Bachelors of Arts in Criminology:
The major in Criminology enables students to acquire a theoretical and methodological framework for generating and assessing knowledge about crime and social control. The program draws upon disciplines from law to neuroscience to develop a liberal arts approach to the subject of crime. Every major is required to develop a research proposal as part of senior capstone experience.
Masters of Science Degree:
Penn's Master of Science (MS) in criminology aims to create criminal justice "change agents," preparing students to spend their careers applying criminological research in public and non-profit domestic and international organizations. This degree is also designed to prepare students for continued graduate or professional education at leading research universities. Every year a number of MS graduates pursue additional graduate education at the leading law schools and Ph.D. programs. The program consists of eight course units and is typically completed in one academic year (August-May).
Doctor of Philosophy:
The Ph.D. in criminology is designed to prepare students to produce theoretically informed empirical scholarship related to issues of crime and justice policy. After completing graduate courses in criminological theory, criminal justice policy, and empirical methods, Ph.D. students take advanced graduate coursework consistent with their research focus. The program seeks to produce scholarly research in academic or policy settings.