15 University Criminology Programs for High School Students
- Stephen Turban
- 40 minutes ago
- 11 min read
Structured programs can be a great option if you want to prepare for the future while in high school. If you are interested in analyzing crime and the justice system, consider a criminology program offered by a university/college. University-led criminology programs provide you with exposure to college-level academics, opportunities to build practical skills, and explore professional environments while offering insight into campus life. These programs feature faculty-led lectures on topics like criminal justice, law, and forensic sciences, offering you a focused way to explore criminology through rigorous coursework and guided inquiry.
Why should I participate in a university criminology program in high school?
Participating in a university criminology program while in high school allows you to engage with interdisciplinary material, such as sociology, psychology, law, and data analysis, at a depth rarely available in classrooms. Access to faculty-led lectures, projects, simulations, case studies, and research discussions can help you develop analytical reasoning, evidence evaluation, and academic writing skills that support college readiness. Additionally, networking with professors, researchers, and like-minded peers can lead to mentorship opportunities and future collaborations. These experiences help you make informed decisions about majors and career paths while strengthening your academic profile.To help you get started, we have narrowed down 15 university criminology programs for high school students.
If you’re looking for online summer research programs, check out our blog here.
Location: Various sites, including Oxford, Cambridge, Singapore, Sydney, Toronto, and Boston
Cost: Varies; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Application deadline: Multiple summer cohorts; rolling admissions
Dates: Two-week sessions in the summer
Eligibility: Students, ages 13 – 18, currently enrolled in middle or high school
The Academic Insights Program allows high school students to experience university life firsthand. You will live on campus and study in small groups of 7 to 10 students, and learn from tutors from leading universities like Oxford and Cambridge. In the criminology track, you will explore criminological theories, learn about criminal justice systems, and study forensic science through case studies, fieldwork, and interactive lectures. You will also work on projects and team challenges to develop problem-solving, investigative, and critical thinking skills. At the end of the program, you will complete a personal project and receive written feedback along with a certificate of completion. You can find more details about the application here.
Location: Purdue University Northwest, Hammond, IN
Cost: Free!
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 16 – 20
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
This free Forensic Science Camp introduces high school students to the intersection of scientific analysis and criminal investigation through a structured, weeklong experience. You will process a simulated crime scene, collect and preserve evidence, and apply laboratory techniques to analyze physical findings, developing an understanding of how forensic data supports investigative conclusions. By integrating practical exercises with scientific instruction, the program enables you to follow the full evidentiary process from collection to interpretation while gaining insight into careers that connect science and law. The experience culminates in solving a mock case.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $3,364; need-based scholarships are available.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 29 – July 10
Application deadline: May 8; applications open on January 14.
Eligibility: High school students completing grades 9 to 12
Brown University offers various pre-college programs and courses to high schoolers each summer. Its criminal justice course surveys major global criminal justice and legal systems, using the U.S. as a comparative baseline to examine Common Law (England), Civil Law (France and Germany), Socialist Law (China), Sacred Law (Saudi Arabia), and hybrid systems such as Japan’s. The course analyzes how different traditions address similar crimes while diverging on others, illustrating how cultural, religious, and historical contexts shape legal definitions and enforcement. Over two weeks, you will learn through scholarly readings, documentary materials, recorded online lectures, and discussion-based assignments culminating in a project focused on designing a model justice system. The course is designed to help you evaluate how legal frameworks influence incarceration patterns, assess the differences between inquisitorial and adversarial procedures, and analyze the role of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights in protecting civil and human rights across jurisdictions.
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: $6,700; need-based scholarships are available for select Philadelphia students.
Acceptance rate: Not specified
Dates: July 11 – 25
Application deadline: Rolling deadlines
Eligibility: Current 10th and 11th-grade students who have successfully completed at least one year of a lab-based science course prior to the start of the program
This two-week University of Pennsylvania residential program introduces you to the scientific foundations and investigative practices used in contemporary forensic science. Through laboratory exercises, simulated crime scene investigations, and analysis of real case studies, you will examine how evidence is collected, processed, and interpreted across disciplines such as toxicology, DNA analysis, fingerprint examination, and trace analysis. The curriculum highlights the application of biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics to legal contexts while emphasizing accuracy, documentation, and effective presentation of scientific findings. You will interact with specialists in fields such as anthropology, ballistics, and investigative science, gaining insight into the collaborative nature of forensic work. The curriculum is designed to help you become familiar with forensic methods, assess the credibility of evidence, analyze data for investigative relevance, and communicate conclusions clearly to both professional and general audiences.
