Online Bachelor of Arts in Sociology - Criminology

Lead Change Through Evidence-Based Justice

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At a Glance

Advance your career with the University of Oklahoma’s online Bachelor of Arts in Sociology – Criminology. This degree completion pathway equips you to analyze crime and justice through a sociological lens, develop research and data analysis skills, and apply evidence-based strategies to real-world challenges in criminal justice and social services.

Whether you’re seeking promotion, finishing what you started, or transitioning into a justice-related career, OU Online provides the academic excellence and flexibility you need to succeed.

100% Online

Time to Complete:

24 to 48 months

Credit Hours:

120

Time Commitment:

10 to 15 hours weekly

start dates

Fall, Spring, Summer

cost

OU’s online BA in Sociology – Criminology is an investment in your future — and OU Online is committed to making that investment accessible and transparent.

Tuition and fees for the program are $550 per credit hour.

Books and additional materials are not included.

YOUR FUTURE STARTS HERE

Complete the form below to learn more about our online programs and how to get started.

About the Online Bachelor of Arts in Sociology – Criminology Option

The University of Oklahoma’s online BA in Criminology is a 120-credit-hour degree completion program designed for transfer students and working professionals with at least 24 college credit hours earned after high school. Offered through OU’s Dodge Family College of Arts and Sciences, this flexible, fully online program explores the causes of crime, the structure of criminal justice systems, and the social impact of crime and policy while preparing students for careers in criminal justice, public service, and related fields.

You’ll gain the ability to analyze crime and justice systems through a sociological lens, develop research and statistical skills, and apply evidence-based strategies to real-world challenges. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, data literacy, and policy analysis—skills that employers and graduate programs value. Courses cover criminology, criminal justice systems, deviance, law and society, juvenile justice, and specialized topics such as violence and substance abuse.

Whether you’re working in criminal justice, social services, or related fields—or seeking a career change—the BA in Sociology – Criminology Option provides the academic foundation and flexibility to help you reach your goals. Graduates are prepared for roles in probation and parole, victim advocacy, community corrections, policy analysis, and research, as well as advanced study in criminology, law, or social work.

What Can You Do with a Criminology Degree?

OU’s 100% online Bachelor of Arts in Sociology – Criminology prepares you for meaningful careers in criminal justice, social services, and policy analysis. Whether you’re seeking promotion, finishing your degree, or transitioning into a new field, this program equips you with research, analytical, and critical thinking skills that employers value. Graduates are prepared for roles in local, state, and federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private-sector settings. Career opportunities and jobs you can expect with a Criminology degree include:

Probation Officer
Juvenile Justice Counselor
Case Manager (Reentry or Diversion Programs)
Crime Analyst
Program Coordinator (Justice or Social Services)
Research Assistant (Criminal Justice or Policy)
Pretrial Services Officer
Restorative Justice Coordinator

Correctional Treatment Specialist
Victim Advocate
Community Corrections Specialist
Policy Analyst (Criminal Justice)
Court Services Officer
Parole Officer
Reentry Specialist

Whether you’re advancing in your current role or entering a new career path, OU’s Sociology - Criminology program gives you the tools to analyze crime, shape policy, and make informed decisions that strengthen communities.

Industry Insights: Criminology and Criminal Justice Workforce Outlook

Professionals with research, analytical, and critical thinking skills in criminology and sociology are in demand across criminal justice, social services, and policy sectors. OU’s online BA in Sociology – Criminology Option prepares graduates to thrive in roles that require evidence-based decision-making, data literacy, and strategic analysis.

Median Pay: $64,520 for probation officers and correctional treatment specialists
Job Outlook: 3% projected growth through 2034
Job Opportunities: Approximately 7,900 openings annually due to growth and workforce transitions

The median pay figures reflect earnings for professionals working in these occupations and may represent mid-career compensation. Entry-level salaries vary based on role, employer, experience, and geographic location.

As agencies and organizations adopt evidence-based practices, the need for professionals who can analyze data, evaluate programs, and shape policy continues to rise. From probation and parole to victim advocacy and policy analysis, criminology graduates play a critical role in building fair and effective justice systems.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Program Outcomes: Criminology Expertise for Real-World Impact

OU’s online bachelor’s degree in Criminology equips you with the analytical, research, and communication skills needed to thrive in criminal justice, social services, and policy roles. You’ll graduate prepared to evaluate evidence, shape policy, and make informed decisions that strengthen communities.

