Expand mobile version menu
  Skip to main content

Criminology

Program Description

Just the Facts

Criminology. A program that focuses on the systematic study of crime as a sociopathological phenomenon, the behavior of criminals, and the social institutions evolved to respond to crime. Includes instruction in the theory of crime, psychological and social bases of criminal behavior, social value systems and the theory of punishment, criminal law and criminal justice systems, penology, rehabilitation and recidivism, studies of specific types of crime, social attitudes and policy, and applications to specific issues in law enforcement administration and policy.

This program is available in these options:

  • Certificate / Diploma
  • Associate degree
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Graduate Certificate
  • Master's degree
  • Doctoral degree

High School Courses

See the high school courses recommended for programs in this career cluster:

See the high school courses recommended for programs in this pathway:


Related Careers

Check out related careers


Additional Information

Understanding crime and other deviant behavior is an important step towards solving it. Criminology and criminal justice programs consider many aspects of crime, from the theoretical to the practical.

To find out what causes crime, criminology looks at crime from a social and a scientific point of view. Students will learn about forms of crime and the causes and consequences of those crimes.

Criminology is an interdisciplinary field because crime can be complicated. For example, society and the government react to crime, so students usually take courses in sociology and political science. Students explore the law and the psychology, philosophy and sociology related to legal issues.

"It is an extremely diverse and exciting program," says Gail S. Anderson. She is a university professor of criminology.

Criminal justice students can expect to learn about the ins and outs of the justice system. Criminal justice is the study of practical and technical policing skills, such as preventing crime, detecting crime and dealing with criminals. This is combined with the theories of criminology.

Criminology and criminal justice degrees are offered at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Many entry-level jobs in the field require a four-year undergraduate degree. Those with master's degrees usually find higher-level jobs and promotions come faster.

Many programs offer field placements. These give excellent real-life experience for students.

"The job market in criminal justice is excellent and labor market projections in law enforcement and corrections show that there will continue to be a great need to fill these positions," says Jacqueline Helfgott. She is a professor and chair of the criminal justice department at Seattle University.

Graduates can find jobs in more areas than just law enforcement and corrections. Jobs also exist in crime prevention, law and law reform, research and policy analysis with government departments and agencies, restorative justice, and forensic science. There are opportunities in community programs, group homes, security and victim services.

If your goal is to work for a police force, you must also be a police officer. Further training is required to become a police officer.

Most programs are competitive to enter, so having high grades will be important. Check admission requirements carefully, as they differ from school to school.

High school courses in law, math, data management and statistics will be helpful.

"If the student is interested in a career where they will be working with the public, some volunteering in the community would be good experience too," says Joanna Pozzulo. She is an associate professor at a university.

Textbooks can be a major expense, so budget up to $1,000 per year. There might be a lab fee if you take forensic science. Most students have laptops or PCs, although there are computer labs available for students to use.


Links

Occupational Outlook Handbook
For more information related to Criminology and Criminal Justice Programs, see: Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists

For more information related to this field of study, see: Police and Detectives

National Sherrif's Association
Read the latest news and hear some heroic tales from the criminal justice field

National Crime Prevention Council
It takes a bite out of crime

Contact

  • Email Support

  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900

Support


Powered by XAP

OCAP believes that financial literacy and understanding the financial aid process are critical aspects of college planning and student success. OCAP staff who work with students, parents, educators and community partners in the areas of personal finance education, state and federal financial aid, and student loan management do not provide financial, investment, legal, and/or tax advice. This website and all information provided is for general educational purposes only, and is not intended to be construed as financial, investment, legal, and/or tax advice.