MS in Criminology (Online)
Earn your master's degree from anywhere!
The Department of Sociology and Criminology offers a fully online Master of Science (MS) degree in criminology. With supportive faculty and an asynchronous learning model, you can complete the program on your own time, from anywhere.
Quick Info
Rolling Admission:
Start in fall or spring!
Next Deadline:
December 1, 2025
Next Start Date:
January 21, 2026
Total Credits:
30
Min. Complete Time:
2 semesters
How to apply
We welcome your application and hope you can join our community of scholars!
A grade-point average above 3.0 based on a 4.0 system (or an explanation in your personal statement about why your grades were below 3.0), good fit with the program, and strong letters of recommendation. GRE scores are not required for Master's applicants.
All applicants must submit:
- Graduate admission application: Your application must be submitted online through the application portal.
- Official academic transcripts: Upload scanned copies of all undergraduate and graduate transcripts, including the English translation, if applicable. An official transcript and Proof of Degree, in English, certified will be required if you are admitted and choose to matriculate to a graduate program at the University at Buffalo.
- Personal statement: Please submit a personal statement (500-700 words) that outline your short- and long-term goals, and reasons why you are applying to this program. This is also an opportunity for you to discuss any particular strengths or weaknesses in your record.
- Two letters of recommendation: These may be from current/former faculty or from others familiar with your interests, abilities, and potential to success in an online MS program. These letters must be submitted electronically. Further instructions are included in the online application.
For additional application information, please click here.
Non-refundable application fee: $75
After you submit your UB graduate application, you’ll be prompted to make your payment online by credit card or ACH through Nelnet.
U.S. citizens or current permanent residents may request a fee waiver through the application portal after completing the graduate application and uploading all required materials.
- December 1: For spring enrollment
- July 1: For fall enrollment
- All undergraduate Sociology and Criminology majors that graduate with a GPA of 3.0 or higher will be provisionally admitted to the Criminology MS program
- For more information on the College of Arts and Sciences Provisional Admission program, please click here
Attention International Students Living in the US
The Criminology MS Program is a fully online program and does not meet the requirements to maintain student visa status. You can learn more about student visa requirements from International Student Services.
Contact us
We encourage prospective students to get in touch with us directly by requesting more information via our information request form. You may also email Jovany Jimenez, our graduate coordinator, Iris Lu, our Director of Criminology MS, or Ashley Barr, our Director of Graduate Studies. Current UB students may also contact their faculty advisor.
