Criminology

Bachelor of Science

Follow the Clues to a Criminology Career

In order to reduce crime, we must first understand it. That’s why our B.S. in Criminology degree program emphasizes tangible skills and real-world case studies, supported by research-backed evidence. Our criminology courses empower you to understand criminal motives and deliver policy-relevant solutions. You’ll also gain plenty of hands-on experience, including an experiential capstone, internship or research capstone to conclude your program.

Our unique scholar-practitioner model sets our program apart from other criminology and criminal justice programs out there. Our faculty bring decades of experience to the classroom, including years of service as police chiefs, detectives, security consultants and crime scene investigators. They are more than happy to share their wisdom and knowledge with the next generation of criminology professionals.

The Regis B.S. in Criminology program offers flexible 100% online, on-campus and hybrid classes held in 7-week terms. 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 + on-campus courses
7-week terms

Transfer Friendly
Transfer up to 81 credits

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

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Join Regis Alumni Working In:

Criminal Justice

Careers in criminal justice normally have to do with the application of laws that correlate with criminal behavior. Those in the criminal justice field should expect to organize case records, keep an eye on criminal suspects and enforce the law.

Social Services

Working in social services involves helping vulnerable populations navigate government systems and find ways to succeed through difficult family and life circumstances such as homelessness, domestic violence and child custody issues.

Public Policy

Apply your degree to shape public policy through politics or continuing to law school. Careers in public policy may lead you to an elected position, government consulting role or legislative advisory organization.

Military Leadership

Military Leaders are not only in charge of a team of soldiers, but may also serve in investigative roles, law and policy positions, strategic advisory capacities or government positions.

Private Security

Serve and protect individuals and groups as a private security officer employed by public, private and government organizations and use your criminology skills to anticipate and understand crime.

Government

Students who major in criminology may go on to work for government agencies such as the FBI, CIA, Department of Defense or Department of Homeland Security.

"One of the things I like about Regis is they encourage service"

Name: Kristen Windler
Major and Graduation Year: B.S. Criminology, ‘25
Hometown: Denver, Colorado

Read More About Kristen's Experience at Regis

Name: Kristen Windler

Major(s) and Graduation Year: B.S. Criminology, ‘25

Hometown: Denver, Colorado

Kristen Windler remembers being interested in criminology, criminal justice and forensics since childhood, and recalls watching Forensic Files when she was just 9 or 10 years old. As a teenager, she was the victim of sexual assault, a painful experience that led to drug and alcohol use to cope. She spent several years in and out of jail and other institutions, but eventually began the long road to recovery. Today, she is a student in the B.S. Criminology program at Regis and plans to graduate in 2025.

What drew you to criminology and to Regis in particular?
During my recovery, I saw the opportunity to go back to school. Using my background in understanding trauma and addiction, I understood what makes some people commit crimes. I feel like I’ve been given a second chance at life. I thought I had destroyed any and all opportunities to further my education, and it was scary to spend the money to go back to school, but the stars aligned [while I was working at a law firm].

In many ways, though, I feel like I have to work harder. I haven’t been in trouble with the law in 10 years, but people still judge you. I can see where the cycle can continue and keep people on the wrong side of the law. But I don’t see the purpose of labeling people for the rest of their lives.

In your opinion, what are the greatest strengths of the criminology program at Regis?
Dr. Lindley has set me up for success and Dr. Asfari has been really great, too. Dr. Lindley has told me that I’ve paid my penance and encouraged me to move on with my life, while Dr. Asfari has been a huge part of my growth journey. His class was a full 16 weeks of actually being present in the classroom, and he’s brought in many people from the criminal justice system to speak. Hearing many different perspectives and about different areas of law enforcement has really opened up many opportunities for me.

Do you have any advice for aspiring Regis criminology students?
Do what makes you happy. If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life. If God puts something in your heart that sticks, there’s probably a reason. Living a life of selfishness and self-centeredness is really no life at all. One of the things I like about Regis is they encourage service and giving back, and I hope to leave a positive impact.

"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

Median salary for a criminologist*

11%

Projected job growth rate for forensic technicians**

74%

Decline in violent crime since 1993***

*The Balance Careers
**U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, forensic science technicians, 2023
***Pew Research Center

Combine Your Bachelor's and Master's with the Regis FastForward Program

The FastForward program at Regis enables you to earn both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree at the same time and get on the fast track to success. Through our dual degree combination options, you can complete both degree programs at a faster pace and a more affordable cost.

Learn More About FastForward

Imagine Yourself In...

classroom shot with book icon on top of image

CR 370: Criminal Deviance

Examine various criminal perspectives and specific psychological, biological and learning factors of individuals who may be predisposed to committing crime.

students at computer with book icon on top of image

CR 413: Crime Analysis

Analyze crime based on theory, data collection, crime mapping, crime disorder, problems in law enforcement and career opportunities.

CR 427: Criminal Profiling

Learn the science of criminal investigative analysis and inferring distinctive personality characteristics of individuals responsible for committing criminal acts.

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

Completed online application
High school diploma or equivalent
Official transcript(s) from prior college(s)

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Tuition for the 2025-2026 academic year: $599 per credit hour
Total program credits: 108-132 (credits taken at Regis University will vary based on your number of transfer credits)
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 Bachelor of Science in Criminology from Regis sets you apart and prepares you for professional success — think of it as an investment in your future. And you may be closer to graduation than you realize. View the Transfer Guide for a complete list of transfer credit equivalents that can save you time and money. Between our generous transfer policies, scholarship opportunities and financial aid packages, advancing your education is within reach. Explore our Investing in Your Future undergraduate financing guide for lots of helpful tips.

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A Culture of Excellence

Want to learn more? Here's something for you:
The Bachelor of Science in Criminology is offered by the Anthropology, Sociology and Criminology Department in Regis College.