Location: University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, and USF, St. Petersburg, FL
Cost: $695
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Selective; 30 students/session
Dates: USF Tampa Session I: June 22 – 26 | USF Tampa Session II: July 20 – 24 | USF St. Petersburg: July 6 – 10
Application deadline: Rolling deadlines; registration opens on February 1.
Eligibility: Students in grades 9 – 12
USF Justice Quest is a week-long criminology camp for high school students that combines academic instruction with applied learning. You will engage in interactive workshops, case study analysis, and hands-on exercises led by faculty and industry professionals, exploring topics such as criminal behavior, forensic investigation, and evidence analysis. The curriculum examines psychological, social, and environmental factors that influence crime, while practical activities introduce techniques such as fingerprint analysis and impression examination. Field visits to the Hillsborough County Courthouse and the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Forensics Lab will provide exposure to real-world settings and career pathways in law enforcement, legal studies, forensic science, and criminal profiling.
Location: Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL
Cost: $950Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Selective; 25 students/camp
Dates: Session I: June 14 – 19 | Session II: July 12 – 17
Application deadline: Rolling deadlines
Eligibility: Students entering grades 9 – 12 in the fall
This week-long camp introduces high school students to the fundamentals of criminal justice through immersive, hands-on experiences on Florida Atlantic University’s Boca Raton campus and at local agencies. You will explore topics such as crime scene investigation, forensic methods, court procedures, and law enforcement operations while observing demonstrations by specialized units, including K-9, SWAT, and bomb squads. You will also tour law enforcement agencies and visit a medical examiner’s office. The five-day format combines expert-led instruction with collaborative learning. Upon completion, you will receive a certificate recognizing your participation.
Location: Marist University, Poughkeepsie, NY
Cost: $3,700
Acceptance rate: 12 – 25 students/course
Dates: July 12 – 25
Application deadline: Rolling deadlines
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors
This pre-college course at Marist University examines foundational questions about public safety, justice, and individual rights through an academic exploration of policing, courts, and corrections. Designed for students interested in the realities behind portrayals such as Law & Order, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, or Boston Legal, the program provides structured exposure to criminal justice systems, career pathways, and civic responsibility. You will attend sessions led by practitioners from local, state, and federal agencies, engage with professionals across the field, and complete an individual specialty project. Successful completion earns you three academic credits for CRJU 101, an introductory course that serves as a prerequisite for advanced study in crime and justice disciplines at Marist and other institutions.
Location: University of New Haven, West Haven, CT
Cost: Day program fee: $900 + on-campus housing fee: $1,500.
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: July 6 – 10
Application deadline: Rolling deadlines
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 10 – 12
The CSI Academy at the University of New Haven introduces high school students to the fundamentals of crime scene investigation through structured, hands-on instruction led by experienced professionals. Over a week, you will study core forensic principles, examine the evidentiary value of physical materials, and practice techniques such as fingerprint processing, footwear impression casting, and proper evidence collection and preservation. The program includes simulated investigations in which you will document crime scenes, analyze findings, and present conclusions to a panel of practitioners, reflecting real investigative procedures. Through this applied format, you will gain practical insight into forensic science methods, investigative reasoning, and the professional standards required in criminal justice fields.
Location: Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.
Cost: Residential: $6,465 | Commuter: $5,075; need-based financial aid is available.
Acceptance rate: Not specified
Dates: June 14 – 26
Application deadline: Early bird deadline: January 31; final deadline: April 15
Eligibility: High school students with at least a 2.0 GPA
The Forensic Investigation Academy at Georgetown University provides high school students with direct exposure to forensic science through instruction from practitioners such as investigators, detectives, crime scene technicians, and medical specialists. The curriculum combines lectures, case studies, discussions, simulations, and field experiences to cover topics such as crime scene analysis, evidence collection, forensic documentation, interrogation methods, ballistics, bloodstain pattern interpretation, and courtroom testimony. You will also explore geographic profiling, terrorism investigations, and medical examinations while applying scientific reasoning to investigative scenarios. Opportunities to connect with guest speakers from the DC Department of Forensic Science and the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia will help you gain insights into professional practice, career pathways, and the analytical skills needed to evaluate evidence and solve complex cases.
Location: Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Cost: $275
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Selective; 40 students/camp
Dates: Camp 1: June 8 – 11 | Camp 2: July 27 – 30
Application deadline: Camp 1: May 9 | Camp 2: July 4
Eligibility: Incoming high school freshmen through seniors
CSI Camp at Missouri State University is a summer day program that introduces high school students to foundational concepts in criminology and criminal investigation. The curriculum covers forensic analysis methods, crime scene processing, and proper evidence collection and packaging. Through exercises, you will practice techniques including fingerprint lifting and examination, tread impression casting, bloodstain pattern analysis, and ballistic evaluation. The program culminates in a simulated crime scene investigation, allowing you to apply investigative procedures and analytical skills in a structured, hands-on setting.
