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 woud 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.

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.

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Criminal Justice, Psychology and Sociology Degrees Online

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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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University of Phoenix Online:

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

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American Intercontinental University Online:

Associate's Criminal Justice Administration
BS in Criminal Justice
Bachelor's in Organizational Psychology & Development

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Walden 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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Capella University:

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

Request free information about these Criminal Justice and Psychology programs

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Everest University Online :

Criminal Justice Associate's Degree
Criminal Justice Bachelor of Arts Degree
Masters of Science in Criminal Justice
Criminal Investigations Associate's Degree

Request free information about these Criminal Justice Programs.

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Colorado Technical University Online:

B.S. in Criminal Justice