Our criminology program has an interdisciplinary focus, drawing on exceptional faculty from across Penns departments and schools including those with appointments in business, law, medicine, nursing, psychology, psychiatry, sociology and statistics. We also offer joint degreesfor example, with Penns Law School and with the Fels Institute of Government.
Penn is the only one of the nations top research universities (and the only institution in the Ivy League) to offer a Master of Science program in Criminology. We offer students a solid, interdisciplinary academic grounding in criminology and provide the skills to analyze crime data, map crime patterns, and use research to make evidence-based decisions on how to address crime. This scientific grounding and the rich intellectual atmosphere at Penn also serves as a foundation for research-oriented students who wish to continue their education in Ph.D. programs in criminology and related social sciences. By blending theory and application, the program enhances career advancement for those who want to contribute to the public interest in government, criminal justice agencies, legal settings, and non-profit organizations and increases opportunities for those choosing to go to research universities.
There are 8 courses required for completion. Of these, 7 are required and one is an elective.
Required courses:
CRIM 600 - Proseminar in Criminology
CRIM 601 - Proseminar in Criminal Justice
CRIM 602 - Evidence-Based Sentencing
CRIM 604 - Academic and Applied Criminology
CRIM 634 - Evidence-Based Crime Prevention
CRIM 603 - Research Methods/Crime Analysis Project
SOCI 535 - Quantitative Methods I
Electives - Students must select one of the following electives:
CRIM 605 - Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure and Criminology
LAW 503 - Criminal Law
LAW 748 - Criminal Procedure: Prosecution and Adjudication
Each university in the Unites States of America sets its own admission standards so there isn't the same criteria for all the students and the university can decide which applicants meet those standards. The fee for each application is between $35 to $100.
After the selections of the universities you want to attend, the best of all would be to contact each university for an application form and more admission information for the international students. Moreover, for a graduate or postgraduate program it's necessary to verify the admission requirements. Some programs require that you send your application directly to their department.
Admissions decisions are based on students's academic record and different test scores, such as TOEFL, the SAT or ACT (for undergraduate programs) and GRE or GMAT (for graduate programs). Admission decision is based on your academic results and motivation.
Financial Aid
Students in the Criminology Masters program are eligible for fellowships or assistantships on research grants as available. Limited financial aid is also available. However, admissions offers cannot be tied to full financial support.
