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    • Criminology

    Criminology Courses Online

    Study criminology principles to understand the causes and prevention of crime. Learn about criminal behavior, justice systems, and policy development.

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    Explore the Criminology Course Catalog

    • Status: Free
      Free
      N

      Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

      Introduction to Forensic Science

      Skills you'll gain: Criminal Investigation and Forensics, Scientific Methods, Chemistry, Investigation, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Laboratory Testing, Pathology, Microbiology

      4.9
      Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
      ·
      2.6K reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • V

      Vanderbilt University

      Hot Topics in Criminal Justice

      Skills you'll gain: Criminal Investigation and Forensics, Public Safety and National Security, Social Justice, Court Systems, Legal Proceedings, Political Sciences, Case Law, Social Sciences, Policy Analysis, Disabilities, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Law, Regulation, and Compliance, Cultural Diversity, Ethical Standards And Conduct

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      174 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      C

      Case Western Reserve University

      Introduction to International Criminal Law

      Skills you'll gain: Trial Preparation, Court Systems, Criminal Investigation and Forensics, Legal Proceedings, Legal Hearings, Litigation and Civil Justice, International Relations, Legal Strategy, Diplomacy, Public Safety and National Security, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Case Law, Intelligence Collection and Analysis, Interactive Learning, Student Engagement

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      3.9K reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      U

      University of Toronto

      Understanding and Managing the Stresses of Police Work

      Skills you'll gain: Mindfulness, Active Listening, Stress Management, Empowerment, De-escalation Techniques, Emotional Intelligence, Biology, Resilience, Self-Awareness

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      438 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • E

      Emory University

      Understanding Violence

      Skills you'll gain: Public Health, Conflict Management, Public Safety and National Security, International Relations, Social Justice, Mental Health, Sociology, Mental and Behavioral Health, Social Sciences, Economics, Policy, and Social Studies, Media and Communications, Trauma Care, Biology

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      277 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      U

      University of Maryland, College Park

      Cybersecurity for Everyone

      Skills you'll gain: Cyber Risk, Cyber Security Policies, Security Management, Cybersecurity, Risk Management, Cyber Security Strategy, Cyber Attacks, Cyber Governance, Infrastructure Security, Telecommunications, Computer Security Awareness Training, Threat Detection, Enterprise Security, Security Awareness, General Networking, Data Security, Vulnerability, Public Safety and National Security, Governance, Political Sciences

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      2.9K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      W

      Wesleyan University

      Social Psychology

      Skills you'll gain: Social Sciences, Psychology, Persuasive Communication, Behavior Management, Conflict Management, Interpersonal Communications, Cultural Diversity, Research, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Experimentation

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      5K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      U

      Universiteit Leiden

      Terrorism and Counterterrorism: Comparing Theory and Practice

      Skills you'll gain: Public Safety and National Security, Research, Research Methodologies, Policy Analysis, Media and Communications, Social Studies, World History, International Relations, Political Sciences, Public Policies, Trend Analysis, Psychology

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      3.2K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      W

      West Virginia University

      Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination

      Skills you'll gain: Auditing, Loss Prevention, Internal Controls, Financial Controls, Threat Detection, Anomaly Detection, Financial Auditing, Cybersecurity, Financial Data, Cyber Operations, Investigation, Criminal Investigation and Forensics, Analytics, Specialized Accounting, Cyber Attacks, Security Awareness, Big Data, Accounting, Business Ethics, Compliance Reporting

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      6.1K reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      U

      University of Amsterdam

      Classical Sociological Theory

      Skills you'll gain: Sociology, Social Studies, Social Sciences, Socioeconomics, Culture, Political Sciences, Economics, Qualitative Research, Research Methodologies

      4.9
      Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
      ·
      3K reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      S

      Stanford University

      Cryptography I

      Skills you'll gain: Cryptography, Data Encryption Standard, Encryption, Key Management, Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), Public Key Cryptography Standards (PKCS), Cybersecurity, Authentications, Data Integrity, Secure Coding, Algorithms

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      4.4K reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • W

      Wesleyan University

      Abnormal Psychology

      Skills you'll gain: Motivational Interviewing, Psychological Evaluations, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Mental Health Therapies, Behavioral Health, Mental and Behavioral Health, Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Clinical Psychology, Behavior Management, Psychosocial Assessments, Mental Health, Cultural Diversity, Psychology, Experimentation, Interpersonal Communications, Stress Management, Learning Theory, Goal Setting, Health Disparities

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      651 reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

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    In summary, here are 10 of our most popular criminology courses

    • Introduction to Forensic Science: Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
    • Hot Topics in Criminal Justice: Vanderbilt University
    • Introduction to International Criminal Law: Case Western Reserve University
    • Understanding and Managing the Stresses of Police Work: University of Toronto
    • Understanding Violence: Emory University
    • Cybersecurity for Everyone: University of Maryland, College Park
    • Social Psychology: Wesleyan University
    • Terrorism and Counterterrorism: Comparing Theory and Practice: Universiteit Leiden
    • Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination: West Virginia University
    • Classical Sociological Theory : University of Amsterdam

    Frequently Asked Questions about Criminology

    Criminology is the scientific study of unlawful behavior in criminal activities. In their work, criminologists examine the types of persons who commit crimes, the reasons why people commit crimes, the impact of the crimes, and how to prevent people from committing crimes in the future.

    Criminologists often conduct original research and use available data to uncover a criminal's behavioral patterns, as in the modus operandi of a serial killer, for instance. They also develop theories for the criminal activity and draw conclusions for the behavior. The work involved in criminology is designed to provide answers so that the intended behavior can be thwarted in advance of the crime.‎

    Learning criminology can satisfy your strong interests in forensic science, cybersecurity, criminal law, and similar topics. Understanding the motivations of criminals is also a leading indicator to learning about criminology. You might seek to learn criminology to further your interest in street-level crimes, like robberies, physical assaults, and pickpockets.

    Newer forms of criminal activities are taking place online. As such, there is a growing interest for people to seek a deeper understanding about cybersecurity issues, including online fraud, computer hacking, and criminal activity on the dark web.‎

    Typical work for people with criminology knowledge includes careers in forensic psychology, criminal profiling, and forensic behavior. In standard criminology circles, a criminologist might be required to research a crime scene, interview any possible suspects in a crime scene, and collect criminal data.

    Careers in online criminal fraud include working in cybersecurity for a computer security company, a financial institution, or a security agency. For these roles, you would need to have a strong background in computer programming, system architecture, and software analysis. These roles demand focus, concentration, and online knowledge of preventing computer hacks.‎

    Taking online courses in criminology on Coursera helps you gain expert knowledge and understanding of online security, risk management, cyber responses, and terrorism activity. You can learn how criminals operate, the types of methods employed in criminal behavior, and how they hack into computer systems to disrupt normal activities.

    You can use the information that you get from online courses to learn more about banking security and criminal fraud activities. Online learning can help you with real-world applications in criminology roles as well.‎

    Online Criminology courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Criminology skills. Choose from a wide range of Criminology courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.‎

    When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Criminology, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here.‎

    This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

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