Criminology

You have options that tailor to your schedule. Choose between our on-campus and online programs. Take classes full- or part-time.

You’ll take all of your coursework from our nationally respected faculty. Our faculty are teachers and scholars committed to giving you comprehensive preparation for your career and for doctoral study.

IUP has offered a master of arts degree in criminology since 1973. With thousands of graduates, you’ll join an extensive network of alumni who work at every level of the criminal justice system.

Full-time students can complete the program in one calendar year. Part-time students typically graduate in two years.

If you completed a bachelor’s degree in criminology at IUP, you may be eligible for early admission into the MA program. This option lets you earn credits for both programs and complete the MA in one year beyond the BA degree.

Our curriculum combines essential information with inventive electives. You’ll learn about theory, research methods, policy, ethics, and working with statistics, while also taking electives such as cybercrime. On-campus students can also complete a thesis project to learn and practice the skills needed to be part of the next generation of leaders in the criminal justice system.

Military experience can be evaluated for possible graduate credits. Our graduate coordinator works with military students to see if experiences and courses from the military can be used for graduate elective credits.

As one of our MA students, you’ll have a dedicated faculty advisor to guide you through the program.

MA students can receive graduate assistantships. Interested students can apply for a graduate assistantship during the application process. The assistantship provides a small stipend and funding toward tuition in exchange for work with our faculty.