Key takeaways
- A criminology major explores the causes, social factors, legal implications, and prevention of crime from various disciplinary perspectives, such as sociology and biology.
- Undergraduate degree holders can pursue careers in law enforcement, corrections, forensic science, social work, public policy, and more.
- Popular areas of specialization within criminology include victimology, forensic science, juvenile justice, corrections, and criminal justice.
- The demand for criminology professionals is projected to grow, with various job opportunities in government, nonprofit, and private sectors.
- Students gain valuable skills with a criminology major such as research, analysis, communication, and critical thinking, applicable across various fields.
- Criminology major focuses on the study and theory of crime, while criminal justice deals with the application of laws and the functioning of the justice system.
- To pursue a degree in criminology, you can choose between a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS).
- Internship opportunities provide practical experience, but may not pay as high as permanent jobs.
- There are several institutions that offer online criminology degrees for greater flexibility and more affordability.
A criminology major in college will prove to be an intriguing and multifaceted field that examines the causes, consequences, and prevention of crime. It deals with several angles and dimensions of crime, judging it from the lens of various disciplines such as sociology.
For those interested in understanding the complexities of criminal behavior and the criminal justice system, a college major in criminology can offer a wealth of knowledge. However, getting curious about what the major entails and what are the possible career opportunities is a good sign. So, if you are wondering and have a bunch of questions about an undergraduate criminology degree, you seem to have stumbled upon the right article.
This guide will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about criminology. From career prospects and job opportunities to understanding the differences between criminology and criminal justice, we cover all the essential aspects.
Criminology major FAQs
Find all the questions and their answers here!
What is criminology?
In simplest words, criminology is the study of crime and criminal behavior. It encompasses various disciplines and fields of study, such as biology and sociology, in studying and understanding crime. In essence, criminology seeks to understand the nature, causes, and consequences of criminal actions. Eventually, the ulterior motive is to produce better methods for crime prevention and rehabilitation.
Some areas of criminology also studies society’s responses to crime. A criminology major or undergraduate degree can make you eligible for jobs in nonprofit, government, law enforcement, and legal institutions.
What can you do with a criminology degree?
You can choose a concentration area or a specialization within your criminology degree. Some of the most common criminology specializations offered by colleges include:
- Victimology
- Forensic science
- Juvenile justice
- Corrections
- Criminal justice
Based on what specialization you choose, you can find a good deal of criminology job opportunities in government, nonprofit, and corporate firms. The most common job titles with a criminology degree include probation officer, corrections officer, parole officer, criminologist, and detective.
What jobs can you get with a criminology degree?
Criminology degree jobs are projected to see a steady growth with a spike in employment opportunities in 2024. According to some sources, Maryland has the highest number of criminology degree jobs, followed by states like Illinois and New Jersey.
Therefore, the career opportunities with a criminology degree look bright and pleasing. You can find various types of criminology degree jobs according to the concentration area of the specialization field you select. Some of these jobs and career paths include:
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Is criminology a good major?
Many students wonder whether studying criminology is worth it, and what is its importance. Criminology major is the right choice for anyone who has the following qualities:
- You are a good communicator
- You are protective and passionate about goodness in society
- You easily show empathy towards others
- You are a team worker
Criminology is a good college major if you prefer finding on-field jobs more than dsk jobs. It is also a great field of study if you are an observant person with a keen eye for detail. Usually, people who are socially aware and driven to be problem-solvers enjoy studying criminology and working a relevant job. You can also explore sociology degree jobs for other college major options.
How much does criminology make?
The salary for individuals with a criminology background can vary widely based on factors such as the specific career path, level of education, experience, and location. However, for a general pay range, there are some reports and studies.
According to PayScale, a criminologist makes an average of $60,000 per year in 2024, with added benefits such as medical coverage, bonuses, and commissions. However, another source reports that the average salary for a criminologist in the US is over $80,000. Overall, the salary ranges are based on limited research and surveys.
Is criminology and criminal justice the same?
Criminology and criminal justice are both focused on studying crime and criminal behaviors. Both disciplines use different theories and explanations to break down incidents and reports of crime. However, both have different primary focuses, which is what sets them apart.
While criminology studies the science behind crime and criminal behaviors, criminal justice is specifically focused on studying systems, processes, and institutes involved in the legal and justice system.
What is the difference between criminology and criminal justice?
Criminology and criminal justice are distinct yet related fields that both focus on crime and criminal behavior. Criminology primarily deals with the theoretical and sociological aspects of crime, investigating its causes, consequences, and prevention strategies. Moreover, it aims to understand the causes behind crime and the many factors that influence it.
On the other hand, criminal justice focuses on the particular application of laws and legal proceedings within the criminal justice system. Additionally, this field of study covers the functioning of law enforcement, the judiciary, and corrections.
Overall, criminology is more research-oriented, while criminal justice revolves around the implications of law enforcement and legal processes.
What courses will I take while studying for my bachelor’s degree in criminology?
Different colleges offer a different set of courses for their sociology bachelor degree. However, the most common and frequently offered courses include:
- Crime and the media
- Data analysis and statistics
- Criminal justice policy
- Corrections and penology
- Introduction to criminology</span&gt;
- Intersections of crime,
- Social inquiry
- Pathways in sociology
- Juvenile and gender justice system
- Social research methods
How long will I have to study to earn my bachelor’s degree in criminology?
A bachelor’s in criminology major requires a minimum of 4 years, with 120 credit hours rounding up to be approximately 42 courses. However, accelerated programs, if available, may be completed within 3 years. Maximum time to finish a bachelor degree varies from college to college.
