Schools offer criminology degree programs at the bachelor's, masters, and PhD levels. Those who are interested in the theoretical aspect of criminal behavior in our society will find a criminology degree to be a stimulating one. Criminologists are generally academic professionals who study the social and psychological science of criminal behavior and criminal justice in our society. Upon completing a criminology degree, it is most common to remain within an academic setting teaching and conducting research. It is important to understand the difference between a criminologist and a criminalist. a criminalist is someone who works within the field of forensic science examining evidence, while a criminologist is someone who studies and analyzes the theoretical aspects of criminal behavior.
In addition to working in academia, criminologists commonly act as advisors to federal and local law enforcement agencies and departments, especially on high profile cases where high level academic insight can be of help.
They can also act as consultants or assist with policy formation within various government and private organizations. They can specialize in areas such as criminal psychology, juvenile delinquency, drug addiction, policing policies, radical groups, or ethnic turmoil.
Getting Started in Criminology
If theoretical studies interests you, start by completing a bachelors degree in criminology or criminal justice, then you will want to look into masters or Phd programs once you have developed a sense of what particular aspect of criminology you would like to pursue. Combining formal education with relevant on the job experience such as law enforcement, forensics, or correctional studies is a good way to begin a career as a criminologist.
According to PayScale, on average entry level criminologists can earn between $34,063 & $66,635. Experienced criminologists can earn $85,000 to over $100,000 per year.
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Programs: - Associates AABA Criminal Justice Administration
- Bachelors BSCJ Law Enforcement
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Programs: - BA Social and Criminal Justice
- MA Organizational Management Public Administration
- MBA Public Administration
- BA Public Administration
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Programs: - Master of Criminal Justice
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Programs: - PhD Criminal Justice
- MS Criminal Justice
- BS Criminal Justice
- MPH Social and Behavioral Sciences
- And more
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Programs: - Bachelor of Science in Social Sciences
- MP - Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement
- BS - Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement
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Programs: - Associates ASCJ Criminal Justice
- Associate of Science in Paralegal studies
- Master of Science in Management Criminal Justice
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Programs: - Criminal Justice Associatess
- Criminal Investigations
- Homeland Security Associates
- Paralegal Associates
- And more
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Programs: - Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice
- Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice
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Programs: - BS in Public Safety Administration
- MS in Criminal Justice Law Enforcement
- MS in Criminal Justice Legal Studies
- MS in Leadership Disaster Preparedness & Executive Fire Leadersh
- And more
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Programs: - AA Criminal Justice
- BA Criminal Justice
- AA Homeland Security
- BA Homeland Security
- And more
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Programs:
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Programs: - Criminal Justice AAS
- Criminal Justice BS
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Programs: - BS in Legal Studies
- AS in Legal Studies
- BS in Criminal Justice
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Programs: - Accelerated Criminal Justice Bachelor’s Degree With A Specializa
- Paralegal Certificate
- Paralegal Associate`s Degree
- Criminal Justice Bachelor`s - Homeland Security
- And more
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Programs: - Master of Business Administration Criminal Justice
- AA in Criminal Justice
- BA in Criminal Justice
- BA in Criminal Justice Criminalistics Specialization
- And more
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Programs: - MBA Public Administration
- MBA Public Administration
- Master of Public Administration
- Bachelor of Business Administration Legal Studies
- And more
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Programs: - Associate of Arts with a Concentration in Criminal Justice
- Master of Science in Administration of Justice and Security
- Bachelor of Science in Organizational Security and Management
- Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration
- And more
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Programs: - Criminal Justice Certificate
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Programs: - Associates Criminal Justice
- Associates Paralegal Studies
- Bachelors Criminal Justice
- Bachelors Paralegal Studies
- And more
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Programs: - Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Criminal Justice Managem
- Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Homeland Security
- Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Human Services for Crimi
- Master of Public Administration General
- And more
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