If you're interested in sociology and passionate about justice, get inside the criminal
mind with a career in criminology. Police forces and government agencies depend
on criminologists to recommend crime-reduction strategies, explain the behavior
patterns of criminals, and help with cases. A career in criminology is more than
just an exciting job--it's a chance to make a difference.
- Criminology is a subset of sociology that uses research projects and historical
analysis to understand crime patterns and make recommendations
- Criminologists work with law enforcement on everything from predicting crime patterns
to interviewing suspects and assessing crime scenes
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 41 percent of all sociologists
work for State, Federal, or local government. Many others perform research for universities
or private agencies
- The BLS reports that the employment of sociologists is expected to grow 10 percent
from 2006-2016, similar to the national average
- Criminologists working for police, government, or private agencies usually need
a master's degree in criminology, while university positions require a Ph.D
- If you're just entering college, a bachelor's degree in psychology or sociology
provides a solid foundation for a master's in criminology. Statistics, mathematics,
and computer courses can also prepare you for conducting research and performing
analysis
- If you already have a bachelor's degree, research the multiple graduate options
available. Schools with criminal justice programs often offer degrees in criminology,
and online degree programs exist for those working full time
About how a degree in Criminal Justice can help you start a career in Criminology
The Criminal Justice program of study at the Ashford University teaches fundamentals
of the criminal justice system and criminal justice skills. The program offers a
foundation in criminal law, legal procedures, criminal evidence and criminology.
Areas of study include law enforcement, the courts and corrections. The upper-level
courses include more in-depth study of the criminal justice systems, along with
instruction in areas such as criminalistics, victimology and computer forensics.
The Criminal Justice program of study1 at the ITT Technical Institutes teaches fundamentals
of the criminal justice system and criminal justice skills. The program offers a
foundation in criminal law, legal procedures, criminal evidence and criminology.
Areas of study include law enforcement, the courts and corrections. The upper-level
courses include more in-depth study of the criminal justice systems, along with
instruction in areas such as criminalistics, victimology and computer forensics.
Earn your Criminal Justice Degree Online.