Key takeaways
- Students interested in learning about criminological theories, witnessing autopsies and criminal evidence, and making a difference by eliminating crime must opt for a criminology degree.
- Criminology investigates the thinking process and behaviors of criminals by investigating criminal activities.
- Criminology students develop analytical and research skills by studying crime, research methods, law, and policing.
- The responsibilities of criminologists include research work, gathering data, creating criminological theories, making reports, and sharing findings with relevant professionals.
- Criminology is a significant field because criminologists tackle crime by understanding criminals’ psyche.
- Career opportunities for criminologists are police officers, forensic science technicians, detectives, criminal investigators, etc.
- Colleges for criminology in the US are the University of Maryland – College Park, Arizona State University, University of California – Irvine, University of Cincinnati, Pennsylvania State University – University Park, University at Albany – SUNY, and Florida State University.
- Florida State University is the most financially friendly college, while Pennsylvania State University – University Park is the most expensive.
- Students can pursue a criminology degree online at the University at Albany – SUNY and Florida State University.
- The University of California–Irvine offers 75% of its students financial aid, like grants, work-study opportunities, loans, and scholarships.
Do you want to avoid sitting in front of a PC for 9 hours straight? Would you witness autopsies and criminal evidence? If so, study criminological theories by pursuing an undergraduate criminology degree in the US! Students opt for criminology to make a difference in the world. Criminology majors impact their surroundings positively and receive appreciation for their work by society.
For several students, millions of dollars is not the ulterior motive in life. They want to tackle poverty, eliminate criminal activities, and help people access necessities like water, shelter, and security. If you are one of them, this blog is for you!
In this blog post, we will discuss criminology by learning about the tasks assigned to criminologists, the importance of criminology, the career paths for criminologists, and the list of renowned colleges with criminology degrees in the United States of America. So, let’s begin exploring!
What do criminology theories entail?
Criminology investigates the thinking process and behaviors of criminals by investigating criminal activities. Students in college study criminological theories using various lenses like law, sociology, and psychology to comprehend the rationale for crimes. They think of potential solutions to reduce crime in society through research and analysis.
Students opt for a criminology bachelor’s degree in college to develop analytical and research skills. Through various courses on crime, research methods, law, policing, etc., students understand criminal behavior, research and analysis methods, and how to prevent crime. They also learn about different genders, races, ethnicities, and psyche of human beings to interpret human behavior.
What are the responsibilities of criminologists?
Criminologists have several tasks – researching and analyzing criminal activities by assessing criminals. The purpose is to comprehend criminal thinking patterns and behavior and relate them to societal aspects for future needs.
Three main tasks revolve around research, theory, and gathering data. Each of them is explained in detail below:
Research
Research plays a crucial role in criminology because it helps them understand the thought processes of criminals and the reasons for criminal activities. Criminologists must know how to notice slight details because any information can be integral.
Criminological theories are delved into through factors like race, social status, behavior, education, socioeconomic status, and other environmental aspects. Profiling of criminals is crucial for comprehension of their behavioral patterns. It also helps criminologists compare and contrast traits among criminals.
Moreover, they study convictions, crime, and arrests to analyze trends in crime. One of the crucial tasks is to check whether crimes have decreased or increased. If they have increased, criminologists look for potential solutions with the help of law enforcement agencies.
Theory
With the help of research, criminologists can create criminological theories. The theories are about the reasons for criminal activities, etc. After research, professionals gather qualitative and quantitative data and contrast it with previous years to determine trends and patterns of criminal activities. Rigorous research assists criminologists in working on theories, helping the government make laws for a society with reduced criminal activities.
Gathering of data
Compiling data and reports lets criminologists share their criminological theories with others, for instance, law enforcement agencies. According to the American Society of Criminology, the findings of criminologists are issued in criminology journals and elsewhere.
Previous works of criminologists play an integral role because they use them for reference and to compare and contrast trends and patterns of criminal activities. Issues in society can be dealt with because of criminologists’ research, theories, and data collection, resulting in awareness and prevention programs/sessions, the creation of laws, etc.
What is the importance of criminology?
