By Maya El-Sharif
Did you know that criminology can be instrumental in preventing injustice — not just responding to it?
Criminology goes beyond crime scenes and courtrooms. It helps us understand the root causes of crime — from inequality and trauma to mental health and systemic bias — and gives us the tools to build a more just society. Whether it’s influencing policy, supporting victims, or creating alternatives to incarceration, criminology is where critical thinking meets real-world impact.
If you’re a high school student passionate about justice, community change, or want to be in pre-law or go to law school, this field offers more than just theory. It offers purpose. So get early experience. From internships at district attorney’s offices to immersive summer courses and criminal justice summer camps at top universities, there are a growing number of programs designed to help you take that first step, including opportunities for studying abroad and to explore career options early.
Some opportunities may even give students hands-on activities and hands-on experience in crime scene investigation and forensic science, where they can analyze evidence, study forensic techniques, and walk through a mock crime scene — just as real law enforcement professionals do. These offer insight into the day-to-day work of the US criminal justice system and help students understand its challenges from the inside out.
It’s best to start early. A study published in the Akron Law Review found that approximately 40.7% of surveyed lawyers began thinking about a legal career before high school, and 22.7% during high school. That means over 60% of future legal professionals were already exploring this path early on.
There are other options than summer camp. Community-based internships, local legal aid offices, public defender shadowing, and even online courses can also offer powerful insights — and are often far more accessible. Think of these programs as one pathway among many.
Whether it’s an elite university offering a pre-college law institute or a local criminal justice summer camp, the key is to find a program that matches your interests and helps you grow — both academically and personally.
Finding the right criminology program depends on your interests, learning style, and resources. First, consider format — in-person options offer immersive campus life, while online programs provide flexibility. Cost and duration matter too: some programs run for weeks and can be expensive, but many offer financial aid if you apply early.
Think about your specific interests within criminology. Are you drawn to legal theory, criminal psychology, criminal investigation, or hands-on justice work? Some programs focus on academics; others on real-world experience, like internships or court observations. Choose the one that aligns with what excites you most.
No matter which path you take, programs like these help high schoolers look into career options in law, policy, and law enforcement. Early exposure helps you learn, grow, and figure out if a career path in law enforcement or justice is right for you.
Format: In-person onlyAdmission Rate: Highly selectiveEligibility: Rising juniors or seniors; must be 16 by June 21, 2025, and not turn 19 before July 31, 2025Cost: $5,800Academic Credit: NoDuration: 2 weeksApplication Deadline: Typically early April; last year’s deadline was April 9
Harvard’s Pre-College Program is an intensive two-week summer course designed for students to experience college life and academics. Attendees live on the Harvard campus while engaging in college-level coursework with peers from around the world. The program offers a variety of courses related to law, providing a comprehensive introduction to different legal topics. It’s a strong option for students who want to explore how legal ideas apply across disciplines — or who are curious about broader issues in the criminal justice system.
Format: Virtual only (live online)Admission Rate: SelectiveEligibility: Students in grades 9–11Cost: $3,080 (plus up to $100 for materials)Academic Credit: NoDuration: 2 weeksApplication Deadline: Typically around mid-March; last year’s deadline was March 20
Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies provides students with an opportunity to explore advanced subjects in a rigorous academic setting. This program is unique for its focus on not only legal principles but also the integration of ethics in legal contexts. Students participate in interactive workshops and engage in debates, enhancing their analytical skills and understanding of complex legal issues. The collaborative atmosphere encourages networking with like-minded peers and Stanford instructors, fostering a sense of community, intellectual growth, and early exposure to the criminal justice landscape.
Format: In-person onlyAdmission Rate: Very selective; ~12% estimatedEligibility: Ages 16–18; graduating in 2026 or 2027Cost: $6,500Academic Credit: NoDuration: 2 weeksApplication Deadline: Typically early January; last year’s deadline was Jan. 10
The Yale Young Global Scholars program is a prestigious summer enrichment initiative that attracts talented students worldwide. Its law program stands out by emphasizing interdisciplinary learning, focusing on critical global issues such as social justice and human rights. Students participate in simulations, case studies, and group projects, allowing them to apply legal theories to real-world scenarios. The program encourages enrollees to think critically about the role of law in society and empowers them to advocate for change, making it ideal for those passionate about social impact and the criminal justice field. The interdisciplinary nature of the program also allows students to look into how legal systems shape (and are shaped by) criminal behavior across different societies.
Format: In-person and virtual optionsAdmission Rate: Selective (exact rate not disclosed)Eligibility: Domestic and international students entering grades 9–12 in Fall 2025; residential students must be 16+ by program startCost: $12,750 (residential); $6,300 (commuter); $3,960 (online)Academic Credit: NoDuration: 2–3 weeksApplication Deadline: Typically early March (residential) and early April (commuter/online). Last year’s deadlines were March 2 (residential) and April 2
Columbia’s pre-college program stands out for its range of specialized law courses, with more than any other program on this list. Enrollees can explore everything from constitutional and criminal law to corporate law, human rights, and trial advocacy, all taught by experienced faculty in the heart of New York City. The program combines rigorous academic study and expert instruction with real-world exposure, including courtroom visits, mock trials, and legal writing exercises. Whether online or in person, Columbia emphasizes hands-on, discussion-based learning that challenges students to think critically and engage deeply with complex legal and criminal justice issues. With multiple courses available, students can discover different areas of law and criminal justice in depth.
