Earn Your Criminology Degree on the Coast of Maine
Are you committed to promoting social equality in law enforcement and criminal justice reform? Curious about how the criminal legal system operates in society as an agent of control? An interdisciplinary major grounded in the liberal arts, Criminology at UNE focuses on the study of the social construction of crime and criminals, theories of illegal and deviant behavior, social reaction to crime, and the effectiveness of anti-crime policies. You emerge prepared, through hands-on classroom learning and real-world research and professional experiences, for a variety of rewarding careers in this dynamic field.
Why UNE for Your B.A. in Criminology
Criminology is an exciting field in which to work – and, at UNE, it’s an exciting one to study as well. With student engagement as a top priority, we offer hands-on classroom experiences, research opportunities, and internships that make for an incredible student experience as well as an impressive resume for potential employers or graduate/professional schools.
- Emphasis on engaging internships and capstone experience
- Development of in-demand liberal arts skills
- Travel abroad opportunities
- Strong job and graduate school placement rates
Mackenzie Deveau ’19
Why UNE
I came to UNE originally wanting to do Clinical Psychology. I had no intention of picking up my minors. Then my advisor introduced me to the Women’s and Gender Studies department. I ended up taking a lot of political sciences classes because they had open spots. I knew that I could always pick them up, and I ended up really liking them, so I stuck with it.
The curriculum ties together well. The professors communicate and ensure that students are getting the most out of the classes. My political science classes even tied into the women and gender studies classes. One of my professors is technically in the Political Science department, but he’s also part of Women and Gender Studies, so there is a lot of cohesion. I would be sitting in class, and it would all click together. It’s a real, true liberal arts experience.
Everything that I studied came together in a perfect funnel — that’s exactly what college should do. You go to college not really knowing what you want or who you are, and then you go through all of these different things, and you come out with a better direction of your path.
Beyond the Classroom
When I was in my first year, I met the women and gender studies club members, and I had absolutely no idea what women and gender studies meant. I remember thinking that they were some of the most confident people I’d ever met. It took me a couple of years until I really got into the club. But I was president last year and vice president for two years prior to that.
I worked in a research lab as well. We created a study where we were testing the effects of sexism on women's evaluations of cosmetic products. It was cool to tie that knowledge in with my psychology background. The lab is still now working on a third study on the same topic. It’s going to continue on so that they can continue to collect data. I’m proud of that legacy.
Internship Experience
During senior year, a requirement is to do an internship. I decided to do mine at Planned Parenthood helping with political activism and awareness. It taught me a lot about the laws regarding women’s rights. I really, really loved my internship there. I had so much support from professors during that time too. It was one of the best experiences, but it was also really challenging because it was during a time when the Kavanaugh hearings were happening, and it was election season. There was a lot of pressure on Planned Parenthood. I learned so much about advocacy work and how challenging it can be. It steered me in the direction of women’s rights law, which is what I’m leaning towards now.
Everything that I studied came together in a perfect funnel — that’s exactly what college should do. It’s a real, true liberal arts experience.
What Will You Study? Criminology Degree Curriculum Overview
B.A. in Criminology Courses
The following are examples of the exciting courses that you may take as a Criminology major at UNE:
- Deviance and Crime
- The Criminal Legal System
- Theories of Race and Racism
- Crime, Media, Culture
- Human Trafficking
- Juvenile Delinquency
Curriculum
| Nor’easter Core Requirements | Credits |
|---|---|
| Total Credits | 40 |
| Program Required Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| CRL 205 – The Criminal Justice System | 3 |
| CRL 345 – Critical Criminology | 3 |
| PSC 125 – Understanding Law: An Introduction or PSC 210 – Constitutional Law | 3 |
| SOC 170 – Deviance and Crime | 3 |
| SOC 268 – Practice of Social Science Research | 3 |
| SOC 270 – Classical Social Theory or SOC 280 – Contemporary Social Theory | 3 |
| SOC 300 – Sociology Internship or PSY 300 – Psychology Internship | 3–15 |
| SOC 311 – Theories of Race and Racism | 3 |
| SOC 370 – Applied Field Method in Sociology | 3 |
| SOC 493 – Cap Expt: Internship or SOC 494 – Cap Exp: Thesis | 3–16 |
| Four (4) Program Specific Electives | 12 |
| Minimum Total Credits | 42 |
| Open Elective Courses (as needed to reach 120 credits) | Variable |
| Minimum Total Required Credits | 120 |
|---|
| Program Specific Electives | Credits |
|---|---|
| ANT 312 – Human Trafficking | 3 |
| CRL 206 – Juvenile Justice | 3 |
| CRL 210 – Forensic Eyewitness Interviews | 3 |
| HIS 266 – History of Drugs in the Americas | 3 |
| PSC 241 – Human Rights in World Politics | 3 |
| PSC 278 – Pol Sci Human Trad II | 3 |
| PSC 330 – Theories of Politics and War | 3 |
| PSY 205 – Abnormal Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 236 – Mental Health & Society | 3 |
| PSY 370 – Drugs, Society, and Behavior | 3 |
| SOC 333 – Sociology of Law | 3 |
| SOC 421 – A Just Society? | 3 |
Please note: While some courses can fulfill both core and program requirements, the credits earned do not count twice towards the minimum total required credits for the degree.
