Key takeaways:
- Forensic science technicians, probation and community control officers, police officers, corrections officers, and criminal investigators are some careers with a criminology degree.
- Students interested in criminal behavior and activities must opt for a bachelor’s degree in criminology.
- A criminology degree delves into the rationale and effects of criminal activities by considering biology, economics, and sociology.
- The significance of criminology lies in policy development and assessment of criminal justice programs.
- Seven of the most renowned colleges in the US for a criminology degree 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.
- Criminology courses include white-collar crime, psychology and law, introduction to criminal justice, and research methods in criminology.
- Florida State University and the University at Albany—SUNY are online options for colleges with a criminology degree.
- Most colleges provide students with financial assistance; however, the percentage may vary from college to college.
- The criminology career opportunities are expected to rise by 9% in the next four years.
- Criminologists must possess exceptional critical thinking skills to analyze and interpret criminal activities from various perspectives.
Do you want to become a detective? Are you intrigued by criminal behavior? If so, you must consider pursuing a bachelor’s degree in criminology! Yes, there is a program called criminology in college, which delves into the justice system, criminal behavior, and reasonings for crime.
Now you must be wondering about the scope and careers with a criminology degree. Do not worry about that because there is demand for criminologists in the US! That is because of the need for crime prevention techniques due to high crime rates. Hence, jobs for criminologists will increase by around 9% in the next 4 years.
Do you want to find out more about criminology? If so, keep reading because we will explore the basics of criminology, the program’s importance, criminology degree jobs, and renowned colleges in the US for criminology. So, let’s dive into it!
What is criminology about?
In college, students study criminology through various perspectives like sociology, psychology, anthropology, economics, and more. This helps students think holistically and develop problem-solving, critical thinking, research, and communication skills.
Several students think criminology and criminal justice are similar but are separate fields. The major comparison is criminal justice is about administration and application, whereas criminology professionals deal with research and science. There are several options for careers with a criminology degree, like police officers, detectives, etc. which we will be exploring in depth later in the blog
Why is criminology considered significant?
If not for criminology, public policies would not exist. Criminologists conduct research and analysis concerning crime, helping law agencies and the government with crucial decisions. The below list provides a detailed explanation relevant to the importance of criminology:
Compilation and analysis of data
A criminologist’s job entails collecting and studying data from several perspectives. The information is relevant to criminal activities and trends of crime. Research work is beneficial in interpreting the rationale behind crime and the efficiency of policies. For instance, research about the effects of sentencing policies has resulted in improved sentencing laws.
Spreading awareness
After research and analysis of crime-related data, criminologists publish their work in media, books, journals, etc. Uploading findings on public platforms helps policymakers and the public become aware of pressing matters about justice and crime. That way people can think critically about criminals and criminal activities, helping them make decisions regarding criminal justice matters without bias.
Development of policies
Criminologists help with public policies as per crime trends. They analyze policies by giving helpful suggestions. Their tasks include suggesting ways to improve policing, juvenile justice, and corrections. For example, research conducted by criminologists has assisted professionals with public policing techniques to enhance the relationship between the public and law enforcement agencies.
Assessment of criminal justice programs
One of the tasks of criminologists is to assess how impactful the interventions and criminal justice programs are. Analyzing the effects of high crime rates helps professionals become aware of the success levels of programs. That way criminologists can suggest which programs should be discontinued and expanded. Additionally, assessment of criminal justice programs helps professionals utilize resources efficiently.
Introduction of reforms
With the help of research and analysis, criminologists can put forward helpful reforms. Generally, criminologists work with non-governmental organizations, law enforcement agencies, and advocacy groups to spread awareness about potential reforms relevant to the criminal justice system like treatment techniques of criminals, prison environment, racial discrimination, etc.
What are potential careers with a criminology degree?
Do you want to know about more possibilities? The following list can help you choose and decide which profession intrigues you the most:
Insurance fraud investigator
According to research, the average yearly salary for insurance fraud investigators is around $91,126. The responsibilities of insurance fraud investigators include conducting research concerning insurance claims to confirm they are not fake and meeting with employers and others to eliminate suspicious activities. They also check for fraudulent claims regarding criminal activities, arson, etc. through surveillance.
Criminal investigator or detective
Criminal investigators, or detectives, collect data for criminal cases. Their area of specialization is usually homicide or fraud. The tasks of detectives or criminal investigators are speaking to witnesses, professionals, crime victims, and suspects to learn about the criminal activity, and analyzing police and relevant records.
Furthermore, they keep an eye on the operations of potential criminals, create reports to spread awareness among the masses, and participate in trials and court proceedings.
Forensic science technician
The tasks of forensic science technicians are crucial because they gather and analyze evidence like body fluids, fingerprints, and weapons. Additionally, forensic science technicians sketch and click photographs of criminal activities and keep evidence secure before being transferred to the lab for further analysis. Plus, they must speak with other professionals to search for criminals and learn about the crime. The average salary for a forensic science technician is approximately $64,838 in the US if you are considering this profession.
Police officer
The demand for police officers will continue to rise till 2028. That is because of increasing crime and the significance of their role as a police officer. The duties of police officers include patrolling communities, dealing with emergencies, maintaining traffic, testifying in court, gathering evidence, and looking for vehicle registrations and warrants with the help of computers. The average salary for a police officer is approximately $65,939 in the United States.
Renowned universities for a criminology degree in the US
Do you want to learn about the most popular colleges with a criminology degree in the US? If yes, continue reading! Below is a list of the most reputable colleges for criminology in the US:
University of Maryland – College Park
We will begin with the #1 college for criminology in the United States – University of Maryland – College Park. The college’s criminology department is renowned internationally for its criminal justice education and research. Students learn the role of courts, corrections, and policing. They also read and analyze criminology theories through the lens of politics, economics, sociology, biology, etc.
