If you’re currently studying criminology you may be wondering, “What jobs can I get with a criminology major?” You’ve probably heard inspiring stories of the FBI or CIA … but can a degree in this field really prepare you to work for these and other similar agencies?
Criminology is a major that prepares you for a variety of careers. If you enjoy studying criminal justice, the law, and how people interact with one another, then criminology may be the right major for you.
Some people enter the field of criminology because they want to help others who have been victims of crime. Others are drawn to this field because they want to make sure that criminals are prosecuted and punished in order to keep society safe. Whatever your reason for choosing this major, there are many jobs available for those who graduate with a degree in criminology.
Here are some common jobs for those who have studied criminology:
-lawyer (criminal defense attorney)
-police officer or detective (FBI agent)
-correctional officer or prison guard
What jobs can you get with a criminology major
Introduction
Criminology majors study the causes, nature, and consequences of crime. It is a broad field that can lead to jobs in many different places. With so many opportunities available after graduation, criminology majors often have the upper hand when it comes to landing a job. Here are a few careers criminology majors can pursue:
The skills that criminology teaches you
Criminology is a unique major because it requires you to learn skills that are applicable to many different careers. One of the most important skills that criminology teaches you is critical thinking, which means being able to analyze situations and come up with solutions. Criminology majors must be able to think critically when they’re conducting research or writing an essay, so this will help them in the future when they have an idea for a project or are trying to solve problems at work. Learning how to think critically also helps students become better team players because they can adapt quickly if something unexpected happens during their job.
Crime scene investigator
If you’re interested in a career in law enforcement, crime scene investigation may be the perfect choice for you. A crime scene investigator gathers evidence and works with police detectives to solve crimes. While they must be able to think quickly on the fly and make important decisions based on evidence, they also need to have a strong knowledge of science and forensics.
A bachelor’s degree is usually required for entry-level positions, but those who have completed their undergraduate studies with a criminology major may find that their degrees give them an advantage when applying for jobs as CSIs. Crime scene investigators typically earn between $40,000 – $80,000 per year based on location and experience level; however there are opportunities available at local government agencies where employees can work up from entry-level positions over time because of limited competition within certain geographic areas (U.S Department Of Labor). If you’re interested in working as a CSI but don’t want to relocate after graduating college then consider applying for internships while still attending school so that once graduation arrives there will already be some relevant experience under your belt!
Law enforcement officer
If you’re interested in law enforcement, but don’t want to attend police academy, become a correctional officer. You’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree (preferably with a major in criminology). You also need to pass rigorous background checks and have an excellent driving record. A clean criminal record is also essential, as well as strong work ethic and desire to help people.
Forensic science technician
A forensic science technician is a person who works in the field of forensic science and performs scientific analysis on materials collected at crime scenes. They may also be involved in activities such as crime scene investigation, laboratory research and development, construction of investigative tools and equipment, or courtroom testimony.
A typical day will usually involve collecting evidence from a crime scene and taking it back to the lab for processing. Once there, you might use techniques like DNA testing or fingerprint identification to identify suspects or match samples to known offenders. You may also be required to testify as an expert witness regarding your findings during trials.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that there were over 90,000 jobs for forensic scientists across all fields in 2017 alone—and this number is expected to grow by 6% through 2026! This means lots of opportunities if you have your heart set on becoming a CSI-style investigator someday soon!
The requirements depend heavily on which specialty area within forensics you choose: some areas require only an associate’s degree while others need at least two years’ experience working with similar equipment before they’ll consider hiring you; some require either certification or licensure through professional organizations like ASCLD/LAB-International while others don’t; some have specific education requirements while others don’t care what school you attended so long as your GPA meets theirs (which varies depending on what school/program). In general though there are no hard mandates other than having experience using relevant instruments beforehand—so anyone should be able to find something suitable!
Paralegal
A paralegal is a position that can be obtained with a criminology degree. Paralegals assist lawyers and help with the research, analysis, and organizing of cases. They may also provide legal services to clients in some situations. If you have a criminology degree, you will be well-versed in the law and you’re able to analyze case information from both sides of an issue.
You can work for a law firm or for a company that needs legal advice about its operations or products. You might find work in government agencies as well as private businesses such as banks or financial institutions (which hire many paralegals).
Probation officer
Probation officers are responsible for supervising people who have been convicted of crimes, and they work with parole officers and community corrections officers. They are often employed by the local government or court system, but they may also work in private companies that provide these services.
With a bachelor’s degree in criminology, you can expect to earn an average of $53,000 per year as a probation officer. You might also be interested in other jobs that require this kind of degree:
- Corrections officers make about $40/hour or more on average
- Parole agents earn around $45/hour
Victim advocate
You can get a job as a victim advocate. This is a career in which you help victims of crimes, such as sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse. You can help them understand their legal rights and the criminal justice system.
You may work in government or nonprofit organizations that provide assistance to crime victims by helping them navigate the legal process and providing emotional support during difficult times.
Writer
As a criminology major, you’ll learn how to think critically about social issues and make sense of the world around you. These skills are also useful for writers who want to tackle important topics through their work. And since writing is one of the most versatile careers out there, it can help lead you into any number of different fields—including criminology!
In other words: if you’re interested in writing about things like criminal justice or prison reform, then this is a great place for you to start looking for jobs. You could even choose to focus your degree on journalism or creative writing so that your education will be more directly applicable to things like magazine articles or books (though keep in mind that both these fields may require further training).
Criminology majors can work in a variety of fields with different employers.
Criminology is a broad field that offers opportunities for many different jobs. You can work in corrections, law enforcement, and victim services; you can become a court reporter or write about crime for a newspaper. There are various options for criminology majors who want to work with people and help them through difficult times.
You can also find a job in the private sector as an investigator or risk manager. If you enjoy analyzing data, there are plenty of opportunities to use your skills in this area. If you prefer working alone or with other people who share your passion for solving problems, consider becoming an analyst for the government or joining one of the many volunteer organizations dedicated to helping victims of crime recover from their experiences.
Conclusion
The many different career paths that you can take with a criminology degree make it an interesting major. Criminology is a broad field and lends itself to many different careers, but it also provides the opportunity to delve deeper into specific aspects of the subject. If you are interested in criminology, consider what aspects of the discipline you find most appealing before choosing your degree path.
