What Can You Do with a Criminology Degree: Facts and Opportunities

If you've ever wanted to be a detective like Columbo, CSI team, or even William Murdoch, a criminology degree might suit you perfectly. Plus, it promises rewarding payments and always remains wanted.

Furthermore, while studying, you'll learn about the causes and consequences of unlawful acts, and how the prosecution system works in general. But most importantly, you'll be exposed to exciting employment opportunities for criminologists, allowing you to contribute to a safer society.

As a result, this article will prove that jobs for criminology majors are high-paying and future-proof. Apply for a criminology degree. And if you need help with any of your schoolwork or admission, always count on our essay writer online service.

Criminology Degree Overview

Criminology degree is an academic program that explores the scientific study of crime, its causes, its effects on society, and the methods used to prevent and address it. It blends sociology, psychology, law, and forensic science in the curriculum to understand why people commit crimes and the criminal justice system. So students explore crime types, the justice system, and criminal behavior theories, often studying criminal law, deviance, and research methods:

What jobs can you get with a criminology degree? Many programs offer specialized courses to tailor your studies, potentially in areas like cybercrime or juvenile delinquency. Check out our special list of exciting criminology research topics for more information. 

What Do Criminologists Do?

If you seek a career that directly impacts crime and justice, a criminology degree is an unmatched option. As a criminologist, on the one hand, you analyze crime data to understand its causes, while, on the other hand, you help to prevent future offenses. Both approaches are vital and interconnected in studies and real-life practice. Here are key criminologist’s duties:

All of that is impossible without solid knowledge refined by a background education in college.

What Jobs Can You Get With a Criminology Degree?

A criminology degree opens the door to various careers within criminal justice. Here are 10 common job options.

Police Officer

Police officers are on the front lines of law enforcement, patrolling communities, responding to emergencies, and conducting investigations.

Your understanding of lawbreaking trends, criminal behavior, and the criminal justice system will be invaluable as a police officer. You'll be able to analyze situations effectively, make sound decisions, and contribute to community policing initiatives.

Detective/Investigator

Detectives typically handle more complex investigations than police officers. They may spend time at crime scenes, collecting evidence, conducting interviews, and analyzing reports. They might also work undercover, develop leads, and collaborate with forensic teams and prosecutors to build strong cases.

This criminology major equips you with the analytical skills and knowledge of criminal behavior crucial for detective work. You'll be able to understand crime scene evidence, assess witness testimonies, and develop effective investigative strategies. Your knowledge of the criminal justice system will also be beneficial when collaborating with prosecutors to bring cases to trial.

Probation Officer

A probation officer, like any other criminal justice career, deals with criminals. Probation officers supervise from-prison offenders who are not yet free of court supervision. They help these individuals reintegrate into society by monitoring their behavior, enforcing court-ordered conditions, and providing support services.

You'll be able to understand the factors that contribute to recidivism, assess risks, and develop effective plans to help probationers succeed. Your knowledge of the criminal justice system will also be helpful when navigating legal procedures and collaborating with other professionals.

Forensic Science Technician and CSI

CSIs arrive first at crime scenes to secure the area, collect physical evidence, and document the scene, while forensic science technicians work primarily in labs.

Your knowledge will help you build strong cases based on the evidence, allowing to recognize potential evidence sources, collect them properly, and ensure everything is documented correctly for court.

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Correctional Officer

Corrections officers are the backbone of maintaining order and safety in prisons and jails. They supervise people who are locked up, making sure they follow the rules.

Knowing about crime and the justice system is a big plus. With these criminologist jobs, you'll be able to calm situations down, handle conflict effectively, and create a safe environment for both inmates and staff.

Criminal Profiler

Criminal profilers, also called criminal investigative analysts, try to understand how criminals think. They examine crime scene evidence, look for information about victims, and observe how criminals act to create a picture of the suspect's character.

Criminology majors in this role work closely with detectives and other investigators, sharing their insights to solve complex cases. They act as consultants, providing a psychological perspective that complements traditional investigative methods.

Victim Advocate

What can you do with a criminology degree? You can work as a victim advocate. Victim advocates are the champions for those who have suffered from illegal acts. As the criminal justice system can be complex and intimidating, these professionals help victims navigate the legal process, accompany them to court appearances, and ensure their voices are heard.

Nearly 1.2 million violent crimes were committed against individuals in 2023. Victim advocates provide ongoing support and resources to help victims rebuild their lives after a traumatic experience.

