Careers in criminology include forensic psychologist, criminal profiler, correctional officer, crime analyst, and criminologist. These roles require skills in research, psychology, and criminal justice. Most positions require at least a bachelor’s degree in criminology or a related field, with advanced roles often needing a master’s or doctorate.
What Is Criminology?
Criminology is the study of why crime occurs, how to prevent crime, and how the criminal justice system responds to offenses.
Criminology focuses on criminal behavior, legal systems, and the psychological and sociological factors influencing crime. It combines disciplines like sociology, human psychology, and criminal law. Criminology careers exist in both public and private sector roles, often involving work in law enforcement, research, corrections, and policy.
Top fields of study include:
- Criminology
- Criminal justice
- Forensic psychology
- Sociology
- Law
Criminology jobs often involve working with government agencies, such as police stations, correctional facilities, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Education Requirements for Criminology Jobs
Most criminology careers require at least a bachelor’s degree in criminology, criminal justice, or a related field.
A criminal justice degree provides foundational knowledge in how the justice system functions, while a criminology degree emphasizes theories behind criminal behavior.
Degree Paths:
- Associate’s degree – entry-level jobs (e.g., correctional officer)
- Bachelor’s degree – standard requirement for most roles
- Master’s degree or doctorate – required for forensic psychologists, professors, and researchers
Many criminology graduates choose to pursue law school or specialize further with degrees in forensic psychology or computer science, especially in fields like cybercrime.
Popular specializations:
- Forensic science
- Criminal profiling
- Juvenile justice
- Forensic psychology
- Homeland security
Financial aid and scholarships are available for students pursuing criminal justice or criminology majors.
Critical Skills for Criminology Careers
Criminology careers require strong critical thinking, communication, and data analysis skills.
Professionals must analyze patterns, interpret laws, and assess behavior. In fields like interviewing witnesses or profiling offenders, these skills are essential.
Key skills:
- Critical thinking – evaluating evidence and identifying patterns
- Research – using academic journals and crime data
- Communication – writing reports and interviewing witnesses
- Ethical reasoning – understanding the legal and moral aspects of crime
- Emotional intelligence – providing emotional support to victims or working with convicted criminals
Some roles also demand technological skills, especially for forensic specialists, cybercrime analysts, and intelligence analysts.
Types of Careers in Criminology
Criminology careers span law enforcement, psychology, research, and corrections. Below is a breakdown of common career options:
| Job Title | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminology Professor | $116,368 | $9,697 | $2,237 | $55.95 |
| Criminal Justice Social Worker | $74,170 | $6,180 | $1,426 | $35.66 |
| Forensic Scientist | $66,800 | $5,567 | $1,285 | $32.11 |
| Police Detective | $70,931 | $5,911 | $1,364 | $34.10 |
| Forensic Psychologist | $96,294 | $8,025 | $1,851 | $46.30 |
| Lawyer | $89,458 | $7,455 | $1,720 | $42.97 |
| Jury Consultant | $44,000 | $3,667 | $846 | $21.15 |
| Probation Officer | $55,265 | $4,605 | $1,062 | $26.57 |
In-demand job:
- Forensic psychologist
- Criminologist
- Probation officers
- Police officers
- Jury consultants
- Victim advocate
Career paths vary by education, interest, and experience. Some focus on collecting evidence at crime scenes, while others research criminal cases or prevent crime through policy development.
Public vs Private Sector Criminology Jobs
Criminology jobs exist in both public and private sectors, with several key differences in roles and responsibilities.
Public Sector:
- Government agencies (FBI, DEA, police departments)
- Criminal justice agencies (prisons, courts)
- Federal Bureau investigations
- Parole officers and probation officers
Private Sector:
- Loss prevention officers in retail
- Risk analysts in finance
- Jury consultants in law firms
- Cybercrime analysts in tech companies
- Compliance officers in corporations
Job opportunities are growing in private companies seeking security analysts, especially for roles involving potential threats and internal investigations.
Salary Expectations and Job Outlook
Salaries in criminology vary widely based on education, job title, and location.
Roles like criminology professor or forensic psychologist offer higher pay due to advanced degree requirements. Entry-level jobs like probation officers or loss prevention officers offer lower salaries but provide a solid entry point into the criminal justice field.
Job market trends:
- The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects steady growth in criminal justice careers through 2030.
- Demand is high for roles in cybercrime, forensics, and policy analysis.
How to Start a Criminology Career
Start your criminology career by earning a relevant degree and gaining experience through internships or volunteer programs.
Steps to begin:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree in criminology or criminal justice.
- Gain experience via internships at police departments or government agencies.
- Join professional groups like the American Society of Criminology.
- Build a strong resume highlighting critical thinking skills, education, and any fieldwork or research.
- Apply to entry-level jobs that align with your career goals.
Professional development opportunities:
- Attend criminology conferences
- Subscribe to academic journals
- Take certifications in areas like forensic science or data analysis
Common Questions
Below you can find common questions we get asked about this topic.
Can criminology graduates work in private sectors?
Yes! Criminology graduates can work in private security, risk analysis, corporate investigations, or compliance roles.
Do criminology jobs require fieldwork?
Not all roles require fieldwork.
– Policy analysts work in offices.
– Forensic psychologists work in clinical settings.
– Professors focus on research and teaching.
What is the role of a jury consultant?
A jury consultant helps lawyers pick jurors by analyzing behavior and background to assess biases in criminal cases.
Are there remote job opportunities for criminologists?
Yes!
– Cybercrime analysts investigate online fraud.
– Policy advisors work remotely on crime prevention.
– Researchers publish studies from home.
How can criminologists specialize further?
Criminologists can specialize by getting advanced degrees or certifications in forensic psychology, digital forensics, or criminal profiling.
Final Thoughts
Criminology offers a wide range of career options in law enforcement, research, psychology, and public policy. With a strong educational foundation, the right skill set, and a focus on professional growth, criminology majors can find high-impact, rewarding roles in both the public and private sectors.
These careers are vital to improving the criminal justice system, analyzing criminal behavior, and ensuring safer communities. Whether your goal is to practice law, work as a forensic psychologist, or analyze crime trends, the criminology field offers long-term potential and career satisfaction.