Through this program, you’ll learn how to:

Examine crime, punishment, and social control through sociological theory and empirical research rather than procedural or enforcement-focused training
Build competency in statistical analysis, research methods, and data interpretation aligned with evidence-based practices in criminal justice and policy settings
Analyze racial, economic, and structural disparities in justice systems, including mass incarceration, restorative justice, and contemporary reform movements
Apply criminological and sociological theories to real-world justice issues, policy debates, and institutional practices
Create an independent criminological research project demonstrating mastery of theory, methods, data analysis, and professional-level writing
Develop analytical skills valued in justice agencies, policy organizations, advocacy groups, and graduate programs emphasizing reform, evaluation, and data-informed decision-making

Whether you’re advancing in your current role or preparing for graduate study, this degree provides the foundation to lead with insight and impact.

Course Details

OU’s online BA in Sociology – Criminology delivers a rigorous curriculum designed for transfer students and working professionals. You’ll start with foundational courses in sociology, statistics, and research methods, then advance through criminology and justice system studies. Specialized electives allow you to tailor your degree to career interests in juvenile justice, victim advocacy, policy analysis, or community corrections.

The program culminates in a capstone research project showcasing your ability to apply theory, analyze data, and produce professional-quality work.

Introduction to Sociology

Credit Hours: 3

Fundamental concepts of sociology; foundations of group life; social change, processes, and problems. Foundation for understanding social institutions, inequality, and sociological perspectives on crime and deviance.

Methods of Social Research

Credit Hours: 3

Basic elements of scientific method applied to study of human social life. Examines conceptualization, hypothesis formulation, research designs, and techniques for assembling and ordering data. Prepares students to conduct and evaluate criminological research.

The System of Criminal Justice

Credit Hours: 3

Examination of criminal justice system structure and operation including law enforcement, courts, corrections, and community supervision. Analysis of system processes, outcomes, and contemporary challenges.

Alcohol, Drugs, and Society

Credit Hours: 3

Explores sociological explanations of alcohol and drug use with a special emphasis on current issues in the United States.

Sociological Theory

Credit Hours: 3

Major theoretical perspectives in sociology and their application to understanding social phenomena including crime, deviance, and social control. Critical examination of classical and contemporary theories.

Wealth, Power and Prestige

Credit Hours: 3

Examines the systems in which the central elements of class stratification--wealth, power, and prestige--are created and distributed and addresses the issue of "who gets how much and why?". Topics include a review of the theories and evidence in current stratification studies and an assessment of the racial, ethnic, and religious correlates of inequality.

Sociology of Aging

Credit Hours: 3

Comprehensive description of the dimensions of aging. The point of departure is the notion that to talk meaningfully about one aspect of aging requires consideration of its other dimensions.

Social Statistics

Credit Hours: 3

Descriptive and inferential statistics as applied to sociological and criminological data analysis. Problems of research design and interpretation of analysis. Essential quantitative skills for criminal justice research and evidence-based practice.

Criminology

Credit Hours: 3

Study of the nature and causes of various forms of deviant and illegal behavior, especially serious personal injury and property crimes. Primary focus on sociological theories attempting to explain crime, criminality, and victimization in modern societies.

Sociology of Law

Credit Hours: 3

Provides a sociological understanding of the interrelationship between law and society. Covers the origins of law, types of legal systems, theories of punishment, and examines law as an independent variable (i.e., as a mechanism for social change) and as a dependent variable (i.e., how laws are created or changed by social pressure).

Juvenile Justice

Credit Hours: 3

Course examines criminal measurement of juvenile crime, theories of delinquency, legal rights of juveniles and the juvenile justice system.

Capstone in Criminology

Credit Hours: 3

In-depth analysis and discussion of current research topics in criminology. Students conduct independent research project demonstrating ability to understand and critique quantitative research, apply theory, and produce professional-quality analytical writing.

Sociology of Family

Credit Hours: 3

The sociological study of the family as an institution; the origin and development of the family; the interrelationships of the family and the larger society; the environmental conditions which seem to favor the development and continuance of the major family forms; the rise of the modern democratic family; characteristic patterns of change in the contemporary family.