Crime Analyst

Crime analysts use their analytical skills to examine lawbreaking patterns, trends, and statistics. They help law enforcement develop proactive strategies.

With the increasing availability of crime data, analysts play a more significant role in modern law enforcement. Their data-driven insights are crucial for developing effective strategies that go beyond traditional reactive policing methods.

Security Consultant

Security consultants use their knowledge to find security weaknesses and create plans to keep everything safe.

Private Investigator

A career as a private investigator aligns well with a criminology major because the field requires a deep understanding of criminal behavior, investigative techniques, and legal principles.

We've given a couple of insights on how to become a criminologist. There is a bonus portion for those who seek extra ideas.

Other Jobs You Can Get With a Criminology Degree

While the jobs we've explored directly apply your knowledge of the field, in others, an additional degree in criminology opens doors to a wider range of opportunities. Here are some extra ideas for criminology degree jobs where your skills can be valuable:

Now, you have a plethora of answers to the question of jobs I can get with a criminology degree.

Is a Criminology Degree Worth It?

If you crave a stimulating career using data to make a positive impact, a degree in criminology is a strong choice.

• Job Demand: Crime is a constant issue, and law enforcement, government, and research groups need qualified criminologists.
• Career Variety: This degree goes beyond police work. You can work in prevention, victim support, or even private security.
• Valuable Skills: You'll gain skills in data analysis and research beyond criminal justice.
• Intellectual Challenge: The field is constantly evolving. You'll think critically about complex social issues and develop solutions.

From analyzing data to understanding unlawful behavior, your skills are applicable in various fields. Later in this article, we'll explore the opportunities to ensure that a master's degree in criminology is what you need. And while you're here, check out the best colleges for criminal justice.

What Is the Highest Paying Job in Criminology?

Judges are at the top of the criminologist salary list, starting from $243,300 per year of income. Judges oversee legal proceedings and make crucial decisions within the justice system. However, to become a judge you'll need a law degree, so their earnings don’t result from obtaining a criminology degree only.

Anyway, what is the average salary of a criminologist in the field? This list explores the ten highest-paying careers, ranked by median annual salary.

Can You Get Into the FBI With a Criminology Degree?

FBA specialists are among the top rewarding professions in the criminology sphere. You can enter the FBI with a criminology degree if you meet other requirements too.

The FBI looks for candidates with a strong academic background, including a degree in criminology, as well as experience in law enforcement or other relevant fields. A criminology degree teaches criminal behavior and investigative processes but candidates also need to be physically fit, pass background checks, and meet other qualification standards. 

Moreover, special agents undergo extensive training at the FBI Academy, so police officers often regard the FBI post as the next stepping stone in their careers.

What Degree Is Best For Criminal Psychology?

The need for a particular criminal psychology degree is correlated with the field and position you aim for in criminal psychology. It could be a Bachelor's or Master's in Psychology with a focus on criminal or forensic psychology or a criminology degree with a psychology concentration. 

These programs combine criminal behavior, law, and mental health subjects, preparing you for related roles in law enforcement, counseling, or research. Degrees in these areas align directly with the field of criminal psychology and offer specialized knowledge in both psychology and criminology.

What Is the Advantage Of Being Criminologists?

Becoming a criminologist offers several advantages, namely a stable job market and the chance to influence society positively, including:

• The opportunity to make a significant societal impact.
• Getting high-paying positions.
• Developing valuable skills in research, data analysis, and understanding human behavior.
• Diverse job opportunities in law enforcement and criminal justice reform with favorable job prospects.
• Contributing to crime prevention and justice system improvements.

Famous criminologists have contributed to the field, shaping modern criminal justice practices. For example, Travis Hirschi is renowned for his social bond theory, suggesting that strong societal bonds help prevent crime. His works proved that criminology plays a critical role in the justice system.

Final Touch

What can you do with a criminology degree? A criminology degree opens the door to careers in criminal justice, law enforcement, and social services. Graduates can work as criminologists, criminal psychologists, forensic analysts, law enforcement officers, etc.

The degree also provides transferable skills in research, data analysis, and critical thinking being valuable in diverse fields such as policy-making and social advocacy. With a growing demand for criminal justice reform, criminologists have the opportunity to make a significant impact on society. So this degree offers a plethora of inspiring opportunities for your future

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