Criminologists try to understand why crime happens and how it can be prevented.
Criminology majors study criminal behavior in society, in degree programs ranging from associate to graduate level, offered by community and four-year colleges, universities and online colleges. Criminologists analyze why crime occurs, who is most apt to commit crimes, how it affects society, punishment of criminals and how crime can be prevented. More than 150 colleges and universities offer a degree or major in criminology, according to the College Board, which provides a registry of colleges and majors.
Preparation
Choose a solid college preparatory curriculum if you are a high school student who wants to go on to major in criminology. An interest in the social sciences and law, good research and writing skills and an aptitude for mathematics and statistics are important. A college fair, college admissions website or college directory can help identify colleges and universities that offer criminology degrees at various levels. An associate degree in criminology, often granted by a community or online college, prepares graduates for entry-level positions at law enforcement or correctional institutions. However, most careers in criminology require a bachelor's degree or higher. A college may offer either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree in criminology, though some offer both. Often the differences lie in the core course requirements rather than in the criminology coursework itself. Compare the requirements at colleges you are considering to see which type of bachelor's degree best matches your interests.
Coursework
Students pursuing a college degree in criminology can expect a multidiscipline course of study incorporating behavioral sciences, statistics, law and the justice system. Typical undergraduate course offerings in criminology include criminal law, criminal justice, juvenile delinquency, victimology, social statistics, research methods, offender treatment theory, psychology of crime, alcohol, drugs and criminality, and social policy. Specialized computer criminology and computer forensics degrees focus on computer security and cybercrime. Master's and doctorate level study in criminology emphasizes advanced theory and academic research on crime and society. Some universities offer online graduate studies in criminology, which can allow coursework to be completed on the student's own schedule.
Internships
Many students working toward a criminology degree serve an internship with a public law enforcement or human services agency, prison, law firm, drug rehabilitation center or victims' aid organization. This can help narrow down the possible career paths after graduation.
Careers
People with criminology degrees work with law enforcement, the courts, investigative agencies, prisons, rehabilitative programs and victim service agencies. They consult with municipalities on public policy formation. Criminologists with master's degrees or doctorates often conduct scholarly research for publication and use by legal and law enforcement agencies, and may teach in colleges and universities.
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