Study Criminology in the USA: BS, Master’s and PhD for International Students

Study Criminology in the USA: BS, Master’s and PhD Guide for International Students

Are you a student who wants to study criminology, criminal justice, crime analysis, criminal behavior, policing, corrections, victimology or criminological research in the United States? The United States offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in criminology and criminal justice, including bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctoral programs.

For an international student, however, choosing a university is only one part of the process. You also need to understand admission requirements, academic documents, English-language requirements, application portals, statements of purpose, recommendation letters, CV or resume preparation, research interests, funding opportunities, communication with departments and faculty members, and finally the U.S. student visa process.

This guide explains the major steps for students who want to apply for criminology and criminal justice programs in the USA. It is particularly useful for international applicants, including students applying from Pakistan.

Why Study Criminology in the USA?

The United States has a large academic research environment for criminology and criminal justice. Universities offer programs that examine crime from sociological, psychological, economic, legal, political, biological, technological and interdisciplinary perspectives.

Depending on the university, students may study criminological theory, research methods, statistics, policing, corrections, courts, juvenile justice, victimology, crime prevention, cybercrime, terrorism, organized crime, white-collar crime, environmental criminology, forensic methods, crime analysis and criminal justice policy.

Students interested in the theoretical foundation of the subject can first study what criminology is, its scope and its relationship with other social sciences.

BS, Master's or PhD in Criminology: Which Degree Should You Choose?

The correct degree depends on your current education and your long-term career or research goals.

BS or BA: Usually the starting point for students who have completed secondary education and want to study criminology or criminal justice at undergraduate level.
Master's: Suitable for students who already have a bachelor's degree and want advanced academic, professional or research training.
PhD: Designed primarily for advanced research and academic careers, although doctoral graduates can also work in government, research organizations, policy institutions and other specialist areas.

Not every university uses exactly the same degree title. Some institutions use Criminology, while others use Criminal Justice, Criminology and Criminal Justice, or Criminology, Law and Society.

Top Public Universities for Criminology and Criminal Justice in the USA

The following universities are examples of established U.S. public institutions with significant criminology or criminal justice programs. "Top" here refers to strong academic and research relevance rather than a single universal ranking.

1. University of Maryland, College Park

Department: Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice

The University of Maryland has undergraduate and graduate study in criminology and criminal justice. Its master's program emphasizes criminological theory, the criminal justice system, research methods and statistical methodologies, while the PhD program is research intensive.

Graduate contact: criminologydept@umd.edu

Graduate contact person: Dr. Wade Jacobsen, Director of Graduate Studies.

PhD application: UMD currently lists transcripts, GRE, three recommendation letters, statement of goals and purpose, writing sample, CV/resume and English-language test scores for international students among its PhD requirements.

University of Maryland Criminology and Criminal Justice Department

2. Florida State University

College: College of Criminology and Criminal Justice

Florida State University offers undergraduate and graduate degrees including BS, BA, MS, MA and PhD programs. It also offers criminology and cyber criminology at undergraduate level.

The graduate program has requirements that can include transcripts, recommendations, personal statement, standardized testing and academic qualifications. Requirements should be checked for the specific admission cycle.

FSU College of Criminology and Criminal Justice

3. Arizona State University

School: School of Criminology and Criminal Justice

Arizona State University offers a BS in Criminology and Criminal Justice, BS options related to policing and community safety, an MS in Criminology and Criminal Justice, an MA in Criminal Justice, an MS in Crime Analysis and a PhD in Criminology and Criminal Justice.

General graduate contact: gradsccj@asu.edu

Undergraduate advising: Melissa Bryant is listed by ASU as an undergraduate advisor for criminology and criminal justice programs.

ASU also has an accelerated bachelor's-to-master's pathway for eligible students.

ASU School of Criminology and Criminal Justice

4. Pennsylvania State University

Department: Department of Sociology and Criminology

Penn State offers undergraduate criminology degrees and graduate study leading toward an MA and PhD in criminology. Its graduate criminology program emphasizes theory, research on crime and justice, research methods, statistical methodology and substantive areas of crime and control.