You must have understood by now that criminology investigates criminal behavior and activities, gathers data, and creates criminological theories to enhance society. Do you see the relevance of criminology in our lives?
For a detailed explanation of the benefits of criminology, let’s look at the factors below!
Elimination of criminal activities
Criminologists assist professionals in various fields, like law, comprehend, tackle, and reduce criminal activities for a healthier environment. Studying criminology in college helps students with research and analysis of the reasonings behind crimes, resulting in crime elimination laws and programs.
Comprehending criminals’ psyche
A criminology degree helps with the comprehension of criminals’ psyche. They research and analyze their behavioral and thinking patterns, reasonings for their behavior, and the influential aspects, like gender, race, class, etc. Understanding a criminal’s psyche helps criminologists utilize resources efficiently to manage illicit activities.
Tackling crime
With the help of criminological theories, criminologists assist the government in discovering relevant laws for the betterment of society. Their findings can help organizations conduct awareness sessions or programs to prevent crime.
Moreover, by analyzing behavioral and thinking patterns, criminologists can suggest strategies for criminal rehabilitation – cognitive behavioral therapy, drug and alcohol treatment programs, and community sentences.
What are the career opportunities after studying criminology theories?
Jobs for criminology majors include detective or criminal investigators, police or prison officers, loss prevention officers, etc. The career opportunities revolve around policing illegal activities and their prevention. Some commonplace tasks include analyzing qualitative and quantitative data to compare criminal trends.
The following list of criminology jobs delves into the nitty-gritty details:
Police officer
Policemen play a crucial role in controlling unlawful activities for a positive environment. Their responsibilities include patrolling areas, responding to residents’ calls, and maintaining civil order. Police officers can specialize in motorcycle patrol, narcotics, special units, and special weapons and tactics. If shows like Brooklyn Nine-Nine inspire you, consider checking colleges in the US for criminology!
Forensic science technician
The tasks of forensic science technicians are to gather and analyze qualitative and quantitative data from laboratories and crime scenes. Their average pay is about $61,930 but can vary according to the level of expertise. Forensic science technicians click photographs and gather info like bodily fluids, fingerprints, etc.
Moreover, they analyze evidence using chemicals and other biological procedures, work with professionals from various fields, like toxicology, and analyze ballistics information.
Detective or criminal investigator
Do you know Sherlock has inspired students to opt for criminology in college? Yes, you heard that right. The tasks of criminal investigators and detectives are collecting factual information and evidence while investigating crime scenes. Gathering data includes checking records, talking to witnesses and relevant parties, and arresting criminals. They usually look into crimes like assaults, robberies, and homicides.
List of renowned US colleges with criminology degrees
There are several colleges in the US with criminology degrees. A criminology degree helps students grow personally and professionally because they learn to research and analyze situations.
The list below discusses seven of the most reputable colleges situated in the US in-depth:
University of Maryland – College Park
Criminology majors at the University of Maryland – College Park receive full support from faculty members and a healthy learning environment. Students acquire knowledge relevant to crime and how to prevent it. In required courses like Introduction to Criminal Justice, Criminal Law in Action, and Statistics for Criminology and Criminal Justice, students learn about the criminal justice system, criminological theories, research and analysis techniques, etc.
Moreover, the University of Maryland – College Park offers financial aid packages to students of all economic backgrounds – work-study funds, grants, loans, and scholarships.
Arizona State University
The bachelor’s degree in criminology at Arizona State University delves into policing, criminal investigations, the courts, security, etc. Students learn about the reasons for criminal activities and how to prevent crime. If you are interested in comprehending the reasons for crime, the responsibilities of criminal justice agencies, and the effects of criminal activities, this degree is for you!
Furthermore, students learn to analyze crime through multiple lenses: psychology, sociology, and biology. Some courses are Introduction to Police, courts, and Sentencing, Research Methods for Students to Get an Idea of Legal Matters, qualitative and Quantitative Research, and Crime Control.
Plus, Arizona State University financially helps students by offering student grants, scholarships, student jobs, and loans!
