Penn’s unique Master of Science in Criminology Program has a three-fold purpose. It is designed:

• for those who want so spend their careers as "change agents" applying criminological research in public and nonprofit organizations, from law enforcement, prison and probation agencies to think tanks and consultancies

• for research-oriented students preparing for a doctoral program

• for those who are interested in exploring both career tracks in just one year

Penn is the only one of the nation’s 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.