Department email: sociology@psu.edu

Phone: 814-865-2527

Penn State Department of Sociology and Criminology

5. University of California, Irvine

Department: Department of Criminology, Law and Society

UC Irvine is an important option for students interested in criminology, law, society and advanced research. The department has undergraduate and graduate opportunities, including doctoral research in criminology, law and society.

PhD Faculty Graduate Program Director: Chris Seeds

Email: cseeds@uci.edu

Graduate inquiries: Social Ecology Graduate Affairs

Undergraduate inquiries: sepeer@uci.edu

These department contacts are currently listed by UC Irvine.

UC Irvine Department of Criminology, Law and Society

6. Rutgers University–Newark

School: School of Criminal Justice

Rutgers University–Newark offers a BA/BS-level pathway, an accelerated master's option, an MA and a PhD through its School of Criminal Justice.

The PhD program asks applicants for transcripts, at least three recommendation letters, a personal statement, CV/resume and writing sample. Rutgers also lists English-language proficiency requirements and GRE requirements for the program.

Program contact: major@crimjust.rutgers.edu

Rutgers School of Criminal Justice

7. University of Cincinnati

School: School of Criminal Justice

The University of Cincinnati offers BS, MS and PhD education through its School of Criminal Justice. Its doctoral program includes concentrations such as criminal justice, criminology, corrections, crime prevention and policing.

The doctoral program states a preferred minimum GPA of 3.5 and accepts applicants with a bachelor's degree or higher, meaning a master's degree is not necessarily required before applying to the PhD.

University of Cincinnati School of Criminal Justice

8. John Jay College of Criminal Justice

Institution: CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice

John Jay College is a specialized public institution focused on criminal justice, criminology and related fields. Students can find undergraduate and graduate opportunities across criminology, criminal justice and related disciplines.

For example, John Jay faculty work in areas including criminological theory, quantitative methods, juvenile justice and applied research.

John Jay College of Criminal Justice

Other Public Universities Worth Researching

University at Albany, State University of New York
University of Florida
University of South Florida
University of Delaware
University of Illinois Chicago
University of South Carolina
Michigan State University
University of Massachusetts system programs
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Rutgers maintains a useful list of U.S. institutions offering criminal justice-related graduate programs, which can be used as another starting point for comparing programs.

Private Universities and Criminology-Related Programs

International students should not limit their search only to public universities. Private universities can also provide strong programs in criminology, criminal justice, sociology, law and related research fields.

University of Pennsylvania: Explore criminal justice and criminology-related graduate opportunities.
Temple University: Offers MA and PhD programs in Criminal Justice.
Drexel University: Offers a BS in Criminology and Justice Studies with coursework involving crime, criminal justice, research methods, crime analysis and digital forensic analysis.
American University: Offers graduate study in law, justice and criminology-related areas.
University of Denver: Offers graduate programs related to security and criminal justice.
University of New Haven: Offers criminal justice and related security programs.

Students should compare the exact degree title, delivery format, research areas, tuition, scholarships and international-student eligibility before selecting a private university.

Temple University Criminal Justice

Temple University is particularly relevant for students considering doctoral study. Its PhD in Criminal Justice requires a bachelor's degree, three recommendation letters, a statement of goals and other application materials. A master's degree is not required for the PhD according to the current admissions information.

Temple's MA program also asks applicants to explain their academic and research goals, future career goals and academic or research achievements in a statement of approximately 500 to 1,000 words.

Temple University Criminal Justice PhD

How to Choose the Right Criminology University

Do not choose a university only because its name appears on an internet ranking. A good application strategy starts with program fit.

Check whether the university offers the degree level you need.
Check whether the program is on campus or online.
Read the curriculum and required courses.
Study faculty research interests.
Check whether faculty supervise your research topic.
Check English-language requirements.
Check GRE requirements.
Check application deadlines.
Check application fees and possible fee waivers.
Check scholarships, assistantships and funding.
Check international student requirements.
Check whether the university can issue the documents required for an F-1 student visa.