University of California – Irvine
University of California – Irvine’s criminology degree enlightens students about the American legal system, the issue of crimes, and how to tackle them. The reputable faculty introduces students to political, economic, sociological, and historical perspectives to interpret crime.
Moreover, criminology majors are prepared for their professional lives by delving into the analysis of criminal activities. Graduates from the University of California – Irvine are in fields like direct service provision and criminal justice and regulatory agencies. Also, the university offers 75% of its students financial aid, like grants, work-study opportunities, loans, and scholarships.
University of Cincinnati
The criminology program at the University of Cincinnati is about helping students comprehend criminal offenses and justice procedures. With a growing population, we need criminology majors to promote a healthy society by eliminating crime. The faculty instills concepts about why and how crimes take place, focusing on criminal justice in America.
Do you want to pursue a career in crime prevention, child behavioral problems, or criminal justice? If so, you will find this program informative and interesting. Also, several students create combinations with psychology, anthropology, etc. to learn more about crime. Various courses are offered – Introduction to Criminology, Criminal Justice in Film, and Kids Who Kill. Don’t they sound intriguing?
Also, the University of Cincinnati offers various financial aid, like student loan repayment and scholarships.
Pennsylvania State University – University Park
Criminology students at the Pennsylvania State University – University Park learn about crime and the connections between human thinking patterns and behavior. They also dive into the relations of crime with the government and society by taking courses like Introduction to Criminal Justice, Criminology Theory, and Evidence, and Research Methods in Criminology.
Furthermore, there are several criminology jobs for students in fields like corrections rehabilitation, and law enforcement. Learning about criminological theories, research methods, and ethics, helps students grow personally and professionally. Also, the Pennsylvania State University – University Park offers financial assistance like employment opportunities, loans, scholarships, and grants!
University at Albany – SUNY
Are you a work student? If so, the University at Albany – SUNY offers the criminology degree online. Students learn how crime is associated with the economy, politics, and culture. Also, studying criminology can help you with fields like research, law enforcement, and NGOs.
Examples of core courses are Introduction to Criminal Justice, criminology, and Introduction to Law and Criminal Justice. They help students deal with crime scenes, create solutions to reduce crime, and analyze crime scenes by thinking critically. Moreover, the University at Albany – SUNY provides students with financial aid, loans, and scholarships to make things easier!
Florida State University
Lastly, the criminology program at Florida State University is renowned in the US for giving birth to critical thinkers. Students can study criminology online and on campus, depending on their convenience! Their faculty members teach fascinating courses like forensic psychology, white-collar crime, and the war on drugs.
Criminology majors learn qualitative and quantitative research methods to analyze public policies. They are affiliated with well-known criminal justice agencies to help students find jobs in reputable organizations. Plus, they offer financial aid like scholarships and assistantships for financial ease!
Fees of US colleges offering criminology
Students must research tuition fees and financial aid for college planning. This makes it easier for them to find which colleges fall under their budget.
The following list of tuition fees will help you understand the financial aspect of criminology colleges:
| Colleges | Average cost after aid | Average cost before aid |
| University of Maryland – College Park | $17,500 | $29,637 |
| Arizona State University | $12,814 | $31,127 |
| University of California – Irvine | $9,691 | $37,289 |
| University of Cincinnati | $14,344 | $27,140 |
| Pennsylvania State University – University Park | $20,054 | $39,626 |
| University at Albany – SUNY | $17,568 | $29,106 |
| Florida State University | $9,561 | $23,780 |
Enroll in a criminology program to study criminological theories!
To conclude, criminologists assist professionals, like law enforcement agencies, to create laws for a healthier environment. They research, gather data, and analyze crime evidence to comprehend criminals’ mindsets and publish criminological theories.
A criminology degree helps students learn about policing, ethics, research methods, crime, etc. Hence, if your interest has been piqued by resolving conflicts, reducing crime rates, and monitoring communities, you must consider criminology colleges in California, universities in Georgia, and other US states. Examples include the University of Cincinnati, Arizona State University, and Florida State University.
Besides, students can choose from several criminology degree jobs like police officers, loss prevention officers, forensic science technicians, and criminal justice and law enforcement professors. Hence, there are many options to choose from for those paying well.