Understanding Criminology Degrees

A criminology degree is a study that prepares students to pursue an exciting career as criminologist. Other career paths are related to police administration and policy, criminal justice, and criminal law. A degree in criminology can be completed either at bachelor degrees or master level degrees at universities and colleges, or even online. The degree program contains various micro and macro courses so that students can apply their skills and knowledge in different areas.

Criminology Career Outlook

According to United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of investigators and private detectives is expected to grow very fast for the next 10 years. Forensic scientists and other science technicians are also expected to grow faster compared to average occupations in the same period. These professionals will largely be working for state or local government organizations.

General Considerations

The Bureau also reported that a degree in criminologymay not suffice to work in computer research or forensics so they need to get secondary degrees or a higher study to pursue the jobs they want in the field. Some states even require investigators and detectives to obtain licenses. These licenses are granted to individuals who passed a background check of criminal history and have had certain work experiences aside from completing their criminal justice program or criminology degree program.

Criminology Training

Aspiring criminologists need to take specialized courses in criminal investigation, crime history, government, forensics, and law enforcement. After a formal education at a bachelor's degree or master's degree levels, an internship may be required for students to learn about developing scientific methods for crime solving, psychological behaviors, and in-depth research. Frankly, most skills needed to become a corporate investigator, detective, or private investigator are learned through mentoring programs and on-the-job trainings.

Criminology Specializations

Juvenile delinquency criminal psychology, constitutional law, and criminal theory cover all major areas of criminology. However, the aspiring criminologist may also choose specializations in a particular area by pursuing advanced degree programs. Some areas of specialization for those planning to have a degree in criminology include state or federal policy evaluation and victimology, organizational research, corporate crime, crime prevention strategies, crime scene investigation, and criminal litigation. Aside from private investigators or detectives, these individuals can get jobs as crime intelligence analyst, law reform researcher, drug policy advisor, or police officer.