Criminology

Most criminologists work primarily in the areas of teaching and research; however, a criminology degree can take the graduate far in many fields of work. Whether s/he works in criminal justice or education, prospects are high for a well-educated criminologist. Criminology is the study of criminal law, crime, and behavioral patterns with the goal of developing theories and explanations for the rationales behind the behavior of criminals. Specific topics of study include policing, law enforcement strategies, juvenile justice, corrections, drug addictions, criminal ethnography, and many other factors related to crime and criminal activities.

Browse our Criminology schools by State:

CO | ID | KS | NE | NV | OR

Criminologists put their knowledge to use in a variety of ways through state, federal, and local government facilities, along with educational programs at the university and post-graduate levels.

Through the government, criminologists may work as policy advisors, as managers within federal research agencies like the National Institute of Health, or as a consultant to various projects. Another good career path for criminologists is in education. Criminologists working at schools and universities can conduct their own personal research while teaching criminology students, as well as students of sociology or law. As in many cases, jobs in the federal government for a criminologist may pay less than do those in the private sector.

The work of a criminologist is very rewarding, with many opportunities to learn new tactics and technologies, and plenty of chances to put that knowledge to use. The highest salaries for a criminologist are generally available to professors of criminology at the university level. Unfortunately, there is no shortage of criminals, so criminologists will always be needed to study prevention methods. Whether one works in education or the public sector, both fields have above average job prospects and criminologists are in demand.