Key takeaways:
- FBI agents, emergency management directors, intelligence analysts, financial examiners, information security analysts, detectives, and police officers are examples of criminology jobs.
- Three important signs that suggest you must consider careers in criminology are you are concerned about the safety of society, can work under pressure, and are passionate about people.
- A bachelor’s degree in criminology explores the rationale behind crime, the effects of crime, and how to prevent criminal activities.
- After earning a degree in criminology, individuals acquire knowledge about crime, gain relevant skills, and can succeed professionally.
- Integral skills required for criminologists are problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, decision-making, and research.
- Criminologists help law enforcement agencies, the government, relevant professionals, and the public by discussing crucial matters and spreading awareness.
- Students in college learn to analyze crime through sociology, psychology, biology, economics, and anthropology.
- Detectives and FBI agents must be physically and mentally fit to deal with unpredictable circumstances.
- Financial examiners help organizations with money laundering and financial fraud.
- Professors in college instill criminological theories within students about quantitative and qualitative research methods, forensic science, criminal law, and more.
Are you good at critical thinking and problem-solving? Do you find shows like Sherlock and The Boys interesting? Do you want to reduce crime in society? If you answered yes to at least two questions, consider exploring criminology jobs!
Criminology, as the name depicts, is about crime. And do you think the demand for criminologists is decreasing any time soon? Considering criminal activities in the US will not ever completely diminish, it will not. Criminologists also assist law enforcement agencies and the government with crime prevention techniques.
This blog post will discuss the basics of criminology, the traits required for criminology, the benefits of a criminology degree, and job opportunities for criminologists. So, let’s dive into it!
What is criminology about?
This field deals with the theoretical information concerning crime, providing info to the criminal justice department. Criminologists play a crucial role in eliminating crime because they spread awareness among the masses about crime, helping people make sound decisions without bias.
Signs you must consider careers in criminology
Being fascinated by a career in law enforcement portrays your devotion to justice and the safety of people. It shows that you are inclined towards maintaining law and order in society. If you are among such individuals, it is high time you start considering degree options and a career in criminology.
To make things easier, the below list helps students decide whether they should opt for a criminology degree and career:
Safety and security of society
The goal of professionals working in law enforcement agencies is to be of service to the community for a healthy environment. Criminologists are responsible for the protection of people. They attain relevant training, skills, and knowledge to tackle crime. Daily, they maintain law and order and keep people secure. Although criminologists have a mentally taxing and dangerous profession, the work is worth it!
Furthermore, if you have effective communication skills and awareness of ways to keep communities safe, this is a win-win situation for you! Along with the training you receive from professionals, a criminology degree will work well for you. So, do you want to create a positive environment for people? Do you possess the drive and energy to tackle crime? If so, consider professions like police officers, agents, detectives, etc.
Work under pressure
The job of a police officer is not as convenient as you may imagine. The tasks are mentally and physically challenging. Therefore, if you are physically and mentally in a good state, you can consider a career in criminology. That is integral for the safety and security of the people around you. The selection procedure for a police officer entails an assessment of stamina and strength; therefore, you cannot be physically weak for this profession.
Furthermore, individuals should know how to adapt to situations and be mentally awake at all costs to deal with pressure and stress. Law enforcement is the right fit for you if your mental and physical health is up to par and you are genuinely interested in helping people and society!
Passionate about people
Were you among the kids who helped neighbors and animals in misery? Helping individuals in any capacity out of sheer kindness and sympathy proves that a criminology degree and profession is for you! Especially knowing it will not benefit you in any way.
Also, if you observe people, think about their situations, and how you can help them – that is another sign. Simply enjoying the company of people, getting to know them, connecting with people on a deeper level, and being easy to talk to depicts that you are meant to become a criminologist. The reasoning for that is good communication and teamwork skills; such skills are integral in criminology professions.
What are the advantages of pursuing a criminology degree?
Basic knowledge
Professors in college deeply embed knowledge about forensic science, criminology, research methods for investigation, and criminal law within students. A rudimentary understanding of crime and law helps students grow professionally and personally. It prepares them to succeed in their future careers. So, if you plan on becoming a police officer or detective, apply to criminology colleges!
Improvement of skills
Colleges for criminology help students develop several skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and effective communication – to name a few. Such skills play a crucial role in criminology professions. Even if you change your mind later, the skills will help you succeed in any profession!
Career enhancement
For criminology jobs, a bachelor’s degree in criminology is a must! Hence, if you have a criminology degree, employers will prioritize you. That is because they know you have relevant knowledge about criminal activities, making the process smoother for them.
What are the job opportunities for criminology majors?
Have you heard people say there is no use for a criminology degree? That there are no criminology jobs for criminology majors? Let me clarify any doubts of yours. FBI agents, emergency management directors, intelligence analysts, financial examiners, information security analysts, detectives, police officers, etc. are some job opportunities for criminologists.
