If you tell your friends and family that you’re studying for a degree in criminology, chances are the first question is going to be whether you want to become a law enforcement officer. Yes, a degree in criminology can get you that job, but there’s so much more you can do with it.
Criminology is the study of both the law enforcement and criminal justice system. Students study the causes and consequences of crime. They also review ways to effectively prevent and address criminal behavior. The careers they pursue are available at both state and federal levels including working for the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), Secret Service, U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland, Naval Criminal Investigation Services (NCIS), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), or U.S. Marshals.
Following are the different careers you can embark on once you complete your last criminology essay and get your degree.
Careers in Criminal Justice
The Criminal justice system is made up of Law enforcement, Courts, and Corrections and Punishment. Specific roles in this area include the following:
● Police Officers
● Criminal Investigator
● Corrections Officers
● Probation and Community Control Officers
Careers in Forensic Science
Forensic science refers to the application including principles to evidence related to a crime. Careers in this area are include the following.
● Arson & Fire Investigator
● Blood Spatter Analyst
● Computer Forensics
● Crime Lab Analyst
● Crime Lab Technician
● Crime Scene Investigation
● Crime Scene Photographer
● Crime Scene Technician
● Evidence Technician
● Fingerprint Analyst
● Forensic Accountant
● Forensic Anthropologist
● Forensic Artist
● Forensic Ballistics Analyst
● Forensic Examiner
It should be noted though that some of these roles require additional areas of study areas like biology, physics, accounting, engineering, photography, art, animation, or computer science.
Criminal and Forensic Psychologist Careers
Criminal and Forensic Psychologist use the methodology and principles of psychology to understand criminals and the crimes they have committed. Those with criminology degrees who go down this role also study psychology with a specialization in forensics.
Careers in this field are found in the following areas
● Law Enforcement – work with local or state police departments, county offices, and even with federal law enforcement agencies.
● Clinical Setting – Provide help and counseling to criminals with psychological challenges.
● Research – Involves tracking crime trends to help law enforcement.
● Teaching – Teach other forensic psychologists and law enforcement agents.
● Forensic Social Work – An offshoot of social with that specialized with working with victim assistance programs and forensic mental health hospitals among others.
As you can see from the above, what you can with a degree in criminology is varied. There’s something for everyone, making this a highly rewarding career path.