Professors at the University of Maryland – College Park teach students the application of quantitative methods to criminology theories. Criminology students must take courses like policing, courts and sentencing, and corrections to learn concepts relevant to criminology. Furthermore, the college offers students scholarships, awards, fellowships, and other types of financial aid.
Arizona State University
Another famous US college for criminology is the Arizona State University. Here, students benefit from knowledge about the reasons, effects, and prevention techniques of criminal activities. Do you want to pursue a criminology degree for security, policing, investigations, or the courts? Well, whichever area of specialization to pursue, their program will cover it all!
Also, the criminology program is offered online for students who cannot avoid working or traveling. If you are intrigued by the rationale and impacts of criminal activities and the functions of criminal justice agencies, this degree is the right fit for you. The bachelor’s degree in criminology from Arizona State University helps people interpret crime from psychological, sociological, economic, and biological perspectives.
Graduates from the college have found job opportunities in law enforcement, courts, private security, and victim advocate agencies – to name a few. Their reputable faculty members teach courses like inequality, crime and criminal justice, introduction to corrections, and introduction to criminal justice. On top of it, the college offers pell grants, work-study opportunities, loans, and scholarships!
University of California—Irvine
Students opting for criminology in college must consider the University of California—Irvine. The program delves deep into the American legal system, providing detailed knowledge about crime. Their professors discuss crime through various lenses like history, sociology, economics, and anthropology to understand the functions of organizations concerning crime.
At the University of California—Irvine, students must opt for courses like psychology and the law, US legal thought, and introduction to the comparative study of legal cultures. Such courses help students grow professionally to explore careers in direct service provision and regulatory agencies. Moreover, they provide financial assistance like grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study options based on need.
University of Cincinnati
The fourth most reputable college in the US for criminology is the University of Cincinnati. Their undergraduate program instills knowledge about criminal justice procedures and criminal offending. Their exceptional professors teach students the importance of a criminology degree, like why and how crime occurs. Want to learn about criminal justice in America? Apply to the University of Cincinnati!
Furthermore, students can opt for this program online too. That means if you cannot skip traveling or work, this is the college for you. Graduates of this college have become successful criminal investigators and park rangers by taking courses like policing in America, criminal justice field placement, and preparing for career success. And they provide financial assistance because they want students to afford quality education!
Pennsylvania State University–University Park
The Pennsylvania State University–University Park’s holistic approach to learning helps students with careers in criminology. They focus on social research methods to interpret crime and criminal justice. They also learn to comprehend criminal activities through government policies, human behavioral patterns, and society.
At the Pennsylvania State University–University Park, students will become aware of the reasons and effects of crime, criminal justice policy-making, etc. With a criminology degree, you can seek several careers with a criminology degree in government and non-governmental organizations, law enforcement agencies, and research analysis. Moreover, Penn State offers financial assistance like state grants, work-study opportunities, and loans!
University at Albany—SUNY
The University at Albany—SUNY’s criminology program delves into criminology theories by considering economic, social, cultural, and political aspects. Their core courses include introduction to criminal justice, criminology, and introduction to law and criminal justice. Taking such courses helps students find criminology degree jobs in research, government, NGOs, and law enforcement agencies.
This program is also offered online! Hence, if you work or travel a lot – you must consider this degree! The professors discuss the American criminal justice system in depth by studying criminal offenders, legal personnel, laws, citizens, and victims. And don’t worry about the tuition fee because they offer financial aid like scholarships, gift aids, private student loans, and student employment!
Florida State University
Lastly, Florida State University is another phenomenal option because of its quality education. If you want to enhance your critical thinking and problem-solving skills, do not forget to apply here! They offer the criminology program online for students comfortable taking classes online. Also, for successful careers with a criminology degree, they have associated with renowned criminal justice organizations.
Furthermore, their courses like psychology and law, the social reality of black males, and white-collar crime keep the students intrigued in classes. They learn about criminological theories concerning sociology, biology, and economics. Additionally, because of several donors, students can afford Florida State University!
Fees of colleges with a criminology degree in the US
Students must research several aspects before singling out a college for criminology. Some factors include campus life, accommodations, location, courses, and dining options. However, the most crucial factor is tuition fees and financial assistance.
Can you afford the college? Does it fall under your budget? Do they offer financial aid and scholarships? These are some questions to ask yourself before applying to preferred colleges. For your ease, the table below provides info about tuition fees of colleges with a criminology degree before and after aid:
| Colleges | Average cost after aid | Average cost before aid |
| University of Maryland–College Park | $16,590 | $29,637 |
| Arizona State University | $12,817 | $31,127 |
| University of California—Irvine | $12,426 | $37,289 |
| University of Cincinnati | $21,804 | $30,166 |
| Pennsylvania State University | $24,371 | $32,656 |
| University at Albany—SUNY | $17,051 | $29,106 |
| Florida State University | $6,450 | $23,780 |
Enroll in a college with a criminology degree in the US!
To conclude, if you are interested in learning about crime and the role of criminal justice agencies, consider applying to the renowned colleges of criminology in the United States. A bachelor’s degree in criminology offers several options for careers with a criminology degree, like forensic science technicians, probation and community control officers, police officers, corrections officers, detectives, and more!
The most popular colleges for criminology in the US include Arizona State University, Pennsylvania State University, and the University of Cincinnati. Moreover, online options are available for students who cannot skip work, like the Florida State University and the University at Albany—SUNY. Do you think they are out of your budget? Do not sweat because the colleges offer financial assistance to students in need.
So, what are you waiting for? Start researching colleges for criminology by checking out their websites for more details and apply now!