Are you confused between the professions? Do you want to become better acquainted with the responsibilities of each profession? Keep reading! Below are elaborate explanations of criminology jobs:
FBI agent
If The Blacklist or Quantico is among the list of your favorite shows, you must want to become a detective. That may be the case because you believe an FBI agent’s job is fun, thrilling, and adventurous. You are not wrong. FBI agents are responsible for analyzing federal criminal activities, like cybercrime. However, to become an FBI agent, you must have a degree in criminology, good physical health, and a work ethic.
Tasks of an FBI agent include finding a hacker with the help of technology, talking to witnesses, and keeping an eye on potential perpetrators. They must possess knowledge about surveillance, research and analysis, interviews, report writing, etc. to develop strong cases. Moreover, FBI agents are required to be fit and smart. They must train daily to remain in good shape because of unpredictable operations.
| Profession | Average annual pay |
| FBI agent | $68,989 a year |
Emergency management director
The role of emergency management directors is to manage disasters and emergencies. To tackle catastrophes, they create plans, follow the procedures, and help civilians remain safe and secure amid chaotic situations. A degree in criminology helps students grow professionally by learning skills like decision-making, communication, and leadership.
Furthermore, emergency management directors create beneficial techniques to help the masses by considering the latest trends and resources. Their time is spent mostly on brainstorming and planning for disasters. Responsibilities include analyzing risks, formulating plans, sharing them with relevant professionals, like public health officials, and discussing the pros and cons.
Another significant task is collecting funds, ensuring adequate resources are available, and budgeting. Emergency management directors spread awareness among the public about possible disasters, prevention techniques, and evacuation methods; hence, effective communication skills are necessary.
| Profession | Average annual pay |
| Emergency management director | $72,000- $358,000 |
Intelligence analyst
Are you not a fan of adventurous jobs? Do you consider yourself an introvert? If yes, an intelligence analyst job is the right fit for you! The tasks of intelligence analysts revolve around compiling and analyzing data concerning criminal activities to eliminate risks and crime. Organized crime, counterterrorism, and cybercrime are some areas to specialize in. A bachelor’s degree in criminology assists students with research and analytical skills.
Intelligence analysts seek crucial data from several resources, like social media, reports, books, articles, etc. Their job is to get to the root of the problem by skimming data, noting important details, and utilizing relevant information to interpret crime.
For this profession, you must possess exceptional analytical skills. Knowing research techniques helps professionals highlight integral information, connect the dots, and find how valid resources are. After research, they can create precise reports for law enforcement agencies, policymakers, and other intelligence organizations to create crime prevention techniques.
| Profession | Average annual pay |
| Intelligence analyst | $56,909 |
Financial examiner
Are you good with handling money? Become a financial examiner! Several crimes in the United States concern money laundering and fraudulent activities. Financial examiners come to the rescue in such cases. They are responsible for noticing sketchy operations through the analysis of finances and formulation of reports for law enforcement agencies. To become a financial examiner, students must be detail-oriented, possess financial expertise, and good observation skills.
Generally, financial examiners must keep a close eye on finances to maintain ethical guidelines within banks and other organizations. They analyze financial documents, statements, loan applications, etc. Accuracy and precision are integral when handling money; professionals must possess detective-like skills.
Moreover, financial examiners must create reports to address an issue like a loan default. They also suggest prevention techniques to avoid financial problems. Additionally, collaboration and communication play a crucial role in getting their words across because they must discuss financial concepts with law enforcement agencies, regulators, and other professionals.
| Profession | Average annual pay |
| Financial examiner | $70035 |
Detective or police officer
The most commonplace professions students opt for after earning a criminology degree are police officers and detectives. The tasks of police officers are answering emergency and non-emergency calls and patrolling areas for the maintenance of law and order. On the other hand, detectives collect evidence, research and analyze crime scenes, and formulate cases. A criminology degree is beneficial in acquiring the required skills and knowledge, like problem-solving, communication, and decision-making.
Police officers are considered the backbone of law enforcement agencies due to the intensity of their tasks. If you are inclined towards becoming a police officer, you must know how to build trust and connections with the masses. Furthermore, police officers, precisely patrol officers, must maintain daily records concerning their operations, like arrests. Such records benefit investigations in the future. Also, adaptability is crucial because police officers can be called in on weekends, nights, etc.
Detectives are given the responsibility to solve specific cases. Their tasks include diving deep into evidence by conducting interviews and connecting the dots. Sometimes, they may have to spend hours observing surveillance videos and analyzing data to create a strong case. Depending on the danger levels, detectives might have to go undercover to catch criminals; therefore, professionals must possess acting and convincing skills. Time management and collaboration are among the crucial skills for a successful career.
| Profession | Average annual pay |
| Detective | $94436 |
| Police officer | $65939 |
Join a college for criminology to explore criminology jobs!
There cannot be enough criminologists to maintain a safe environment. If you are a responsible citizen, genuinely care for others, and go out of your way to help people – consider opting for a profession in criminology! Criminology jobs include detectives, police officers, financial examiners, intelligence analysts, FBI agents, and emergency management directors. Apply to criminology colleges for a successful career in criminology!