Criminologyat University at Albany
Graduates earn $42,257/yr in their first year — about 15.0% above the national Criminology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $550K; scenarios range from $500K to $557K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University at Albany
UAlbany’s criminology program stands out nationally, partly due to its prime location in New York's state capital. This geographic advantage means direct access to a wealth of state agencies, local law enforcement, and policy-making bodies. You’ll find strong recruiting pipelines into organizations like the NY State Police, Department of Corrections, and various justice-related state agencies and non-profits, providing practical experience and networking opportunities throughout your studies. The program likely emphasizes analytical and critical thinking skills, preparing you not just for front-line roles, but also for positions in policy analysis, research, and management within the justice system, reflected in diverse career paths. While some data-intensive tasks in the field may see AI integration, the core human-centric aspects of investigation, intervention, and policy remain crucial. To leverage this strong foundation, actively pursue internships within these government or advocacy organizations to build invaluable connections and real-world expertise.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to University at Albany's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Criminology
How University at Albany stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University at Albany
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University at Albany, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Criminology offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Criminology trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Criminology at University at Albany
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Criminology at University at Albany?
A score of 55/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Criminology field.
Will AI replace Criminology careers?
With 50% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $499,613 in decade earnings vs $556,773 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes University at Albany's Criminology program stand out?
Ranked #5 of 111 programs nationally, University at Albany lands in the top 5%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.