Format: In-person only (commuter option available for local students)Admission Rate: SelectiveEligibility: Students in grades 9–11, age 14+Cost: $8,900 (residential); $5,850 (commuter)Academic Credit: Yes (~3.3 semester hours)Duration: 3 weeksApplication Deadline: Typically mid-April; last year’s deadline was April 15
The University of Chicago’s Summer Session offers enrollees a chance to delve into academic subjects beyond the typical high school curriculum. Students participate in undergraduate-level courses, receive personalized attention from faculty, and engage in workshops, research projects, and hands-on activities. The 3-Week Immersion track includes standout law-related courses such as Legal Reasoning and Institutions and Human Rights: Foundational Concepts, Global Challenges — giving enrollees critical insight into legal theory and the criminal justice system.
Format: In-person onlyAdmission Rate: SelectiveEligibility: Current 10th or 11th grade studentsCost: $14,311 (1 course unit, includes tuition, housing, meals, and fees)Academic Credit: Yes (1 course unit, or c.u. = ~4 credit hours)Duration: 5.5 weeksApplication Deadline: Typically late April; last year’s deadline was April 27
The University of Pennsylvania’s Pre-College Programs offer enrollees the chance to experience undergraduate-level coursework taught by Penn faculty and visiting scholars. Students can choose between participating in the Pre-College Residential Program for a full campus experience or enrolling in the Pre-College Online Program to research criminal justice topics remotely. Residential students must choose on-campus courses, while online students do not have a residential component. All enrollees are evaluated according to the same standards as Penn undergraduates and can earn 1 course unit per course. Official transcripts are available upon request after successful completion.
Format: In-person and commuter optionsAdmission Rate: SelectiveEligibility: Students ages 16–18 by program start (July 7, 2025)Cost: $14,650 (6-week residential program)Academic Credit: Yes (3 credits)Duration: 6 weeksApplication Deadline: Typically early March; last year’s deadline was March 10
UC Berkeley’s Pre-College Scholars program offers students the chance to earn credit in real university courses while living on campus or commuting from home. A standout option is Civil Rights & Civil Liberties: First Amendment, which dives deep into free speech and religion, especially as they play out in schools. Beyond the classroom, students take part in campus activities, workshops, and excursions led by current Berkeley undergrads.
Format: In-person and commuter optionsAdmission Rate: SelectiveEligibility: Current 8th–12th grade students during the 2024–2025 academic year; minimum 2.0 GPA requiredCost: $3,525 (includes tuition, housing, and meals); $2,730 (commuter, tuition only)Academic Credit: NoDuration: 1 weekApplication Deadline: Typically mid-April (final deadline) and Jan 31 as the early bird deadline when the application fee is waived.
Study law in the heart of the nation’s capital. Georgetown’s Law Academy gives students a front-row seat to America’s legal system through engaging lectures, lively debates, and real-world case studies. Participants look into controversial legal issues (from juvenile justice to constitutional interpretation) while learning from Georgetown faculty and legal professionals, making it a strong introduction to the criminal justice field and an excellent primer on how police officers and the courts interact in the broader system.
Format: In-person onlyAdmission Rate: Selective (rolling admission)Eligibility: Students who have completed at least 9th grade by June 15, 2025Cost: $7,062 (residential and commuter rates are the same)Academic Credit: Yes (3 credits)Duration: 4 weeksApplication Deadline: Typically mid-March (international); early May (domestic). Last year’s deadlines wereMarch 14 (international); May 2 (domestic)
USC’s Summer Programs offer a rigorous four-week experience where enrollees can earn college credit while living and learning on campus. Students attend Ninth Circuit Court proceedings, build legal writing portfolios, and gain insight into law school admissions. The program emphasizes critical thinking, real legal exposure, and preparation for college-level academics—making it a standout choice for aspiring legal scholars or future justice seekers. It also includes modules that examine criminal behavior and the responsibilities of police officers in various legal contexts.
Format: 100% virtual (asynchronous, self-paced)Admission Rate: Open enrollmentEligibility: Students ages 13–19 who have not yet started collegeCost: $1,795 (no additional fees)Academic Credit: No (certificate of completion only)Duration: 1–4 weeks (self-paced)Application Deadline: Rolling (varies by session)
This self-paced, fully asynchronous online course from Northwestern gives students a chance to step into the role of a lawyer, from the first client interview to writing legal memos and delivering an oral argument. Taught through dynamic video lessons created by Northwestern faculty, the course includes access to legal professionals and emphasizes persuasive legal writing and communication. With flexible start dates and durations (1–4 weeks), enrollees can tailor the experience to their schedule while earning a certificate of completion and strengthening their understanding of criminal justice.
Format: 100% virtual Admission Rate: Selective (~20–25% estimated acceptance rate)Eligibility: Students in grades 10–11 (exceptionally strong 9th graders considered)Cost: $6,895 (full need-based scholarships available)Academic Credit: Yes – 4 college credits from Oberlin CollegeDuration: 12 weeksApplication Deadline: Early deadline: mid-February; final deadline: early April
Pioneer Academics offers highly motivated high school students the opportunity to conduct original research in law, criminology, and related social sciences under the close mentorship of university professors. Students can explore topics such as criminal justice reform, legal theory, human rights, juvenile justice, or constitutional law.
These self-driven individual projects not only develop advanced research and writing skills, but also provide an authentic taste of academic scholarship at the undergraduate level. Past students have investigated topics like the ethics of predictive policing, bias in crime scene investigation procedures, or the historical impact of landmark Supreme Court decisions. The program may also look at evidence analysis as a core research skill. The rigor of the program, combined with one-on-one mentorship, makes Pioneer especially valuable for students looking to build a strong foundation in legal or criminological studies.
Maya El-Sharif is a rising second-year student at Duke Law, a recent graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, and a Pioneer Academics alumna focused on delivering strong, practical legal advocacy and upholding the rule of law.
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