How to Apply for BS Criminology in the USA

Students applying for a bachelor's degree normally begin by researching universities and checking whether the university accepts international undergraduate applications through a centralized platform or its own application system.

Step 1: Create a list of suitable universities.

Step 2: Check academic requirements for international students.

Step 3: Prepare secondary-school transcripts and certificates.

Step 4: Check English-language requirements.

Step 5: Prepare activities, achievements, awards, research interests and extracurricular information.

Step 6: Prepare an academic essay or personal statement if required.

Step 7: Obtain recommendation letters when required.

Step 8: Submit the application through the university's official portal or an accepted application platform.

Step 9: Apply for scholarships and financial aid separately where required.

Step 10: If admitted, complete the international student process and obtain the appropriate immigration documents.

Common App currently allows students to discover and apply to more than 1,100 colleges, including public and private institutions. It also provides resources specifically for international applicants.

Common App

How to Apply for a Master's in Criminology

For a master's degree, the applicant normally needs a completed bachelor's degree or its equivalent. Some programs prefer criminology or criminal justice backgrounds, while others accept applicants from sociology, psychology, law, political science, social work and other related fields.

Typical master's application documents may include:

Completed online application
Bachelor's degree certificate
Official or unofficial transcripts according to university instructions
CV or resume
Statement of purpose or personal statement
Letters of recommendation
English-language test score if required
GRE score if required
Writing sample where requested
Application fee or approved fee waiver
Additional documents requested by the department

Requirements are not identical across universities. For example, UMD's master's program is research oriented, while other universities may offer more professional or online master's pathways.

How to Apply for a PhD in Criminology

A PhD application is different from a normal undergraduate application. Doctoral committees are usually interested in whether an applicant has the academic preparation, research ability and research interests necessary for doctoral work.

A strong PhD application should answer three major questions:

What do you want to research?
Why is the research important?
Why is this particular university and faculty group a good fit?

Some universities permit students to enter a PhD directly after a bachelor's degree, while others may strongly prefer or require a master's degree. UMD, for example, explicitly states that applicants with a BS or BA do not have to complete its MA before applying to the PhD.

Penn State similarly allows students entering its criminology graduate program with a BA to earn the MA along the way to the PhD.

How to Find a PhD Supervisor or Faculty Member

Before applying to a research-focused PhD program, study the faculty directory carefully.

Look for professors whose research interests match your proposed area. For example, if your research topic is cybercrime, search for faculty working on cybercrime, digital criminology, technology, online offending, digital evidence or cybersecurity.

If your topic is youth crime, search for faculty working on juvenile justice, youth offending, developmental criminology, schools, families or community research.

Do not send the same generic email to every professor. A short personalized message is much more effective academically.

How to Write an Email to a Criminology Professor

Your email should be short, respectful and research focused.

Email structure:

Professional subject line
Short introduction
Your current degree and university
Your research interest
Why you contacted that professor
One sentence about your relevant experience
Ask whether your interests may fit their current research
Thank the professor for their time

Do not send a 5-page email. Your CV, writing sample or research proposal can provide the additional information when appropriate.

Sample Email to a Criminology Professor

Subject: Prospective PhD Applicant – Research Interest in Cybercrime and Digital Criminology

Dear Professor [Last Name],

My name is [Full Name], and I am currently completing my [Degree] in [Subject] at [University/Country]. I am interested in pursuing doctoral research in criminology, particularly in the area of [specific research topic].

I recently reviewed your research on [specific topic/publication], and I found the connection with my proposed research interests particularly relevant. My academic interests include [two or three specific areas].

I am considering applying to the PhD program in [Program Name] at [University Name] and would be grateful to know whether my research interests may fit with your current work or supervision areas.

I have attached my CV for brief background information. I would greatly appreciate any guidance regarding program fit and the application process.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
[Full Name]
[University]
[Country]
[Email Address]

How to Make a Strong Academic CV for U.S. Universities

A graduate-school CV should focus on academic and research preparation rather than unnecessary personal information.