Sociology of Gender

Credit Hours: 3

Sociological analysis of the reinforcement of gender roles by the major institutions of society. Examine the effects on gender roles of education, mass media, economics, public policy, law, religion, and society.

Why OU Online: Flexibility Backed by a Flagship University

OU Online delivers high-quality, career-focused programs built for working professionals—combining the flexibility of a 100% online format with the academic excellence of a flagship public university. Offered through the Dodge Family College of Arts and Sciences, the BA in Sociology – Criminology prepares you to analyze crime, shape policy, and advance in justice-related careers.

With a curriculum grounded in research, theory, and evidence-based practice, this degree equips you to navigate complex justice systems and make informed decisions that drive meaningful change. OU Online’s student-centered approach ensures you receive personalized support, expert instruction, and a flexible learning experience that fits your schedule and goals.

Whether you’re completing your degree or preparing for graduate study, OU Online gives you the tools to succeed—on your terms.

Faculty Expertise: Research-Active Leaders in Criminology

Learn from faculty who conduct criminological research and publish in leading academic journals. Their expertise spans areas such as deviance, law and society, juvenile justice, and criminal justice systems. Faculty mentorship connects classroom learning to real-world applications, preparing you for immediate career advancement and graduate study.

Robust Student Support

OU Online offers comprehensive student support services tailored to the needs of working professionals. From academic support and online tutoring to mental health counseling and career development resources, students in the BA in Sociology – Criminology Option program receive the guidance they need to succeed. The program’s flexible format accommodates the needs of working professionals, allowing you to expand your skills while maintaining full-time employment.

Global Alumni Network

As a student in the BA in Sociology – Criminology Option program, you’ll join a global network of more than 250,000 University of Oklahoma alumni. OU graduates lead across industries—from business and nonprofit to government and education—creating a powerful community of professionals who share your drive to lead and make an impact. Becoming a Sooner means gaining access to mentorship, career connections, and leadership opportunities that can accelerate your career.

Flexible Format

The BA in Sociology – Criminology Option is delivered 100% online in a flexible format built for transfer students and working professionals. Complete your degree while maintaining full-time employment and family responsibilities. With asynchronous, 8-week courses, you can study on your schedule from anywhere—without sacrificing academic rigor or career momentum.

Tailored Experience

Customize your learning to match your career goals. In addition to core courses in sociology, criminology, and research methods, you’ll choose electives that align with your interests and aspirations. Options include:

Juvenile Justice for careers in youth services and diversion programs
Victim Advocacy and Sociology of Violence for roles supporting victims and community safety
Sociology of Law and Policy Analysis for positions in justice reform and policy development
Alcohol, Drugs, and Society for work in substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation programs

This flexibility ensures your degree reflects your professional goals while preparing you for advancement in criminal justice, social services, or policy sectors.

Cost & Financial Aid

Earning your Bachelor of Arts in Sociology – Criminology Option is an investment in your future—and OU Online is committed to making that investment accessible and transparent.

Tuition and fees for the program are $550 per credit hour.

Books and additional materials are not included.

Financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition assistance may be available to help offset the cost. For questions about financial aid for your online program, contact the Online Aid office at onlineaid@ou.edu or call 405-325-2929.

*Please be aware that tuition and fees may change, as determined by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.

Take the Next Step

Admissions Requirements

Admission to the online BA in Sociology – Criminology Option is designed for transfer students ready to finish their degree and advance in justice-related careers. Whether you’re currently working in criminal justice, social services, or seeking a career change, applicants should demonstrate a strong academic foundation and a commitment to completing their degree.

To be considered, applicants must:

Complete the online application and submit the $50 application fee
Have at least a 2.5 GPA and at least 24 college credit hours earned after high school; completion of an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science at an accredited Oklahoma community college; OR a GPA of 2.0 and at least 60+ non-remedial college credit hours earned after high school
Submit official transcripts from all previous institutions

Application Timeline

OU Online uses a rolling admissions process, reviewing applications as they are received. Admissions typically remain open until two weeks before classes begin, though some programs may have earlier deadlines. Most applicants receive a decision within two weeks of submitting a completed application.

Step 1

Contact an Enrollment Coach to discuss your qualifications and interest in the program.

Step 2

Complete the online application.

Step 3

Provide undergraduate transcripts for all prior institutions.