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Culture, Society & Justice

Physical Address:
Student Health Center, 3rd Floor

Mailing Address:
Culture, Society & Justice Department
¹û¶³´«Ã½Â鶹Éç
875 Perimeter Drive MS 4207
Moscow, ID 83844-4207

Physical Address:
101 Phinney Hall

Mailing Address:
Culture, Society & Justice Department
¹û¶³´«Ã½Â鶹Éç
875 Perimeter Drive MS 1110
Moscow, ID 83844-1110

Physical Address:
404 Sweet Avenue

Mailing Address:
Asian American Comparative Collection
¹û¶³´«Ã½Â鶹Éç
875 Perimeter Drive MS 1111
Moscow, Idaho 83844-1111

Phone: 208-885-7075

Web: aacc

Faculty and Staff

Criminology, Master of Science

Career

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Investigate the factors behind criminal behavior

What causes crime? How can we better prevent it? These are the pressing questions at the center of ¹û¶³´«Ã½Â鶹Éç’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.

Graduate ready to shape a safer society

Throughout the criminology master’s degree program, you 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 on groundbreaking research addressing topics on policing, violence, homicide and victimization, or intern with criminal justice agencies.
  • Gain global perspectives through international study abroad programs.

¹û¶³´«Ã½Â鶹Éç also offers the M.S. in Criminology program online — learn more about earning your criminology master’s degree online.

Your path to advancement in criminology

U of I’s criminology master’s degree program is a good fit if you:

  • Seek to understand the causes and consequences of crime and victimization. 
  • Want to prevent crime and improve the way justice institutions operate. 
  • Are interested in pursuing leadership roles in criminal justice or plan to earn a doctoral degree. 
  • Already work in criminal justice and want to elevate your career.

The master’s in criminology degree is a 30-credit program that provides a deep understanding of crime and justice through a mix of core courses and electives. Whether you choose the thesis or non-thesis track, you gain critical insights and practical experience to advance your career in criminology.

The curriculum covers advanced theories of crime, data analysis and applied practices. Core courses include:

  • Advanced Criminological Theory
  • Criminology in Practice
  • Data Analysis in Criminology
  • Justice Institutions

Become an in-demand expert in the field of criminal justice. An M.S. in Criminology from U of I positions you to succeed in a range of influential roles and enhances your ability to address complex societal challenges, shape policy and contribute to growing criminological knowledge.

Connect With Career Services »

Enrich your criminology education by participating in activities that connect your coursework to the real world. From engaging in hands-on experiences to building professional networks, ¹û¶³´«Ã½Â鶹Éç’s M.S. in Criminology program offers various ways to get involved and prepare for leadership roles in the future.

  • Participate in Idaho’s only Inside-Out program with the Idaho Correctional Institution–Orofino.
  • Collaborate with the Moscow Police Department in our jointly run “Citizen’s Police Academy” and “Police Cadet Program.”
  • Support U of I’s Prison Education Initiative.
  • Attend the Idaho Criminology Abroad spring break experience to explore international justice systems.
  • Work directly with your professors on research projects that address critical issues in criminology and present your findings at regional and national conferences.
  • Join Alpha Phi Sigma, the National Criminal Justice Honor Society, or participate in department organizations like the Criminology Club.

Discover All Student Opportunities »

Hands-on internships

At ¹û¶³´«Ã½Â鶹Éç, over 75% of criminology students gain real-world experience through internships or experiential learning projects. Put theory into practice and explore different career paths in criminology and criminal justice through these immersive opportunities. Our partners include:

  • Alternatives to Violence of the Palouse
  • Idaho Department of Corrections
  • Idaho Courts
  • Idaho Fish and Game
  • Idaho State Police
  • Latah County Probation
  • Latah County Youth Services
  • Moscow Police Department

Whether you're assisting law enforcement, providing community support or analyzing data, internships prepare you to step confidently into your career.

Embark on your journey toward a master’s in criminology degree. U of I seeks students with a strong academic background and a commitment to solving criminal justice issues for the greater good. You must meet the following admission requirements to apply:

  • Education level: Bachelor's degree in criminology or a related field
  • Undergraduate GPA: 3.0 (applicants with a lower GPA may be considered under specific circumstances)
  • GRE: Optional but recommended
  • TOEFL/IELTS (for international applicants): 79/6.5
  • Number of references: Three
  • Writing sample: One writing sample from a prior criminology-related course

Review the entire application process for the M.S. in Criminology degree program.

Ready to apply?

Request more information about criminology

Have questions?

Dedicate yourself to advancing justice with ¹û¶³´«Ã½Â鶹Éç’s Master of Science in Criminology degree program. Our team is here to answer your questions and assist you through the application process.

Culture, Society & Justice

Physical Address:
Student Health Center, 3rd Floor

Mailing Address:
Culture, Society & Justice Department
¹û¶³´«Ã½Â鶹Éç
875 Perimeter Drive MS 4207
Moscow, ID 83844-4207

Physical Address:
101 Phinney Hall

Mailing Address:
Culture, Society & Justice Department
¹û¶³´«Ã½Â鶹Éç
875 Perimeter Drive MS 1110
Moscow, ID 83844-1110

Physical Address:
404 Sweet Avenue

Mailing Address:
Asian American Comparative Collection
¹û¶³´«Ã½Â鶹Éç
875 Perimeter Drive MS 1111
Moscow, Idaho 83844-1111

Phone: 208-885-7075

Web: aacc

Faculty and Staff