Essential Information
There are no bachelor's degree programs offered specifically in crime analysis, but students can find fully online bachelor's degree programs related to crime analysis, such as those in criminal justice criminology or forensic investigations, at many traditional four-year colleges and universities. These programs are designed for students who are seeking to enter the criminal justice field and those with experience seeking career advancement.
Some online programs in this field are meant for students who already have an associate's degree or a certain amount of general education credits. Schools may also award credit for law enforcement or military experience.
Bachelor's Degree in Criminology
Online Bachelor of Science in Criminology degree programs normally incorporate courses in criminal justice research, crime analysis procedures and the psychology of crime.
Information and Requirements
Eligibility for criminology and criminal justice distance learning bachelor's degree programs can include a minimum number of transferable college credits and a minimum grade point average (GPA) in those courses. Instructors teach courses via online tools such as video conferencing, interactive discussion boards, and e-mail. Course management systems give online students access to lectures, assignments and other class materials, usually around the clock.
Courses
Online coursework can include the following:
- Applied crime mapping
- Geographic criminology
- Crime analysis
- Crime control strategies
- Criminal behavior
Bachelor of Science in Forensic Investigation
Some law enforcement degrees allow students to concentrate in forensic science--a field related to crime analysis. They could study crime data, ballistics, DNA and other evidence that must be carefully gathered from crime scenes.
Information and Requirements
Students in these programs acquire an understanding of social psychology and evidence procedures, as well as fundamental investigative practices including fingerprinting and forensic photography. They may hone their skills in virtual crime labs or by examining virtual crime scenes.
Courses
Courses in this degree may cover the following areas:
- Medical and legal death investigations
- Forensic psychology
- Crime victim studies
There are several degree options for students who want to get a bachelor's degree that covers crime analysis. One such option is a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Investigation, which covers specific evidence-gathering techniques and the methods to evaluate the information collected.