Location: Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX
Cost: $725
Acceptance rate: Not specified
Dates: Session 1: June 14 – 18 | Session 2: July 5 – 9
Application deadline: April 15
Eligibility: High school students, ages 15 – 17
This four-day summer camp offers high school students an applied introduction to criminal justice through direct interaction with practitioners and experiential learning. You will investigate a simulated crime scene, attend sessions led by professionals, and engage with representatives from law enforcement agencies. The camp typically partners with agencies such as the Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Marshals Service, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Harris County Medical Examiner's Office, Huntsville Police Department, U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division, and the U.S. Military Police Corps. Through these interactions, you will gain insight into investigative methods, public safety roles, and the collaborative nature of modern justice systems.
Location: Stockton University, Galloway, NJ
Cost: Early registration: $995 | Regular: $1,095
Acceptance rate: Not specified
Dates: Camp 1: June 28 – July 2 | Camp 2: July 12 – 16 | Camp 3: July 19 – 23
Application deadline: Rolling deadlines
Eligibility: High school students
Stockton CSI is a five-day summer program that immerses high school students in the full investigative and legal process surrounding a simulated homicide case. You will work alongside professors, law enforcement personnel, forensic specialists, and legal professionals to collect and analyze evidence, interview witnesses, prepare case files, and conduct a mock criminal trial before a judge and jury. The curriculum integrates instruction in forensic methods, such as DNA testing, fingerprint analysis, impression evidence, bloodstain interpretation, and trace analysis, with training in investigative questioning and courtroom strategy. Field visits to professional sites, including the Atlantic City Police Department and county detention facilities, will provide additional exposure to real-world justice environments.
Location: Quinnipiac University, Hamden, CT
Cost: Residential: $3,700 | Commuter: $2,700; need-based financial aid is available.
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Limited to 30 students
Dates: July 6 – 17
Application deadline: June 1
Eligibility: Current high school students, ages 15 to 18
This two-week forensic science summer program introduces high school students to investigative methods used in professional crime scene analysis through structured, hands-on instruction. You will examine mock crime scenes using established forensic procedures while learning concepts such as evidence collection, victim profiling, and analytical reasoning from faculty and industry practitioners. The curriculum emphasizes the scientific principles underlying modern investigations and develops practical competencies in observation, data interpretation, and problem-solving. The program is designed to help you become familiar with professional investigative techniques, strengthen your critical thinking skills, and build a foundational knowledge of forensic science.
Location: Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH
Cost: $395 | Late registration: $445
Acceptance rate: Not specified
Dates: June 15 – 19
Application deadline: April 30 (recommended deadline to avoid late fees)
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10 – 12
This weeklong summer program introduces high school students to forensic science and law enforcement through hands-on learning experiences. You will investigate a simulated crime scene using professional equipment while learning procedures such as evidence packaging, fingerprint development, hair and impression analysis, blood typing with synthetic samples, and forensic entomology for estimating time and location of death. Sessions are conducted in the classroom and the university science lab. You will engage in discussions, collaborative exercises, and hands-on laboratory work to strengthen analytical reasoning and problem-solving skills while gaining insight into investigative methods and campus-based academic experiences.
Location: New York University, New York, NY
Cost: Application Fee: $50 + Tuition: $2,579 + Housing and dining fees (optional add-on): $684
Acceptance rate: Not specified
Dates: Session 1: June 29 – July 2 | Session 2: July 6 – 10 | Session 3: July 13 – 17 | Session 5: July 27 - 31 | Session 6: August 3 – 7
Application deadline: International student deadline: March 14 | Residential student deadline: April 29 | Commuter student deadline: June 12
Eligibility: High school students who have completed grades 9 – 11
NYU’s Career Edge is a pre-college program offering a variety of courses. Its Criminal Justice course introduces high schoolers to the criminal justice system and to how multiple institutions prevent crime and regulate unlawful conduct while evolving in response to social change, technological advances, and shifting crime patterns. During the course, you will learn about the structure and functions of policing, courts, and corrections, while examining criminological theory, forensic methods, trial processes, evidentiary standards, and the policy implications of justice practices. The curriculum considers constitutional questions in criminal justice administration, including disparities affecting marginalized communities, alongside contemporary case studies that promote analytical discussion. It also covers investigative procedures, from crime scene analysis to evidence interpretation, as well as legal frameworks, court operations, and correctional and rehabilitation systems.
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here, check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a graduate of Harvard College, where he earned an A.B. in Statistics. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
Image Source - Purdue University logo