• How to Become a Criminologist
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Careers in Criminology

Individuals who study criminology and criminal justice most often become Criminologists. Criminologists look for ways to understand the causes and the impact of behavioral and social problems on crime. They take these findings and seek ways of alleviating their impact. Here you will find a brief overview of criminology as a career. If you are interested in pursuing education to become a criminologist, we have a variety of accredited academic institutions that offer degrees in criminology, sociology, psychology, and criminal justice for you to explore below.

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What is Criminology?

Criminology is a branch of sociology with a large psychological component and is defined as the theoretical study of crime rates, the causes of crime and the response to crime by law enforcement as well as society. Theoretical studies in criminology include courses in crime prevention, biological causes of criminal behavior, drug addiction, juvenile justice and delinquency, causes and correlations of crime, crime trends and patterns, criminal behavior, psychoanalysis, penology, deviance, sociology of the law, victimology, other areas of crime and societys' reaction to crime.

Criminology Career Background

These positions are most often found in an academic setting such as at a University where you can conduct research and teach. Many local, state and federal law enforcement agencies employ the services of criminologists to develop policies, manage projects, and to forensic profile. Individuals with a criminology degree or background might also become private consultants hired to provide services for law reform, juvenile justice, forensic psychology, and the correctional system. There are no set requirements or qualifications for a career in criminology, though Professors of criminology and U.S. law enforcement agencies we spoke with have suggested an undergraduate degree in psychology and a master's degree in criminal justice or criminology to prepare for a career in criminology.

The two areas of study (criminology and criminal justice) have much in common. Each field studies issues of crime and the systems in place for preventing crime. Following the advice of thought leaders in the field of criminology, earning an undergraduate degree in criminology, sociology, psychology or criminal justice is the first move you should make. If you already hold a degree in one of these fields then it is time to pursue a master's or PhD in criminology, psychology or criminal justice. Below you will find the Nation's leading online universities that can help prepare you for a successful career in criminology.

Online Criminology, Psychology and Criminal Justice Degrees

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Portland State University:

Bachelor's in Criminology and Criminal Justice

Regis University:

Bachelor of Arts in Communication
Bachelor of Science in Criminology
Master of Nonprofit Management
Master of Science in Criminology

Saint Joseph's University Online:

Certificate in Behavior Analysis
Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Master of Science in CJ - Behavior Analysis Specialization
Master of Science in CJ - Homeland Security Specialization

University of the Rockies:

Master of Arts in Psychology - Criminology and Justice Studies
Doctor of Psychology - Criminology and Justice Studies

University of Phoenix Online:

Associate, Bachelor's - Psychology
Associate's, Bachelor's - Criminal Justice
BS in Organizational Security & Management
MS in Administration of Justice and Security

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology: The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. The school is also an active member of the National Council of Schools and Programs of Professional Psychology. The forensic psychology certificate programs can be completed in as little 5 months and the credits can be applied toward a master's degree in forensic psychology. The online master's in forensic psychology can be completed in 20 months and offers two specialization options: Adult Offenders or Juvenile Offenders.

Certificate in Applied Forensic Psychology (A Bachelor's degree, in any discipline, is required to enroll.)
Master's in Forensic Psychology
Master's in Forensic Psychology - Adult Offenders
Master's in Forensic Psychology - Juvenile Offenders

Walden University Online:

BS in Criminal Justice - Crime & Criminals
BS in Criminal Justice - Human Services for CJ
BS in Psychology - Applied in Everyday Life
BS in Psychology - Applied in Helping Professions
BS in Psychology - Applied in the Workplace
MS in Psychology - Terrorism and Security
MS in Psychology - Crisis Management and Response
MS in Psychology - Social Psychology

Lincoln College Online:

BS in Criminal Justice and The Study of the Criminal Mind

Request information from Lincoln College to learn more.

American InterContinental University:

BSCJ - Law Enforcement
BSCJ - Forensic Science
BSCJ - Special Populations
Bachelor's in Organizational Psychology and Development
MBA Organizational Psychology and Development

Request free information from AIU to learn more about these programs.

Ashford University:

BA Social Science - Criminal Justice
BA in Psychology
BA in Sociology

Capella University:

MS in Psychology (multiple concentrations)
BS in Public Safety - Criminal Justice
BS in Public Safety - Emergency Management

Kaplan University: College of Arts and Sciences

BS in Psychology - Applied Behavioral Analysis
BS in Psychology - Substance Abuse
BS in Psychology - Child Development

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