What are the different types of bachelor’s degrees that I can earn in criminology?
For a degree in criminology, you have the following two options:
Bachelor of Arts (BA): This degree typically focuses on the liberal arts and social sciences angle. Typically, it is also more flexible and allows students to choose their own courses and subjects. Moreover, it often includes a broader range of courses in sociology, psychology, and political science, alongside criminology-specific courses.
Bachelor of Science (BS): A BS focuses more on the scientific and technical aspects of criminology. Additionally, it has a more stringent and pre-decided coursework and pathway. Typically, coursework includes research methods, statistics, and more technical subjects related to the criminal justice system. Lastly, this degree might appeal to students interested in data analysis or forensic science.
Who teaches criminology?
Since a criminology degree is interdisciplinary, teachers and experts from different professions may teach the coursework. Professors and lecturers who have completed PhD and doctoral degrees in related fields may teach the courses.
Meanwhile, criminologists, police officers, detectives, caseworkers, social workers, and rehabilitation officers may also teach particular courses and share their expertise. Since criminology is a research-intensive field, research scholars and publishers also teach some relevant coursework. Legal experts and practitioners are also often seen taking up criminology teaching jobs as side jobs or part-time professions.
Do I need a master’s?
After your criminology undergraduate degree from a reputable college, a master’s degree is the perfect next step in your academic journey. However, a master’s degree may not be essential for employment or most jobs. Only pursue master’s if it aligns with your goals, is a job requirement, and is financially feasible.
What is the best place to get the degree?
When you are looking for the best place to get a degree in criminology, look for the following factors and considerations:
- College accreditations
- Program coursework and details
- Campus life and location
- Faculty expertise
- Financial aid options
Some of the best colleges for criminology degrees include:
- University of Maryville
- University of Maryland
- George Mason University
- Ohio State University
- Arizona State University
- Western Kentucky University
Explore the complete list of colleges in the USA for a criminology degree!
What is the difference between criminology and sociology?
Criminology and sociology are closely related fields, and some aspects of them do overlap. However, there are some core differences that cannot be overlooked. For example, criminology focuses on crime and criminal behavior as well as the justice system.
On the other hand, sociology studies general human behaviors in groups, and crime is just one part of it. Therefore, sociology is a broader field of study than criminology. Furthermore, common topics in sociology include social institutions like family and school, social stratification, media and sociology, and gender and race studies.
On the other hand, common topics in criminology include crime and media, criminal justice and legal proceedings, forensic sciences, investigative theories, and crime prevention.
Can I do sociology degree jobs with criminology?
Sociology degree jobs and criminology career paths do overlap. Some skills and competencies like critical thinking, analytical skills, and research skills are crucial for both careers. Therefore, the job opportunities are also similar.
Some of the sociology degree jobs you can get with a criminology degree may be available in fields like social work, legal cases, and so on. Few of the sociology job roles you can get with criminology include:
- Social researcher
- Research assistant
- Data analyst
- Probation officer
- Victim advocacy
- Social services manager
- Corrections officer
What does a criminologist do?
Job responsibilities for a criminologist may vary from one organization to another. Depending on their final goal, a criminologist can use various research methods to collect and analyze qualitative and quantitative data.
Criminologists might also need to collaborate with different types of professionals like policymakers and social workers as criminologists. Moreover, criminologists also come up with theories, new crime prevention methods, and crime analysis.
What are some important skills for criminologists to have?
When you graduate with a criminology undergraduate degree, you earn very important skills such as:
- Analytical skills
- Research skills
- Problem solving
- Communication
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Social awareness
- Data management
- Basic principles of economics and law enforcement
Can I get a criminology degree online?
For students who have full-time jobs or want to apply for an out-of-state college, an online criminology degree is a great option. An online degree with a criminology major is a feasible and practical option with many benefits such as cheaper tuition fees.
You can get a criminology degree online from any of the following institutes:
- Northwest Missouri State University
- Arkansas State University
- University of Missouri – St. Louis
- Maryville University of Saint Louis
- Texas Tech University
Is a criminology degree worth it?
Firstly, there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to finding the worth of a college major such as criminology. The value of one major depends entirely on the person doing it and how they use their college degree.
Secondly, a this major in college will prove to be worth it for an individual who is inclined toward social issues. If you have a keen eye for social issues and enjoy studying them, then you will find the criminology degree worth your time.
Thirdly, jobs for this degree are projected to grow in the upcoming years. Therefore, the employment prospects make it a worthy college degree. However, you must find a job in the relevant field so that your learnings are put to use.
Are there internship opportunities?
Certainly, there are internship opportunities of all levels and stature. As fresh graduates or existing students of criminology bachelors, you can explore many part-time and internship opportunities to get a good start to your professional life.
Moreover, internship opportunities may be paid or unpaid. In cases where the opportunities are paid, the pay scale might not be as high as full-time and permanent jobs. However, these opportunities are essential for your experience and learning.
Enroll in a college!
An undergraduate degree in criminology can open doors to a wide range of careers in law enforcement, research, social work, and more. It’s a field that not only offers diverse job opportunities but also provides a deep understanding of the societal factors influencing crime and justice.
Your college planning stage is crucial. The college major you choose will define the upcoming academic and professional years of your life. Therefore, don’t overlook any of the aforementioned FAQs and their detailed answers. Dig into the details about this college major to see if you should pursue a degree in this field.
On the other hand, you can also take your time to explore other undergraduate degrees and majors. For example, an undergraduate sociology degree also has similar career paths and subjects as criminology. Meanwhile, human resources careers are a different path but have great projected growth. Uncover the details to find the most well-fitting college major for your career goals.