Career Paths for Criminology Majors
Criminology professionals may work in a variety of environments, including police stations, courts, prisons, government agencies, and a variety of non-profits, including victim advocacy groups. A degree in Criminology will position you well for careers such as:
- Jury Consultant
- Probation Officer
- Forensic Psychologist
- Criminal Attorney
- Clinical Social Worker
- Criminology Professor
- Criminal Policy Analyst
Career Advising for B.A. in Criminology Students
Whether you have a specific career goal in mind or a vague idea of the field that interests you, Career Advising is here to help you plan your next step.
Experiential Learning in the Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology Program
Our Criminology major’s emphasis on hands-on learning engages you in problem-solving and provides opportunities for experiential learning via student research and professional experiences.
Internships for Criminology Majors
Our database of more than 900 internship sites allows you to gain valuable professional experience as an undergraduate student. You may intern with law offices, legal service organizations, social justice non-profits, government agencies, and other community organizations.
Senior Capstone Experience
You will choose a capstone experience to widen the scope of your expertise. We offer three options:
- Study abroad with a focused concentration in your coursework
- Complete an additional internship (This 360-hour experience often leads to a job offer after graduation)
- Write a senior thesis (with the goal of publishing a professional article)
Apply Today
Ready to begin your future in UNE’s Bachelor of Arts in Criminology? Get started today.
Bachelor of Arts in Criminology FAQ
What is a criminology major?
Criminology is the study of crimes, criminals, victims, theories explaining unlawful behavior, society's response to crime, anti-crime policies, and the wider social and political context of law enforcement. Criminology programs draw from various disciplines, especially sociology and other social sciences and humanities.
UNE offers a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Criminology. It is an interdisciplinary major grounded in the liberal arts. Criminology at UNE explores how society defines crime and criminals, theories explaining unlawful behavior, society's response to crime, and the impact of anti-crime measures.
UNE’s Criminology program in Maine offers a comprehensive overview of crime, law, justice, and punishment. It helps you build critical skills like reading, writing, and analysis in criminology. You can study how crime and the law influence our world and gain hands-on experience through research and professional opportunities.
Learn more about the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Criminology at UNE
What can you do with a criminology degree?
Degrees in criminology can open doors to various professions, including roles as paralegals, police officers, and forensic psychologists. Criminology professionals may work in a variety of environments, including police stations, courts, prisons, government agencies, and a variety of nonprofits, including victim advocacy groups.
Criminology can also be a good first step toward roles in urban development, political science, investigative journalism, cybersecurity, and more. Graduates with a bachelor’s degree can pursue a master’s degree or move on to attend law school.
UNE Criminology graduates have pursued careers such as jury consultants, probation officers, forensic psychologists, criminal attorneys, clinical social workers, criminology professors, and criminal policy analysts. Our students have the ability to work with our Academic and Career Advising Center. It doesn’t matter if you have a clear career goal or just a general interest in a field.
How much does a criminology major make?
As of August 2023, the average salary for a criminology major in the U.S. was about $46,597, as reported by Zippia. Common salary breakdowns by job according to Indeed* include:
- Loss prevention officer: $15.93/hour
- Private investigator: $23.66/hour
- Jury consultant: $47,328
- Probation officer: $55,265
- Corrections officer: $56,806
- Criminology professor: $57,104
- Forensic science: $61,101
- Clinical social worker: $62,328
- Police detective: $70,931
- Lawyer: $91,525
- Forensic psychologist: $96,294
- Criminal profiler
How long does it take to get a criminology degree?
It takes about four years for a full-time student to earn a Bachelor's degree in Criminology. A Master's in Criminology typically takes one to two years. It can take anywhere from three to four years to earn a Ph.D. in Criminology depending on the program you choose.
UNE’s B.A. in Criminology requires a minimum of 120 credit hours. This includes:
- 42–46 credits of College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) core curriculum
- 42 program minimum required total credits
- Open elective courses as needed to reach 120 credits
How much does a criminology degree cost?
The cost of a four-year criminology bachelor's degree is influenced by:
- Where you live – in-state or out-of-state.
- The kind of school – public in-state or private.
- Extra expenses like housing, food, and other charges.
Learn more about the tuition and fees for undergraduate degree programs at UNE in Maine
UNE is Maine's biggest private university. We give scholarships based on merit, regardless of your chosen major. We're dedicated to making education affordable. Some important facts:
- 98% of undergraduates receive merit scholarships.
