Rowan Rey Sutherland 
Criminology is the scientific study of crime and criminality, including the origins and causes of criminal behavior and efforts to control it. It entails both the actions of the criminal justice system and the broader criminal world, from stealing to murder. It so happens that criminologists study offense, a term given to crimes against society more broadly.
A recent increase in crime rates has led criminology to take onincreased importance in many countries around the globe. Criminology also spans various topics like law enforcement and corrections. Furthermore, criminologists often use sociological theories as a basis for their work as well as philosophical approaches.
Criminology, as a field of study, is not limited to just studying crime in society. It also studies the criminal justice system itself, from how crimes are committed to how they are solved. It is a broad field that includes many different aspects such as psychology, sociology, economics, and law enforcement.
Criminology as a field of study began in the 1920s in France and Scandinavia. The first formal crime science research was conducted by George Kelling, a criminology professor at the University of Pennsylvania. His book, “Broken Windows“, is one of the most famous and influential works on how local law enforcement can prevent repeat offenders and petty crimes by focusing on high-crime areas.
Crime from a Sociological Perspective
Criminology also covers crime and criminals from a sociological perspective, for instance, focusing on why people commit crimes. Criminologists study the causes of crime at the social level and how legal and social institutions affect the likelihood of criminal behavior. Sociologists study criminal behavior from a societal point of view.
Criminology is now an established academic discipline in sociology, political science, psychology, law, and economics, as well as criminology.
What You Should Know About a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology
A bachelor’s degree in criminology is a program that provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand the causes of crime and public safety, identify the social problems related to crime and public safety, and develop strategies for preventing crime.
A bachelor’s degree in criminology and policing is an excellent way for someone who wants to work in criminal justice or law enforcement to gain a solid foundation in criminology. The degree also provides graduates with a strong background in research methods, which can be useful for those who want to pursue graduate studies or careers as professors.
Employment Opportunities for Graduates
With a bachelor’s degree in criminology, you will be able to find a job in local, state, or federal judicial branches, public administration, and the police force. A bachelor’s in criminology can also lead to employment opportunities in community organizations that help people find jobs and housing.
Typical job titles include:
Criminal Justice Faculty
Criminologists in criminal justice jobs often teach classes to university students, provide consultation and research service for community programs, organizations, and agencies, and work with law enforcement to manage specific crime problems.
Law Enforcement Officers
Police officers need to be able to understand the causes of crime to effectively prevent it. Criminal justice degree programs will teach you about what drives people to commit crimes and how offenders get caught.
Crime Scene Analyst
Crime scene analysts use criminology research to help solve criminal cases. The analyst will study and analyze forensic evidence, such as fingerprints, footprints, or blood samples. Crime scene analysts can be employed by state or federal agencies.
Public Safety Experts
Criminologists work to develop and implement public safety policies to reduce crime. Their work includes developing strategies for preventing crime, educating the public about how to stay safe, and investigating crimes for police officers.
Corrections Officer
Many criminal justice degree programs require students to work as an intern after graduation in a correctional facility, and some require students to serve as a corrections officer. A criminal justice school may be the best fit because it teaches you how to work with law enforcement and juvenile offenders while preparing you for the challenging job involved in being in charge of a jail.
Animal Cruelty Investigator
Many people have pets and value their animals as part of the family. Animal cruelty investigators work to protect animals by investigating cases of neglect, abuse, or killing that occur. This is often a part-time position in which the investigator works on specific cases on a contractual basis.
Youth Probation Officer
A youth probation officer works with juvenile offenders. The officer is required to build trust and maintain relationships with young offenders while also helping them understand the consequences of their actions.
Private Investigator
A private investigator needs to be a good problem solver and have a good understanding of how criminals think to get information on people who might be cheating on their spouses, embezzling funds, or otherwise breaking the law. Usually, a private investigator will work for companies that need evidence about employees or businesses for civil lawsuits and other cases.
How to Choose the Best School and Program for You
Choosing the right school and program is one of the most important decisions you will make in your life. With so many different options available, it is not easy to find the right one for you.
Here are some things to consider when choosing a university or college:
- What degree do I want to study?
- How much time do I have?
- What’s my budget?
- How much studying can I handle at once?
- Am I interested in online study options?
Studying criminology and graduating with an impressive degree will open up many rewarding career opportunities for you. There are many careers available for criminologists, but the most common ones are in law enforcement, corrections, and government.
Best of all, these opportunities are future-proof. You only need a good education and a strong work ethic to get your foot in the door.
With a degree in criminology, you can obtain a job as an officer, prosecutor, judge, or anything else where good criminal justice training is needed. After the initial training period, you will be placed in the field of your choice. Once entering law enforcement, people often seek out the subject areas in which they feel they excel.
