Careers in Criminology

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

Individuals who study criminology and criminal justice most often become Criminologists. Criminologists look for ways to understand the causes and impact of behavioral and social problems on crime, and ways of alleviating their impact. Criminology careers are most often in an academic setting such as a University researching and teaching, but 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 providing 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 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 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.

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Online Sociology, Psychology and Criminal Justice Degrees

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In a hurry? Click here to request free information from all of our Psychology programs. Click here to request free information from all of our Criminal Justice Programs.

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starUniversity of Phoenix Online:

BS Psychology
BS Criminal - Justice Administration
Master of Science - Administration of Justice and Security

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starAshford University:

BA in Psychology
BA in Sociology
BA in Criminal Justice

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starWalden University Online:

M.S. in Psychology
Ph.D in Human Services - Criminal Justice
Ph.D in Psychology
Ph.D in Psychology - Clinical Psychology
Ph.D in Psychology - General Research Evaluation
Ph.D in Psychology - General Educational Psychology

Click here to request free information from Walden University's fully accredited programs today.

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starCapella University:

MS in Psychology / Clinical Psychology
PhD in Psychology / General Psychology
MS in Human Services / Criminal Justice
PhD in Human Services / Criminal Justice