- Our students receive about $26,000 in award packages on average.
- We award $42 million in scholarships every year.
Learn more about grants and scholarships available for UNE students
Is a criminology degree worth it?
Studying criminology allows you to understand society’s relationship with crime and criminals. This includes how society defines crimes, the societal factors that lead to high rates of crime, and how we can best prevent and rehabilitate criminals. You’ll encounter ideas and theories about the role of race and class in crime and punishment which will hone your research skills and provide fresh insights. Each effort contributes to making our society more just.
Criminology is a great major for students who want a career in law enforcement, or who want to work to make our justice system more equitable, with an understanding grounded in scientific evidence. Criminology provides a research-oriented foundation in policing and social justice. While it may not qualify graduates to become lawyers or judges, it can serve as a valuable stepping stone for those considering law school.
Besides being rewarding and stimulating, a criminology degree from UNE opens doors to diverse job options in intriguing settings. Many of these opportunities are with government agencies, offering job security as well.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the field of sociology, which includes criminology, will grow by 4% by 2030. This aligns with the national average, indicating that employment opportunities in this field are likely to remain stable.
What colleges offer the best criminology degree program?
Criminology is offered as a major at colleges and universities across the U.S., including UNE in Maine. There are many factors to consider when choosing which college or university has the best criminology degree program for you.
Faculty
Identify the criminology professors who match your areas of interest, whether it's criminal behavior, law enforcement, criminal justice, or criminological theories. Check if their research interests and professional background align with yours.
Instructors in criminology at UNE typically possess an academic background and hold a terminal degree in criminology or a closely related field as part of their professional qualifications. Our small classes allow for personal attention and collaborative research with faculty.
Meet faculty and professional staff in the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Curriculum
Assess the criminology program based on what you want in a curriculum, including topics you like such as criminal behavior, law enforcement, criminal justice, and criminological theories, plus chances for research and internships.
UNE’s Criminology program is interdisciplinary, drawing from sociology and other social sciences and humanities. Our curriculum is rooted in liberal arts and offers a deep exploration of crime and the institutions that handle it. The following are examples of the interesting courses that you may take as a Criminology major at UNE:
- Deviance and Crime
- The Criminal Legal System
- Theories of Race and Racism
- Crime, Media, Culture
- Human Trafficking
- Juvenile Delinquency
UNE’s Criminology degree program also affords opportunities for experiential learning via student research and professional experiences:
- Internships - Our database of over 900 internship opportunities provides valuable professional experience for undergraduate students. You can intern with law firms, legal service organizations, social justice nonprofits, government agencies, and other community groups.
- Senior Capstone Experience - You'll select a capstone experience to expand your expertise. We offer three choices:
- Study abroad with a focused concentration in your coursework.
- Complete an additional internship (often leading to job offers after graduation, involving 360 hours of experience).
- Write a senior thesis with the aim of publishing a professional article.
Learn more about the full Criminology curriculum
Career goals
Select a criminology program that matches your career objectives and ambitions. Explore the available resources that can assist you in mapping out your future steps.
Graduates of UNE’s criminology program emerge prepared, through hands-on classroom learning, real-world research, and professional experiences, for a variety of rewarding careers in this dynamic field including - but not limited to - criminal investigator, criminologist, field investigator, paralegal, police officer, social worker.
We provide practical classroom experiences, research opportunities, and internships that enhance your student journey and boost your resume for future employers or graduate/professional programs.
Overall, Zippia ranks UNE #1 in Maine for graduates getting jobs, and 93% of bachelor’s degree graduates are employed or continuing higher education within six months to one year of graduating. Our Academic and Career Advising Center will work with you to find the right opportunity to suit your interests.
Learn more about Career Advising at UNE
Location and environment
Consider the location and environment that best supports your criminology major journey.
UNE is Maine’s largest private university. We have three unique campuses that provide diverse learning opportunities. In Maine, we have two campuses in Biddeford and Portland offering renowned undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Additionally, our Tangier, Morocco campus hosts a unique semester abroad program for UNE students.
Learn more about UNE’s campuses and how you can visit us
UNE has a well-developed network of internship sites that have accepted our students into their organizations and work to match you to an experience that fits your interests. Our criminology curriculum places an emphasis on internships and capstone experience and there are plenty of travel abroad opportunities.
Learn more about study abroad opportunities at UNE
Financial aid
Consider whether the school you're interested in provides financial aid or scholarships to support your education.
A UNE undergraduate education is very affordable. Our tuition is 16% below the average tuition for private universities in New England. Plus, all incoming full-time undergraduate students at UNE will receive Merit Scholarships in amounts from $5,000 to $22,000 per year.
Learn more about grants and scholarships available to students at UNE