A useful academic CV can include:

Full name and professional contact information
Academic profile or research interests
Education
Research experience
Research projects
Publications
Conference presentations
Internships
Academic employment
Teaching experience
Research skills
Statistical or analytical software
Certifications
Scholarships and awards
Professional memberships
Volunteer or leadership experience when academically relevant
References if requested

Do not invent publications, research experience, skills or awards. Academic applications depend heavily on credibility.

Free and Useful CV and Resume Maker Websites

Microsoft Word Resume Builder – Online resume templates and editing tools.
Europass CV Builder – Useful for creating a structured European-style CV.
Canva Resume Templates – Useful for designing and editing resumes.

For academic PhD applications, however, a simple, professional and readable academic CV is generally preferable to an overly graphical design. Microsoft notes that resumes should be clear, concise and focused on relevant achievements and qualifications.

How to Write a Statement of Purpose for Criminology

A Statement of Purpose, commonly called an SOP, is one of the most important parts of many graduate applications.

A strong criminology SOP should explain:

Your academic background
How you became interested in criminology
Your research interests
Your relevant courses or research projects
Your methodological interests
Why you selected the specific program
Which faculty research interests you
Your professional or academic goals
How the program fits your future plans

Avoid writing a generic statement that could be sent to 20 universities. Change the university-specific section for every application.

Motivation Letter vs Statement of Purpose

A motivation letter usually focuses more on your motivation, background, goals and reasons for pursuing a particular opportunity. A statement of purpose for a research graduate program generally places greater emphasis on academic preparation, research interests and program fit.

Always follow the university's instructions if it specifically asks for a statement of purpose, personal statement, research statement or motivation letter.

Useful Websites for CV, Letters and Application Preparation

Microsoft provides online resume templates and tools for creating and refining resumes, while Europass provides an online CV builder that can create, store and share CVs.

GRE for Criminology Master's and PhD Applications

The GRE is not universally required for criminology programs. Some universities require it, some make it optional, and some do not request it.

Never assume that taking the GRE is mandatory for every U.S. criminology program. Check the exact admission page for the year in which you apply.

For example, UMD currently lists a GRE General Test score among its PhD application requirements, while program requirements at other universities may differ.

Official GRE Website

English Language Requirements

International students may need to demonstrate English proficiency through an accepted examination such as TOEFL, IELTS or another test accepted by the university.

Requirements differ by university and sometimes by program. Some institutions may accept an English-medium degree or provide exemptions under specific conditions.

Always read the international graduate or undergraduate admissions page rather than relying on a general internet list.

Application Fees and Fee Waivers

Application fees differ considerably between universities. Some universities provide fee-waiver options, while others do not.

International students should check whether they qualify before submitting an application. Common App also states that some colleges do not charge an application fee and that some applicants may qualify for fee waivers.

Scholarships and Funding for Criminology Students

Funding is particularly important for international students because U.S. tuition and living costs can be substantial.

Look for:

University scholarships
Merit scholarships
Need-based financial aid where international students are eligible
Graduate assistantships
Teaching assistantships
Research assistantships
Departmental fellowships
External scholarships
Country-specific scholarship programs

For PhD applications, investigate funding before applying. A funded doctoral offer can be substantially different from an admission offer without financial support.

How Students from Pakistan Can Apply to U.S. Universities

Students in Pakistan can research U.S. universities online, apply directly to universities or through accepted application platforms, and use EducationUSA Pakistan for official advising support.

EducationUSA Pakistan operates advising centers in Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi and provides free educational advising services.

EducationUSA Islamabad: islamabad@educationusa.org

EducationUSA Lahore: lahore@educationusa.org

EducationUSA Karachi: karachi@educationusa.org

EducationUSA Pakistan – 5 Steps to U.S. Study

Can Students Apply From Other Countries?

Yes. The U.S. university admission process is available to international students around the world, but the exact application and visa procedures can differ according to the applicant's country of residence, nationality and the university.

