Top colleges for criminology?

Hi everyone, I'm a junior in high school and I'm really interested in studying criminology. What are some of the top colleges across the US that have the best criminology programs?

Hi there! It's fantastic that you're interested in studying criminology. Finding a high-quality program is crucial in adequately preparing yourself for a career in this field. Here are some top colleges in the US known for their strong criminology or criminal justice programs:

1. University of Maryland, College Park: The Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice at UMD is highly-regarded and offers a comprehensive undergraduate program, as well as graduate programs for those interested in advanced study.

2. University of Pennsylvania (UPenn): UPenn's criminology major is housed within the prestigious School of Arts and Sciences, and it combines rigorous academic coursework with practical, hands-on experiences.

3. Florida State University (FSU): FSU's College of Criminology and Criminal Justice is nationally recognized for its research, faculty, and overall program quality.

4. University of Cincinnati: The School of Criminal Justice at UC offers various degrees, including a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, as well as a criminology focus for graduate study.

5. Pennsylvania State University (Penn State): Penn State's Department of Sociology and Criminology offers a Bachelor's degree in Criminology and provides students with opportunities to engage in cold case research, internships, and study abroad programs.

6. University of California, Irvine (UCI): The Department of Criminology, Law and Society at UCI offers a top-ranked program focusing on interdisciplinary research and the application of criminology concepts to real-world problems.

7. Northeastern University: Northeastern's School of Criminology and Criminal Justice is known for its experiential learning opportunities, including co-op placements and internships, in addition to its academic offerings.

8. Rutgers University-Newark: The School of Criminal Justice at Rutgers-Newark is another prominent program that excels in both research and teaching, offering a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice.

Keep in mind that this list is not exhaustive, and there are many other colleges with strong criminology and criminal justice programs. When researching schools, make sure to take into account factors such as location, campus culture, and available resources that contribute to your overall fit at the institution. Good luck with your college search!