M.A. in Criminology

Why are certain behaviors classified as criminal? How do societal notions of security, deviance, and social control emerge? And what role do politics, the media, the judiciary, and social institutions play in addressing social conflicts? The interdisciplinary master’s program in Criminology at the University of Siegen addresses these and other questions. The program combines perspectives from the social and cultural sciences with empirical research and prepares students for challenging careers in academia, politics, public administration, the judiciary, social work, and other national and international professional fields.

We are currently working on informational sessions that we plan to offer online and in person in the near future. Several dates are currently scheduled for 2027 and will be posted here soon.

The Master’s program in Criminology prepares students for challenging careers in academia, politics, public administration, and the field. Graduates possess a solid foundation in criminology as well as strong analytical, methodological, and conceptual skills. They are able to scientifically analyze social problems and criminal phenomena, conduct empirical research, and develop evidence-based solutions for policymakers, public administration, and society.

Possible career fields include, among others:

• Academia and research (universities, colleges, non-university research institutions)
• Ministries, government agencies, and public administration (e.g., interior, justice, family, or social services)
• Justice and offender rehabilitation (probation services, court support, correctional services, reintegration)
• Crime prevention and community-based prevention work
• Police and security research
• Policy advisory services and evaluation
• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), foundations, and international organizations
• Youth Services, Social Work, and Social Services
• Public Opinion, Social, and Evaluation Research
• Media, Science Communication, and Public Relations
• Associations and Representation of Interests
• Project management and concept development in the public and nonprofit sectors

In addition, the program provides access to a Ph.D. and prepares students for an academic career both in Germany and abroad.

Potential Employers

• Universities and research institutes
• Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA)
• State Criminal Police Offices (LKA)
• Federal Ministry of Justice
• Federal Ministry of the Interior
• Municipal Prevention Councils
• German Youth Institute (DJI)
• Criminological Research Institutes
• Probation Services and Offender Assistance
• State Justice Departments
• European Union and international organizations
• Foundations, Associations, and Non-Governmental Organizations

Applications for the master's program in Criminology are submitted through the University of Siegen's application portal.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the master’s program, you must have:

• a first professional degree (e.g., a bachelor’s degree or the First State Examination) in a relevant field,
• at least 12 credit points in the areas of criminological research, criminological theories, or criminological practice ; or an internship of at least six months or at least three months of relevant professional experience (e.g., in the correctional system, with the police, in probation services, the courts, or youth welfare services),
• English proficiency at the B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Application Deadline

• Winter semester: Information to follow

Start of Studies

• At the start of the winter semester

Admission Restrictions

• Admission to this program is currently restricted.

Application

Applications are submitted online via the University of Siegen’s unisono application portal. Further information on application materials, deadlines, and the application process can be found on the Student Affairs Office website.