Criminology Training

Criminology degrees are granted as Bachelor's degrees, Masters degrees and PhDs. Advanced degrees can provide more choices for employment and are necessary for university teaching positions.

Entry Level

An entry-level position in the field of criminology might involve tasks such as proofing reports, collecting data, and cataloging and compiling information related to criminal activities. This type of job is available within research facilities and crime labs.

Research and Specialization

Criminologists can conduct research on specific crime-related topics. An area of specialization is generally chosen for research, such as specific criminal behaviors within an age group or profiling. Profiling is the process of summarizing the general characteristics of a criminal such as age, career and gender, based on typical behavior patterns of criminals. This then allows law enforcement personnel to have a better idea of the type of person that may have committed a specific crime.

Teaching

College-level teaching positions are available in the field of criminology for those who have at least a Masters degree. A PhD is generally preferred for university faculty positions.

Agencies

A degree in criminology can lead to a job within a federal or state law enforcement agency. The type of position will depend on experience level. Entry-level positions, policy advisers or research officer positions may be available.

Private Practice

A criminology consulting private practice provides services for various law enforcement agencies. These services include working with crime statistics and adult and juvenile corrections. People working with criminology consulting agencies usually have had some experience in the field.

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Education and Career Information on Criminology

Criminologist Careers, Jobs and Degrees