Why You Should Major in Criminology
Criminology careers are instrumental in establishing a more equitable, science-based understanding of crime, public policy and social justice. Through theoretical knowledge and practical experience, criminologists support and strengthen the work of law enforcement, and the court and penal systems.
Skilled individuals who choose criminology careers empower others and improve societal conditions for everyone. If you are fascinated by human behavior and have a desire to positively impact your larger community, you may be suited for a criminology career.
In this article, we’ll explore criminology careers and answer the question, “what you can do with a criminology major.”
Majoring in Criminology: What’s Involved?
There are many components of this rapidly-evolving discipline but, simply put, criminology focuses on crime and criminal behavior.
The study of criminology traces back to a movement to reform the criminal justice systems over 200 years ago. Today’s increasingly sophisticated tools and methods include descriptive statistics, case studies, typologies and predictive analytics. Criminology careers are informed by sociology, psychology, economics and cultural bias.
Jobs with a criminology major seek out the root causes of crime, examine the nature and extent of crime, and scrutinize societal response to address — and control — crime.
Learn more about criminology degree programs at the University of Montana.
Advantages of majoring in criminology
- Build relationships with faculty members who are actively engaged in criminology careers and can provide real-world criminology career guidance.
- Explore the many facets of criminology, sociology and anthropology.
- Align jobs with a criminology major with your interests, and take part in research, internships and community-based projects.
- Graduate with the qualifications to pursue a variety of postgraduate opportunities, including law school.
What Can You Do With A Criminology Major?
Majoring in criminology opens the door to a wide range of careers. You’ll be prepared for criminology careers in public policy, the court system, as well as correctional institutions. It also provides you with a broader understanding of crime and justice which can lead to other job opportunities in public, private and nonprofit organizations such as independent investigator.
Working alongside law enforcement to solve and prevent crimes is very rewarding. Jobs with a criminology major not only offer opportunities to investigate the “why” behind criminal acts, but also the chance to develop programs that improve our justice system.
Job security and substantial salary potential
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports steady job growth for both sociologists and police and detectives over the decade. It lists $92,910 as the median wage for sociologists, which typically includes the field of criminology. Your exact salary for a job with a criminology major depends on your education and experience.
Jobs with a criminology major are diverse
When it comes to “what can you do with a criminology major?” the possibilities are expansive. Criminology careers are available in police stations, prisons, courtrooms, government agencies, nonprofits and throughout the private sector.
Majoring in Criminology or Criminal Justice: What’s the Difference?
Criminology and criminal justice are essential to a lawful society, but they serve different purposes. Both disciplines work closely with criminals and legal professionals and require a solid foundation in statistics, computer science and forensics. Both demand strong critical thinking, communication and analytical skills. But they serve different functions.
Majoring in criminology means you’ll zero in on crime from individual and societal perspectives. For example, you’ll study the underlying economic, sociological and psychological conditions that may be responsible for a rise in homicide. Conversely, criminal justice focuses on society’s response to crime. You’ll work to capture perpetrators and prevent future homicides.
In short, jobs with a criminology major find the reasons behind criminal behavior; criminal justice jobs concentrate on consequences for deviant behavior.
Jobs with a Criminology Major
Criminology careers include roles assisting in criminal law activities. For example as a forensic profiler or witness preparer.
Your interests, skills and talents are key factors in the types of criminology careers open to you. Your level of education is a primary consideration in addressing the question, “what can you do with a criminology major.”
Options with a bachelor’s majoring in criminology
Jobs with a criminology major at the bachelor’s level include:
- Loss prevention officer
- Private investigator
- Police officer
- Criminologist
- Correctional or probation officer
- Clinical social worker
- Jury consultant
Criminology careers with a master’s majoring in criminology
Roles at the master’s level include:
- Forensic Psychologist
- Prison Warden
- Forensic psychologist
- Police and Detective Supervisor
- Criminal Profiler
- Victim’s Advocate
Careers with a Ph.D. majoring in criminology
What can you do with a criminology major at the doctorate level? A deep dive into the methodology and rigorous scientific research needed to inform public policy and practice. PhD degrees often overlap with interdisciplinary areas such as law.
Depending on your interdisciplinary concentration, roles include:
- FBI, NSA, DEA or IRS Agent
- College professor
- Forensic Investigator
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- S. Marshall
- Policy Analyst
- Secret Service Agent
The Path to a Rewarding Criminology Career Starts at the University of Montana
Majoring in criminology is a key focus of the sociology programs at the University of Montana. Over half of the department professors have direct experience in the criminology field. Their understanding of jobs with a criminology major, and their ability to guide you into the right criminology career, is unsurpassed.
Many professors have secured large research grants from national agencies such as the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Justice. You can participate in their research through UM’s criminology research group. You’ll also have credit-bearing internship opportunities to gain professional experience.
UM is dedicated to providing you the education you need to excel in a criminology career. We are currently in the process of developing Montana’s first bachelor’s in criminology.
What can you do with a criminology major? Learn more about the University of Montana’s Criminology B.A degree program.
Explore UM’s Master of Arts in Sociology-Criminology Concentration.