Criminology

Master of Science

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Understand Crime with the Regis M.S. in Criminology

Few issues are as important as reducing crime and violence. Criminal motivations and mindsets are complex, and we must take steps to understand how to address criminal behavior. A criminology degree from Regis will give you the knowledge to prevent, interrupt, and intervene in criminal behavior and the experience to make a real impact.

Our faculty bring decades of experience to the classroom, including years of service as police chiefs, detectives, community supervision professionals, victim advocates, and crime scene investigators. They are more than happy to share their wisdom and knowledge with the next generation of criminology professionals.

As a Regis graduate criminology student, you’ll have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through a 16-week internship in your field of interest. Work directly with probation departments, police departments, victim assistance agencies, coroner’s offices or even the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, as you discover the day-to-day work of a criminology professional.

We offer flexible online options held in 8-week terms designed to fit around your busy schedule. Classes are capped at a small size to encourage a low student-to-faculty ratio, meaning you’ll receive individualized attention and mentorship from our world-class faculty.

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Program Snapshot

Program Format
Online
8-week terms

Time Commitment
12-24 months

Key Dates
Starts are offered in January, March, May, June, August and October

View Full Degree Curriculum and Requirements

Join Regis Alumni Working In:

Human and Social Services

Provide counseling, forensic psychology, juvenile casework or victim services.

Public Policy

Apply your degree to shape public policy through politics or continuing to law school.

Military Services

Work as a military intelligence officer, on the military police force or as an employee at the Department of Defense (DOD).

Security

Work in private security, intelligence gathering and analysis, strategic security or fraud investigation.

Law Enforcement

Protect state and local communities as a law enforcement officer, detective or criminal investigator.

Federal Agencies

Serve federal agencies such as the CIA, FBI or Department of Homeland Security.

"Regis education combines criminology with caring holistically for those involved in the system through using our hearts and minds."

Name: Rebecca Rivera Serrano, Ed.D
Title: Director of Criminology
Hometown: Denver, Colorado

Learn More About Rebecca Rivera Serrano

Name: Rebecca Rivera Serrano, Ed.D
Title: Director of Criminology
Hometown: Denver, Colorado

How long have you been teaching at Regis? And what drew you to Regis in the first place?

I’ve been at Regis University since 2022. I was drawn to Regis because of their Jesuit values and I appreciated how they incorporate these values into the study of criminology.

Could you tell us specifically about your experience researching and publication in correctional education?

My research focused on identifying the practices that reduce criminality through community-based post-secondary correctional education and is published in a special edition in the International Journal of Educational Development. Research validates that education reduces criminal behavior and so I researched to find the specific practices within the delivery of and the environment that may contribute to the reduction of criminal behavior. Using my findings, I created a Best Practices approach to offering correctional education within prisons and higher education.

In your opinion, what are the greatest strengths of the criminology program at Regis?

One of the greatest strengths of the criminology program here at Regis is the student-to-faculty ratio. I love that we can individualize the learning experiences of students because we know each one of our students. Learning and becoming your best self requires a community of support and I find that we do that well here at Regis.

Another fabulous strength that we have is in offering course modalities to fit the needs of students. Our students have careers, families, and life expectations that are valued here so we design our online courses with this in mind. We also maintain community stakeholders to assist us in the development of our courses so that we can ensure our students are not only industry ready upon graduation, but industry competitive.

What differentiates the Regis criminology program from similar programs at other universities?

Our advisory board. Dr. Amin Asfari organized an advisory board that includes traditional criminal justice organizations, such as probation, police, courts, and corrections, and the non-profit sector that includes victim advocacy and community re-integration organizations. Much of the work done today in the criminal legal system is done through non-profit agencies. Whether we are talking about organizations that deal with the unhoused, returning citizens reentry, substance abuse or intimate partner violence, our advisory board contains a wide variety of experts to help shape the curriculum into one that is constantly relevant, and they provide students networking opportunities which are critically important for their professional development. We also hire faculty that have direct experience in these fields which is critical to student learning.

Do you have any advice for aspiring criminologists or students seeking related career paths?

Follow your passion! This field is full of dedicated professionals and academics who followed their hearts and minds to make this world a better place. Whether the goal is to work with those involved in our criminal justice system or to work with victims, follow a passion that leave a legacy!

By the Numbers

$72000

National median salary for criminologists*

13%

Projected annual job growth for forensic technicians through 2032**

Areas of focus available: Human behavior or cybercrime/terrorism

*LiveAbout, “What Does a Criminologist Do?”, 2019
**U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, forensic technicians, 2022

Imagine Yourself In ...

MSCR 605: Criminal Psychopathology

Explore criminal behavior patterns, factors that influence criminal behavior and the pathology of the criminal mind.

MSCR 640: Transnational Crime

Survey and evaluate trends in organized crime, economic crime, cybercrime, terrorism, human trafficking and drug dealing from an economic and socio-cultural context of globalization.

MSCR 660: Cyber Criminology

Examine crimes using technology and the strategies, tactics and collaboration involved in combating cybercrime and cyber criminals.

Don't just learn - do.

Students have the option of gaining hands-on experience through a 16-week internship in their field of interest. Work directly with police departments, victim assistance agencies, coroner’s offices or even the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.

Choose a subject you are passionate about and work with your professor to create personalized coursework on topics such as human trafficking, public safety or victim advocacy within the context of each course. In addition to your chosen subject of interest, the Master of Science in Criminology at Regis offers two distinct areas of focus to target a specific career track: human behavior or cybercrime and terrorism.

To apply to the M.S. in Criminology program, you will need:

Completed online application
Official degree-bearing transcript(s) from a regionally accredited college or university
Resume
Admissions essay

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Tuition for the 2025-2026 academic year: $689 per credit hour
Regis offers a 20% tuition discount to students working as law enforcement officers or in related support roles.
Total program credits: 36
Tuition is one part of the overall cost of attendance, which includes all expenses students may have, including basic living costs. For more information about tuition, fees and your estimated cost of attendance, visit our Cost of Attendance for Adult Undergraduates and Graduate Students page. Tuition and fees are subject to change.

Earning your Master of Science in Criminology from Regis sets you apart and expands your professional network–think of it as an investment in your future. Between scholarship opportunities and financial aid packages, advancing your education is within reach. Explore our Investing in Your Future graduate financing guide or visit our Office of Financial Aid on the web.

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A Culture of Excellence

The Master of Science in Criminology is offered by the Anthropology, Sociology and Criminology Department in Regis College.