Criminology MS

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The MS in criminology focuses on the nature and causes of crime, characteristics and behaviors of people who commit crime and who are affected by crime, how law enforcement agencies and criminal justice systems work, how society reacts to crime, victims, and people who commit crime, and connections between crime and other social institutions (such as work, schools, media, etc.). The Criminology MS is ideal for beginning and advanced learners who plan to (or already) work in settings that require a strong background in crime or law, with associated skills in analyzing and interpreting data relevant to that discourse.

Required Core (15-18 Credits)

SOC 504SEM - Introductory Statistics for the Social Sciences Credits: 3
SOC 587SEM - Criminological Theory Credits: 3
SOC 606SEM - Social Research Methods Credits: 3
SOC 601TUT - Portfolio Guidance Credits: 1 - 6 (3-6 credits)

Sociology Elective (3 credits)

Other elective may be selected with permission of Graduate Studies Committee.

Select 1 from:

SOC 515SEM - Life Course Sociology Credits: 3
SOC 522SEM - Urban Sociology Credits: 3
SOC 525SEM - Race & Ethnicity Credits: 3
SOC 551SEM - Social Stratification Credits: 3
SOC 552SEM - Sociology of Poverty Credits: 3
SOC 613SEM - Sociology of Gender Credits: 3

Criminology Electives (12-15 credits)

Number of elective credits may vary depending on choice made to complete the culminating experience. Be sure to complete enough elective credit to reach 30 minimum total credit hours.

Three must be substantive rather than methodological courses. Substantive courses are marked with an asterisk (*).

Select from:

SOC 510SEM - Victims & Society Credits: 3 *
SOC 526LEC - Race, Crime and Punishment Credits: 3 *
SOC 529SEM - Sociology of Punishment Credits: 3 *
SOC 530SEM - Crime and Public Policy Credits: 3 *
SOC 531SEM - Qualitative Research Methods Credits: 3
SOC 535SEM - Immigration & Crime Credits: 3 *
SOC 536SEM - Families and Crime Credits: 3 *
SOC 539SEM - Sociology of Juvenile Justice Credits: 3 *
SOC 553SEM - Neighborhoods and Crime Credits: 3 *
SOC 562SEM - Sociology of Law Credits: 3 *
SOC 578SEM - Applied Survey Research Credits: 3
SOC 592SEM - Advanced Topics in Criminology Credits: 3 *
SOC 605SEM - Quantitative Research Design Credits: 3
SOC 607SEM - Multiple Linear Regression Credits: 3
SOC 620SEM - Crime & The Life Course Credits: 3 *
SOC 630SEM - Gender & Crime Credits: 3 *

Culminating Experience: Project or Portfolio

Taken as 3-6 credits and included in the Required Core.

SOC 601TUT - Portfolio Guidance Credits: 1 - 6

Total Credit Hours: 30

3.0 Degree GPA required

Instruction Method

Online (100 percent of the degree requirements can be fulfilled online)

Full/Part Time Options

Full Time
Part Time

Credits Required

30 Hours

Time-To-Degree

1 Year

Application Fee

$75

Program Contact

Maggie Balles
405 Park Hall
Buffalo, NY 14260
Email: mlballes@buffalo.edu
Phone: 716-645-2586

SED Statement

This program is officially registered with the New York State Education Department (SED).

Online programs/courses may require students to come to campus on occasion. Time-to-degree and number of credit hours may vary based on full/part time status, degree, track and/or certification option chosen. Time-to-degree is based on calendar year(s). Contact the department for details.