If you’re thinking about a career in criminology, there are many factors to consider: the reasons you’re considering choosing criminology as a possible career, what kind of careers are available in this field and how a degree in criminology might prepare you for these positions.
Criminologists study the roles that motives, culture, parenting and family issues and other influencing factors play in causing and contributing to criminal behavior. In the case of a repeatedly occurring crime, a criminologist may work with law enforcement agencies both on local as well as state or Federal levels, to develop a profile of the possible criminal. This may help identify the perpetrator from known offenders, or it may point to a new direction that the police and others may have to take in locating and arresting a criminal.
Criminology on an academic level also attempts to explain why some societies consider certain activities as crimes that other societies do not. Criminology looks for explanations to the reasons for these differences as well as why some crimes are almost universal and other crimes more common in one area or culture than another. It also studies why societies and cultures choose the punishments and deterrents used, particularly in capital (death penalty) punishments.
Advanced positions in these fields, especially at the Federal level, usually require a M.A. degree as well as practical experience. Many of these careers will require additional training and qualifications as specified by the agency. Currently the average starting salary for criminologists in all fields holding a B.A. is in the $30,000 – 35,000 range.
In most BA-level Criminology programs students can expect to learn how to identify problems in criminology as well as find solutions though critical thinking and analysis, gain knowledge of legal institutions and structures, conduct interviews, develop skills in research and use of statistics and other scientific methods, and develop a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system as well as societal, such as cultural and racial diversity, and population issues.
If you’re committed to serving and protecting your community and country as well as make a positive contribution to the criminal justice system the answer could be ‘yes.’
What is Criminology?
Criminology is the study of criminal behavior from social and individual perspectives. Combining the disciplines of sociology and psychology, criminology is not only concerned with the causes and preventions of crime but the impact of criminal behavior to the larger society and criminals themselves. It differs somewhat from criminal justice by placing more emphasis on cause/effect where Criminal justice focuses on policing techniques and the court and corrections systems.What do criminologists do?
Criminologists study the roles that motives, culture, parenting and family issues and other influencing factors play in causing and contributing to criminal behavior. In the case of a repeatedly occurring crime, a criminologist may work with law enforcement agencies both on local as well as state or Federal levels, to develop a profile of the possible criminal. This may help identify the perpetrator from known offenders, or it may point to a new direction that the police and others may have to take in locating and arresting a criminal.Criminology on an academic level also attempts to explain why some societies consider certain activities as crimes that other societies do not. Criminology looks for explanations to the reasons for these differences as well as why some crimes are almost universal and other crimes more common in one area or culture than another. It also studies why societies and cultures choose the punishments and deterrents used, particularly in capital (death penalty) punishments.
Careers in Criminology
In addition to police and related law enforcement, criminologists with a degree may also work within the court system as juvenile counselors, be agents within the FBI or CIA, be employed as victims’ assistance advocates, probation and parole officers and private security and investigations agencies. Criminologists can work in cooperation with law enforcement agencies and often enter law enforcement but criminology is concerned with the cause and effect of the crime as much as with criminal apprehension and the justice system.Advanced positions in these fields, especially at the Federal level, usually require a M.A. degree as well as practical experience. Many of these careers will require additional training and qualifications as specified by the agency. Currently the average starting salary for criminologists in all fields holding a B.A. is in the $30,000 – 35,000 range.
Academic Programs in Criminology
To help answer the question ‘is Criminology for you?’ it’s important to know that Criminology as a college major is not necessarily the same as Criminal Justice. Criminal justice has traditionally emphasized the policy and correctional aspects of the field with other real-world applications. Criminology has been regarded more as a behavioral or social science that explores origins of criminal behavior (cause: ‘nature vs nurture’) with society’s responses (effect: punishment and deterrents). However, there is increasing belief that the two fields have become more inter-related and should be considered as a single discipline.In most BA-level Criminology programs students can expect to learn how to identify problems in criminology as well as find solutions though critical thinking and analysis, gain knowledge of legal institutions and structures, conduct interviews, develop skills in research and use of statistics and other scientific methods, and develop a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system as well as societal, such as cultural and racial diversity, and population issues.
If you’re committed to serving and protecting your community and country as well as make a positive contribution to the criminal justice system the answer could be ‘yes.’