Best criminology schools to apply for?

I'm planning to major in criminology and want to know which schools have the best programs. How do their curriculum and internship opportunities vary? Any suggestions on what I should look for in a criminology school?

Certainly! Here are a few well-regarded schools with strong Criminology programs that you might want to consider:

1. University of Maryland, College Park: They offer a top-ranked program focusing on criminology and criminal justice, with courses ranging from Law and Society to Advanced Criminological Theory. The program emphasizes both theory and application and offers opportunities for internships and professional experiences.

2. University of Pennsylvania: Although it's more of a blend between sociology and criminology, the Criminology major at Penn offers interdisciplinary coursework and encourages students to consider the social, political, and economic contexts of criminal behavior. Internships in criminal justice agencies are strongly encouraged.

3. Florida State University: Their College of Criminology and Criminal Justice offers both a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts. They stress the importance of internships and support an in-house internship program.

4. University of California, Irvine: Their School of Social Ecology provides a unique interdisciplinary approach to criminology and allows students to engage with communities and professionals in the field. There are opportunities to work with faculty on research, or gain experiential learning with over 200 community organizations and agencies.

When choosing a school for criminology, you might want to consider:

Curriculum: Look at the course catalogs and syllabi if possible. Is there a focus on areas that interest you? Is there a good mix of theory and application? Do they offer specialized courses in your area of interest?

Faculty: Look up the faculty, their research interests, publications - having professors who are experts in the field can be a real asset.

Internship/Work opportunities: Internships can provide hands-on learning experiences, provide networking opportunities and can be a strong boost to your resume. Look for schools that can help facilitate these experiences.

Research Opportunities: If you're planning to pursue a graduate degree, or simply enjoy empirical works, having the opportunity to engage in research, especially under faculty, can be rewarding.

Career Support: Check the career support services offered by the school. They can guide you with internships, job placements, and provide resources that would be beneficial during and after your time at college.

Remember, what matters most is the fit between you and the school. Happy college hunting!