School of Social & Behavioral Sciences

Bachelor's in Criminal Justice/Criminology ·

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Program Overview

Understand Crime and Learn to Keep Communities Safe.

Maryville University's criminal justice degree program prepares you for today's modern careers in law enforcement, corrections and the justice system. We take an interdisciplinary approach, looking at crime as a social phenomenon and using data-driven approaches to predict it and prevent it.

What sets the program apart

    • Interdisciplinary approach to studying crime as a social phenomenon
    • Data-driven approaches to crime prediction and prevention
    • Hands-on experiential learning opportunities
    • Required senior-year practicum
    • Professional experiences throughout the St. Louis region

An Overview of Criminal Justice/Criminology at Maryville

 
Although it's a small school, it's great. It's inclusive. Everybody welcomes everybody, and professors are amazing. A lot of the faculty within criminal justice have actually worked in some part of the criminal justice field, which I think is super important. Like, professor Van Buren, he is currently employed at the police department, and he's able to give us stories and stuff like that to help get us used to the information or give us examples on how he uses this in the real world. I really like that criminal justice specifically offers a lot of different varieties of paths. You have numerous different opportunities and classes to take that kind of spark your interest. If you're interested in coming to Maryville to study criminology, criminal justice, take the tour and work your way.
Why Maryville

Why students choose Maryville criminal justice

Class Size14

Average Class Size

SupportLife Coaching Team

A dedicated team of life coaches helps you personalize your education

Career Outcomes98%

Career outcomes rate for Maryville graduates

Financial Aid$59M+

Awarded in scholarships and aid last year

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Ready to apply or want to visit campus?

We've made it easy: free transcript evaluation, quick admission decisions, and no application fee.

  • Upcoming term starts:
  • Fall 2026 Start Date: August 24
  • Spring 2027 Start Date: January 11
Apply nowSchedule a campus visit
Career Outlook

What can I do with this degree?

Career Paths

Protect communities, enforce laws, respond to emergencies, and investigate crimes.
Gather evidence, interview witnesses, and investigate criminal activity.
Supervise individuals in correctional facilities while maintaining safety and security.
Support crime victims by connecting them with legal, social, and community resources.
4%Projected Job Growth

Employment of police and detectives is projected to grow 4% from 2023–2033.

$77,270Median Salary

Median annual wage for police and detectives (May 2024).

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook – Police and Detectives. Employment projections represent national estimates for the occupation covering the 2023–2033 projection period. Wage data reflect the national median annual wage reported for May 2024 through the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program. These statistics represent national employment trends and are not specific to Maryville University graduates, Missouri employment outcomes, or individual career results.

Admission Requirements, Curriculum & Courses

Undergraduate Admissions Requirements Discover requirements for a freshman, transfer, or international student.Course Descriptions Explore our catalog for details about the course requirements and electives.Degree Planning Sheet A sample plan of study

Interested in earning your criminology degree online?

Maryville also offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Criminology designed for students who need the flexibility to balance school with work, family or other commitments. Explore the online program to learn about its curriculum, admission requirements and career opportunities.

View the online degree information

Want to learn more about our course offerings?

Detailed course descriptions and prerequisites are listed in our catalog.

Read full course descriptionsExplore the full catalog
Tuition, Cost & Savings

How you can afford an education.

An investment in your future shouldn't be out of reach. Maryville offers multiple paths to reduce your out-of-pocket cost — and our team will help you find every one you qualify for.

Ways to Save

Scholarship OpportunitiesMerit and need-based awards for qualifying students.
Transfer CreditApply previously earned credits toward your degree.
Benefits for MilitaryTuition assistance and GI Bill benefits for those who served.

Estimated tuition cost breakdown

Full-Time Tuition$25,766
Fees*$2,600
Estimated total cost**$28,366

*Fees can include digital course materials and textbooks/lab materials.

**Estimated cost does not include room and board or meal plans.

Explore additional tuition and costs

Need help financing your education? Get in touch!

Our financial aid advisors are here to walk you through scholarships, grants, and aid options for the Criminal Justice/Criminology program.

Financial Aid InformationContact the Financial Aid Office
Accreditation

Maryville is accredited.

Maryville University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Honors & Rankings

  • Kiplinger Best College Values 2019Ranked among the best values in private colleges by Kiplinger's Personal Finance.
  • Forbes America's Top Colleges 2018Ranked among “America's Top Colleges” by Forbes.
  • Ranked No. 1 in social mobility among private universities in St. Louis.
  • Best for Vets Colleges 2022 Military Times. We made the list!Named Best for Vets among colleges by Military Times.
Review Maryville's full list of honors and rankings
Take the Next Step

Ready to take the next step?

Apply today, request more information, or schedule a visit to see if Maryville is the right fit for you.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Students participate in hands-on experiential learning through the police cadet program, including crime scene investigation, crime laboratory work, fingerprinting, and a required senior-year practicum.
Students work with organizations including victim assistance and advocacy groups, municipal police departments, the U.S. Marshal's Office, law offices, and the FBI.
The program prepares students for careers in law enforcement, corrections, and the justice system using an interdisciplinary, data-driven approach to crime prevention and investigation.
Yes. Maryville offers a Bachelor's in Criminal Justice/Criminology Online.