For the U.S. student visa, applicants should normally plan to apply through the U.S. embassy or consulate serving their country of residence or nationality. Current Department of State guidance says nonimmigrant visa applicants should generally schedule interviews in their country of nationality or residence, subject to designated-location rules.

Students should therefore check the U.S. Embassy or Consulate website for the country where they legally reside rather than following instructions intended for another country.

U.S. F-1 Student Visa: Step-by-Step Process

After admission, the next major stage for an international student attending an eligible academic program in the United States is the student visa process.

Step 1: Receive admission.

First obtain admission from a SEVP-approved school or institution.

Step 2: Receive Form I-20.

After the institution processes your international student information, it issues the Form I-20 required for F-1 student status.

Step 3: Register in SEVIS.

Students must pay the required SEVIS I-901 fee before the visa interview where applicable.

Step 4: Complete DS-160.

Complete the online DS-160 carefully and accurately. The Department of State states that F, J and M applicants need information from their I-20 or DS-2019 when completing the form.

Step 5: Pay the visa application fee.

Follow the current country-specific payment instructions.

Step 6: Schedule the interview.

Schedule the visa interview according to the instructions for the embassy or consulate where you will apply.

Step 7: Prepare documents.

Valid passport
DS-160 confirmation
Visa fee payment evidence where applicable
Form I-20
SEVIS information and payment evidence
University admission letter
Academic documents
English-language or standardized test scores where relevant
Evidence of financial ability
Additional documents requested by the consular post

Step 8: Attend the interview.

The consular officer may ask about your academic background, university, course, research interests, finances, career plans and intention to comply with U.S. immigration rules.

The Department of State explains that applicants may be asked for evidence of academic preparation, ability to pay educational and living expenses, and intent to depart the United States after completion of study.

Applying for an F-1 Visa From Pakistan

For students residing in Pakistan, use the current U.S. Embassy and Department of State instructions applicable to Pakistan. Visa appointment procedures, fees, wait times and document instructions can change, so applicants should verify the latest information before booking an appointment.

U.S. Department of State Visa Information

Official DS-160 Information

Official U.S. Student Visa Guide

Important Visa Interview Questions for Criminology Students

Students should be prepared to explain their educational plans honestly and clearly.

Why did you choose criminology?
Why did you select this university?
Why did you select this particular program?
What subjects or research areas interest you?
Who is funding your education?
What is your previous academic background?
How does this program connect with your career plans?
Why do you want to study in the United States?
Where will you study?
What do you know about your university?

Do not memorize false answers. Your visa interview should be based on your real academic plans, documents and circumstances.

Applying for a U.S. Visa From a Country Other Than Pakistan

If an international student is legally residing in another country, the student should follow the U.S. embassy or consulate instructions for that country. The Department of State currently advises nonimmigrant visa applicants to apply in their country of residence or nationality, with special rules for locations where routine visa operations are unavailable.

This means applicants should not automatically travel to a third country simply because an appointment appears available there. Applying outside the normal country of residence or nationality can create additional complications.

Because visa rules can change, students should always verify the current instructions through the official U.S. Department of State and relevant embassy or consulate website.

Visa Application Email Writing Method

If you need to contact a U.S. embassy, university international office or admissions department, keep the email professional and concise.

Include your full name, application or student identification number if already assigned, nationality or country of residence when relevant, program name, intake term and your specific question.

Do not send sensitive documents such as passwords, banking credentials or unnecessary personal information through ordinary email.

Documents Checklist for International Criminology Applicants

Passport
Academic certificates
Academic transcripts
English-language test result if required
GRE score if required
Academic CV
Statement of Purpose
Personal statement if required
Research proposal if required
Writing sample if required
Recommendation letters
Scholarship documents
Financial documents
Application confirmation
Admission letter
Form I-20 after admission
SEVIS information for the visa stage

How to Build a Strong Criminology Research Profile

Students who want to become competitive for master's or PhD programs should begin building their academic profile before application season.

