Top Criminology Schools (US)

The field of criminology in the United States continues to evolve as it tackles complex issues surrounding crime, law enforcement, justice policies, and rehabilitation. With increasing public and scholarly attention on criminal justice systems, the need for well-trained criminologists is more critical than ever. According to the US News & World Report Graduate Schools rankings in 2010, several schools across the nation stand out for their exceptional criminology programs. The University of Maryland—College Park was ranked as the top criminology school in the United States, followed by the University at Albany—SUNY in second, and the University of Cincinnati in third.

The University of Maryland’s Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice (CCJS) is regarded as the leading institution in criminology studies. It has maintained its top ranking largely due to its comprehensive academic offerings, research opportunities, and faculty expertise. The department offers a variety of graduate programs, including a traditional Master of Arts (M.A.), a professional M.A. for those looking to work in the field while studying, a joint M.A./J.D. program for students interested in law, and a rigorous Ph.D. program for those pursuing advanced research and teaching careers. The department’s reputation is bolstered by its research, which explores critical criminology issues, including social justice, policy analysis, law enforcement practices, and corrections. Its faculty are highly regarded in their fields, frequently publishing influential papers that impact both academic literature and real-world policy.

The University of Maryland’s criminology department is also renowned for its robust interdisciplinary approach. It offers courses and collaborations across various fields such as sociology, political science, public policy, and law, enabling students to gain a broader understanding of the social systems at play within the criminal justice system. Maryland’s faculty not only excel in research but also emphasize preparing students for practical roles in the field, creating a balanced curriculum that blends theoretical knowledge with real-world application. This integration of practical training and research makes the University of Maryland a highly attractive choice for prospective criminology students.

In second place is the University at Albany—SUNY, which has long been a powerhouse in criminology education. The School of Criminal Justice at Albany has consistently ranked among the best criminology schools in the country. The university offers both a Master of Arts (M.A.) and a Doctorate degree in Criminal Justice, programs that are highly regarded for their academic rigor and focus on preparing graduates for careers in law enforcement, policy analysis, and research. Albany’s criminology program is particularly well-known for its faculty, who are recognized internationally for their work in criminal justice policy, law enforcement practices, and criminological theory.

The School of Criminal Justice at Albany is also lauded for its contributions to research, particularly its focus on criminal justice policies and practices in the context of the United States. The university has a strong research culture, and students are encouraged to engage in research projects from early in their academic careers. Albany’s doctoral program in criminology is especially respected for producing graduates who go on to successful academic, research, and policy-oriented careers, often influencing public policy at the local, state, and national levels.

The University of Cincinnati ranks third in the US News & World Report rankings and has earned a reputation as one of the leading criminology schools in the world. The Division of Criminal Justice at Cincinnati is a pioneer in criminal justice research, having been recognized as the number one institution in the United States for its publication of criminal justice research, according to a study in The Journal of Criminal Justice in 2002. This emphasis on research is a core strength of Cincinnati’s criminology program, with students frequently contributing to high-impact studies that shape the direction of criminal justice policies and reforms. The university’s criminology faculty are active researchers, often working on projects that examine contemporary issues in policing, crime prevention, juvenile justice, and corrections.

Cincinnati’s criminology program is also recognized for its outstanding distance learning opportunities, offering one of the best online Master's degrees in criminal justice, law, and legal studies. This online program has earned accolades from organizations like GetEducated.com, further solidifying the university’s reputation as a forward-thinking institution committed to expanding access to high-quality criminology education. Additionally, the University of Cincinnati’s criminology department is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), ensuring that its programs meet the high standards set by the academic community.

Along with these top-ranked institutions, other schools also offer strong criminology programs. The University of Missouri—St. Louis holds the fourth spot in the rankings, with its criminology program emphasizing research, policy analysis, and law enforcement training. UMSL is recognized for its excellent faculty, many of whom are experts in areas like crime theory, criminal law, and corrections. It has built a strong reputation for preparing students for careers in both the academic and practical aspects of criminology.

Pennsylvania State University—University Park is tied for the fifth spot alongside the University of California—Irvine, both institutions boasting solid criminology programs. Penn State offers graduate degrees in criminal justice that focus on policy and research, preparing students to engage critically with issues such as mass incarceration, crime prevention, and rehabilitation. UC Irvine’s criminology program, meanwhile, stands out for its interdisciplinary focus, combining criminology with sociology, law, and public policy studies to offer students a well-rounded education.

Florida State University, Michigan State University, and Rutgers University—Newark round out the top eight schools in the criminology rankings. These institutions are known for their strong academic offerings and research initiatives that focus on various aspects of the criminal justice system, from law enforcement practices to the study of criminological theory and policy. Each of these universities has cultivated a reputation for producing graduates who are well-prepared for careers in law enforcement, corrections, policy-making, and criminal justice research.

Finally, CUNY—John Jay College is ranked tenth, recognized for its specialized focus on criminal justice education. As part of the City University of New York system, John Jay is known for its commitment to serving a diverse student body and its emphasis on producing graduates who are equipped to work in urban and community-based criminal justice settings. The college offers a variety of criminology programs, including both master’s and doctoral degrees, and is widely regarded as a leader in providing practical, career-oriented criminology education.

In conclusion, the field of criminology in the United States is supported by a number of prestigious academic institutions that prepare students for meaningful careers in criminal justice. The University of Maryland—College Park, University at Albany—SUNY, and University of Cincinnati lead the pack, but many other schools—such as the University of Missouri—St. Louis, Pennsylvania State University, and Florida State University—offer competitive programs that provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the ever-evolving field of criminology. These institutions are not only leaders in academic rigor but also in contributing valuable research and policy insights to the criminal justice system. Whether focusing on crime prevention, law enforcement practices, or criminal justice reform, these universities help shape the future of criminology education and the broader criminal justice landscape.