Best Criminology Schools in Tennessee: Online Programs (2026)

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Tennessee Criminology At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Criminology Salary$64,793
Salary OutlookTennessee offers competitive wages for criminology professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing BodyTennessee Professional Licensing Board
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online criminology degree in Tennessee offers a flexible path into criminology careers. Tennessee offers competitive wages for criminology professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a nationally available program, Tennessee students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


Online Criminology Schools in Tennessee

The following schools offer accredited online criminology programs and are ranked based on affordability, graduation rates, and student outcomes in Tennessee.

How We Rank Schools

Every school list on this site is ordered by the BOC Score, computed from the most recent school-level data published by the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard and IPEDS). To qualify, a school must be currently operating and accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Each eligible school is then scored on five measures, percentile-ranked against schools at the same credential level:

  • Graduation rate 30%
  • Median earnings, 10 years after entry 25%
  • Average net price (lower is better) 20%
  • Retention rate 15%
  • Fully online availability 10%

Schools without enough outcome data appear after ranked schools, without a score. Advertising never affects these rankings. Read the full methodology.

Ranked by BOC Score — U.S. Dept. of Education outcome data. Advertising never affects rankings.

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#1

Christian Brothers University

Memphis, TN
  • 4 year
  • Offers a fully online program
  • Accredited
65.2 BOC Score
Acceptance rate 87%
Graduation rate 55%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $57,478
Avg net price $9,854/yr
Tuition
In‑state$38,420
Out‑of‑state$38,420
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 74%
  • Programs offered: 56

Source:Accreditor: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on CollegesIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

Lipscomb University

Nashville, TN
  • 4 year
  • Offers a fully online program
62.5 BOC Score
Graduation rate 68%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $55,541
Avg net price $24,739/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 85%
  • Programs offered: 107

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

Union University

Jackson, TN
  • 4 year
  • Offers a fully online program
58.6 BOC Score
Graduation rate 64%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $53,990
Avg net price $27,171/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 88%
  • Programs offered: 80

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Tennessee

Criminology professionals in Tennessee experience a dynamic job market with competitive wages. Below are the median annual salaries for key roles in the field, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for Tennessee.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (Tennessee)
Detective and Criminal Investigator$77,090
Probation Officer and Correctional Treatment Specialist$58,010
Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officer$59,280

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.


Why Pursue an Online Criminology Degree in Tennessee?

Choosing a program in Tennessee can provide several advantages:

  • In-State Tuition: Many public universities in Tennessee offer lower tuition rates for residents, even for online programs.
  • Local Networking: Attending a school within your state can make it easier to connect with local employers and professional organizations.
  • Regional Relevance: Curriculum often incorporates data and case studies relevant to the Tennessee economy and job market.


Frequently Asked Questions

Are online criminology programs in Tennessee accredited?

The schools in our directory hold institutional accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education - that is a condition of inclusion. Verify any specific school and program in the Department’s DAPIP database before enrolling.

How does Criminology pay in Tennessee compare to other states?

Tennessee offers competitive wages for criminology professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. This makes Tennessee a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

What is the primary licensing board for criminology in Tennessee?

The Tennessee Professional Licensing Board oversees professional standards and licensure for the field in Tennessee. Most accredited programs are designed to align with their specific requirements.


Online Criminology Programs by City in Tennessee

Explore city-level guides with local salary data and school options:

Atoka · Bartlett · Brentwood · Bristol · Chattanooga · Clarksville · Cleveland · Collierville · Columbia · Cookeville · Dyersburg · East Ridge · Farragut · Franklin · Gallatin · Germantown · Greeneville · Harriman · Hendersonville · Jackson · Johnson City · Kingsport · Knoxville · La Vergne · Lebanon · Maryville · Memphis · Morristown · Mount Juliet · Murfreesboro · Nashville · Oak Ridge · Sevierville · Shelbyville · Smyrna · Spring Hill


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