What are the best colleges for Criminology majors?

Hi there, junior here! I'm super into the idea of studying Criminology. Can someone point me in the right direction... like which colleges have the strongest Criminology programs? Also sprout some light on whether internships or job opportunities play a factor in choosing the college in this field.

Sure thing! Here is a selection of colleges that have strong criminology programs:

1. University of Maryland - College Park: This university is often singled out for its Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice. They boast experienced faculty and offer a variety of specializations.

2. University of Pennsylvania: UPenn's Criminology program is well-regarded and offers a multidisciplinary approach to the study of crime and justice. They also highly value field experience.

3. University of Florida: Their Department of Sociology and Criminology & Law provides a comprehensive program and they also offer online degree options.

Now, moving onto the second part of your question, internships and job opportunities definitely play a substantial role in this field.

Internships provide you with practical, hands-on experience and can help you understand the theoretical concepts you learn in class. They can also provide networking opportunities, which might be advantageous when you're searching for a job after graduation. Many colleges have solid relationships with local law enforcement agencies, nonprofits, and government organizations and can help students secure internships.

Jobs in criminology include roles in law enforcement, federal agencies (like the FBI or DEA), corrections, forensics, or legal settings. Having a criminology degree might also open up opportunities in policy reform, advocacy, and community outreach positions. College placement rates and career services support should be factors in your decision, as these can greatly aid in your job search post-graduation.

So, while looking for colleges, I recommend checking out their internship placement programs, the organizations they are connected with for internships, what type of career support they provide, and what the outcomes are for their graduates (i.e., what kind of jobs they end up getting). Good luck with your search!