career

Our degree in criminology includes several experiential learning opportunities, providing hands-on skills and experience for a broad array of criminal justice and criminology jobs. As an MU criminology major, you’ll have the chance to engage in service projects, research opportunities, study abroad programs and internships. Past internships have included placements at local police departments, the Department of Children and Family Services, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Individualize Your Criminology Learning Experience

Tailor your studies to align with your career goals and interests with our wide selection of elective courses in criminology, criminal justice and sociology. This flexibility allows you to dive deeper into specific areas like law enforcement, victim assistance and restorative justice. Additionally, our two-year criminology degree offers the same high-quality education as our bachelor’s in criminology, with a more focused curriculum to prepare you for various criminal justice and criminology jobs.

Learn from Experts in Criminology and Criminal Justice

Our experienced faculty members bring real-world insights into the classroom, providing mentorship and guidance throughout your studies. Their diverse backgrounds and expertise bridge the gap between academic learning and professional practice in a welcoming and engaging environment. They’ll help you improve your writing, oral communication and critical thinking skills while becoming more open-minded and informed about the diversity of the U.S. and other societies.

Meet your criminology program faculty and staff.

Students walk to receive their undergrad diploma. A time honored tradition before the ceremony.

What’s the Difference Between a Criminology and Criminal Justice Degree?

While both criminology and criminal justice play crucial roles in the justice system, they focus on different aspects. Criminology is a social science that studies crime, its causes and its effects on society. Criminologist jobs entail analyzing data from past crimes to help prevent future ones while considering sociological and psychological factors. Criminal justice, on the other hand, focuses on law enforcement and the legal system. Criminal justice careers include policing, corrections and the court system.

Manchester University’s criminology degree provides a broader understanding of the societal impacts of crime compared to a bachelor’s in criminal justice, preparing you for broader roles in and beyond the justice system. Our Criminology Program equips you with analytical skills and a deep knowledge of the factors influencing criminal behavior, enabling you to pursue careers in public policy, social services, research and advocacy. With a bachelor’s in criminology, you can influence change and contribute to the development of more effective crime prevention strategies and justice policies.

What Can You Do With Your Degree in Criminal Justice?

Graduates of our Criminology Program are well-prepared for diverse career and educational opportunities. The skills and knowledge our criminology degree provides open doors to numerous criminology and criminal justice career paths. Additionally, our comprehensive curriculum and experiential learning opportunities provide a strong foundation for advanced study in areas including law, criminology, criminal justice and psychology.

Career Outlook for Criminology Degree Majors

The outlook for criminology graduates is promising, with a wide range of criminal justice and criminology job options available. Careers in criminal justice and criminology offer opportunities to work in various sectors, each providing unique challenges and rewards. With MU’s bachelor’s in criminology, you can pursue roles such as:  corrections officer, detective / investigator, field investigator, forensic psychologist, graduate school in criminology, internal affairs investigator, investigative analyst, investigative reporter, law school, loss prevention officer, paralegal, police analyst, police officer, private security, probation officer or social services professional. 

An MU student gains experiential learning as a paralegal.
$101,770
Median Annual Salary

How Much Do Criminology Graduates Make?

While our bachelor’s in criminology prepares you for a wide range of career possibilities, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual salary of $74,910 for police officers and detectives, with the highest 10 percent earning more than $117,100. For criminologists, or sociologists specializing in crime, the BLS reported a median annual salary of $101,770. Pursuing a career as a criminologist typically requires a master’s degree, and Manchester’s undergraduate degree in criminology directly prepares you for advanced study in this field.

Explore Classes for Criminology Majors

Our criminology degree curriculum provides a comprehensive foundation, emphasizing research methods, sociological theory and data analysis to understand crime trends and develop prevention strategies. You’ll study a wide range of topics, including the causes and consequences of criminal behavior, the functioning of the criminal justice system and the roles of various agencies in law enforcement, corrections and the courts. Additionally, you can tailor your studies to your unique interests by choosing from several electives in areas such as juvenile justice, victimology and forensic psychology.

View all courses for our criminology degree programs.

Criminology Degree Accreditation

Manchester University is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Get Started on Your Bachelor’s in Criminology

Take the next step toward a rewarding career in criminal justice or a related field with a degree in criminology.

Degree Programs Related to Criminology

Manchester University’s Non-Discrimination Admission Policy

Manchester University is committed to non-discrimination in campus life. The University does not discriminate on the basis of national origin, ancestry, race, color, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, familial status, religion, disability or veteran status in admissions or any area of campus life, including its educational programs, scholarships and loan awards, residence life programs, athletic programs, extracurricular programs, promotion and tenure policies and practice, and alumni affairs.

Manchester University is committed to carry out the provisions of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans With Disabilities Act, which provide for accessibility of University programs to the physically disabled.