• What is Criminology?
• How to Become a Criminalist
• Psychology Bachelor's Degrees
• How to Become a Crime Analyst

How to Become a Criminologist

1) Start by earning a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Sociology or Criminal Justice.
2) Research your state and county Criminologist licensure requirements. (Some states require a license and others do not)
3) Most Criminologists have a Master's Degree in Psychology, Sociology or Criminal Justice, so it would be a good idea to pursue your graduate education to be competitive in this field. Work experience can be a substitute for education in some cases. For example, a law enforcement or correctional officer may only need to earn a bachelor's degree to qualify for a criminologist position.
4) If you are interested in research or teaching at the University level you will need to earn your PhD in Psychology or Sociology.

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Criminologist Job Description

Criminologists use psychology, social patterns and statistics to analyze behaviors and methods of criminals to help in predicting and preventing future criminal behaviors. Psychological profiling also plays a major role in the criminologist profession. Criminologists will also evaluate the way crime rates are affected by different law enforcement methods.

Criminologists apply their education and experience in local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.

Requirements and Qualifications to Become a Criminologist

The majority of criminologists hold a bachelor's degree in psychology or sociology, many having master's or PhD degrees in the behavioral sciences. Because criminologists must be adept in analyzing crime rates and statistics, utilizing the most current crime fighting technology and writing thorough reports for their departments, it is a good idea to take courses in statistics, computer science and writing.

Earning a bachelor's degree in psychology, sociology or criminal justice is a logical place for you to start gaining the skills you need to succeed in a career as a criminologist. If you are currently in law enforcement, corrections or related field, earning a bachelor's degree may be the only additional education you need to pursue a career as a criminologist. You will also have to look into your state's criminologists licensure requirements. Some states require licensure and others do not.

Criminologist Salary

A criminologist with a bachelor's degree can expect an average starting salary of $30,000 annually. A criminologist with a master's degree can expect an average starting salary of $55,000.

If you'd like to read more about the field of criminology click here.

Request free information from the fully accredited online schools below. These degree programs will help you gain the skills necessary to become a criminologist.

Online Criminology, 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.

Portland State University:

Bachelor's - 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

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

University of Phoenix Online:

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

Ashford University:

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

Lincoln College Online:

BS in Criminal Justice and The Study of the Criminal Mind

Request information from Lincoln College to learn more.

University of the Rockies:

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

Drexel University Online: Drexel University is regionally accredited by Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. There is a strong focus on criminology as well as the many other facets of criminal justice including administration, policies and procedures, law, corrections and much more. Learn more by requesting information today.

BS in Criminal Justice Online

Walden University Online: Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association. The Higher Learning Commission is one of six regional accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

B.S. in Psychology - Psychology Applied in Everyday Life
B.S. in Psychology - Psychology Applied in Helping Professions
B.S. in Psychology - Psychology Applied in the Workplace
BS in Criminal Justice - Management & Administration
BS in Criminal Justice - Crime & Criminals
BS in Criminal Justice - Human Services for CJ
M.S. in Psychology - Organizational Psychology and Development
M.S. in Psychology - Crisis Management & Response
M.S. in Psychology - Health Psychology
M.S. in Psychology - Organizational Psychology & Nonprofit Management
M.S. in Psychology - Psychology of Culture
M.S. in Psychology - Psychology, Public Administration & Social Change
M.S. in Psychology - Social Psychology

American InterContinental University:

BSCJ - Forensic Science
Associates in Criminal Justice Administration
BSCJ - Law Enforcement
BSCJ - Special Populations

Capella University:

MS in Psychology
MS Human Services - Counseling
MS Human Services - Mental Health Counseling / CACREP Accredited
MS in Psych - Counseling Psychology
MS in Psych - Clinical Psychology
PhD Programs in Psychology and Counseling
BS in Public Safety - Criminal Justice
BS in Public Safety - Emergency Management

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