Read criminological literature regularly. Learn research methodology. Participate in research projects. Write academic papers. Present at conferences where appropriate. Learn basic statistics and data analysis. Develop knowledge of criminological theories. Build a research portfolio based on genuine academic work.

IYCRC readers can also explore topics such as criminological theories, sociological theories of crime, psychological theories of crime and biological theories of crime.

Research Areas for Future Criminology Students

Cybercrime
Digital criminology
Artificial intelligence and crime
Digital forensics
Juvenile delinquency
Youth crime
Violent crime
Organized crime
Drug trafficking
White-collar crime
Corporate crime
Gender and crime
Victimology
Policing
Corrections
Criminal justice policy
Crime prevention
Environmental criminology
Life-course criminology
Social inequality and crime

Students can explore cybercrime and digital forensics, drug trafficking networks, youth and the changing landscape of crime and youth unemployment and crime in Pakistan for examples of contemporary criminological subjects.

Academic Integrity in U.S. University Applications

One of the most important principles for international applicants is honesty.

Do not purchase fake recommendation letters, invent research publications, falsify academic records, exaggerate employment experience or submit another person's research as your own.

AI tools may help with brainstorming, grammar or organization where permitted, but applicants remain responsible for the accuracy and authenticity of their application. Always follow the university's rules concerning AI-generated application materials.

Common Mistakes International Students Should Avoid

Applying without checking the exact deadline
Using the same SOP for every university
Sending generic emails to every professor
Ignoring faculty research interests
Applying only to extremely selective universities
Ignoring funding opportunities
Submitting incomplete documents
Using unofficial university websites for important requirements
Ignoring English-language requirements
Assuming every program requires the GRE
Using an inappropriate CV format
Writing a very long professor email
Providing false information
Waiting until the last week to apply
Assuming admission automatically guarantees a visa

A Smart University Application Strategy

Instead of applying randomly, divide universities into three groups.

Reach universities: Highly competitive programs where admission may be difficult.
Match universities: Programs where your academic profile and research interests are reasonably aligned.
Safer options: Universities where your qualifications provide a stronger possibility of admission, while still meeting your academic goals.

For PhD applications, "fit" can sometimes be more important than simply choosing the most famous university. A professor who actively researches your area may be more relevant to your doctoral development than a university selected only because of its overall ranking.

International Student Application Timeline

12–18 months before study: Research universities, programs, faculty and funding.

9–12 months before study: Prepare English tests, GRE if required, CV, SOP and research materials.

6–9 months before study: Submit applications before individual deadlines.

After admission: Compare offers, funding and program conditions.

After accepting admission: Complete international student documentation and obtain the I-20 where applicable.

Visa stage: Complete SEVIS requirements, DS-160 and the interview process.

Before departure: Arrange housing, travel, insurance where required and university orientation.

Official Resources for Students

Related IYCRC Resources

Final Advice for International Criminology Students

Studying criminology in the United States can be a valuable academic opportunity, but successful applications require planning. A strong university application is not simply a collection of documents. It is a coherent explanation of who you are academically, what you want to study, why the program fits your goals and how your previous education has prepared you for the next stage.

For bachelor's applicants, focus on academic preparation, English proficiency, activities and a clear explanation of your educational goals. For master's applicants, strengthen your academic CV, statement of purpose and research or professional experience. For PhD applicants, focus heavily on research fit, methodology, writing ability, faculty alignment and evidence that you are prepared for advanced research.

Students from Pakistan and other countries should also separate the university admission process from the U.S. visa process. Admission comes first. After acceptance and completion of the institution's international student process, the student proceeds with the appropriate visa requirements. The U.S. Department of State confirms that students must first be accepted by a SEVP-approved institution, obtain the appropriate Form I-20, register in SEVIS and then proceed with the student visa application.

Most importantly, verify every deadline, fee, test requirement, funding condition and contact email directly from the university before submitting an application. University requirements can change from one admission cycle to another.

Follow IYCRC for more criminology education, research opportunities, academic resources and international study guides.