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Begin your criminology career journey right after graduation.
Criminologists explore the physical evidence at crime scenes and investigate the social causes and effects of criminal activities. Some criminologists also focus on understanding the mental state of criminals, creating psychological profiles (similar to the work seen on shows like 'Criminal Minds' and 'The Profiler,' but grounded in real-life practices). Their efforts contribute to solving and preventing crimes. Typically, criminologists are employed by local law enforcement, state or federal agencies, though some engage in research for private firms.
Guidelines
Education Requirements
Complete your high school education. You can start planning your criminology career while still in high school. Focus on excelling in all subjects, as this foundation will be beneficial for a criminal science degree in college.
- Key high school courses for aspiring criminologists include sociology, government, history, psychology, and statistics.
- Some high schools offer specialized classes in criminology, criminal justice, or related fields. If yours offers these, make sure to enroll.
- Beyond academics, participate in extracurriculars to expand your knowledge and interests. For example, you could join or create a Criminology Club or engage in activities like Mock Trial, Debate Club, or Math Team.
Earn a Bachelor's Degree. A foundational undergraduate education is a must for anyone aiming to become a criminologist. While some universities offer specialized criminology programs, your degree doesn't have to be in criminology specifically. Regardless of your chosen major, make sure to take classes in fields like sociology, psychology, criminal justice, statistics, writing, and computer science. Criminologists often come from diverse academic backgrounds, such as:
- Criminology
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Criminal Justice
Seek out Internships. Internships are an excellent way to gain valuable hands-on experience while you're still pursuing your education. Work with your school to create an internship plan that aligns with both your academic and career objectives. Consider internships with:
- A police department
- A law firm
- Government agencies at the state or federal level
- Community organizations
- Research institutions
Pursue an Advanced Degree. Many criminologists opt to continue their education either before or after entering the field. Obtaining a master's degree or even a PhD can open doors to higher-level positions, increased responsibilities, and better salary prospects. Graduate programs in areas such as:
- Behavioral Science
- Criminology
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Criminal Justice
Obtain Your License. In most areas and law enforcement agencies, criminologists must pass a written exam to earn their professional license. This requirement is typically separate from any degree earned in criminology or related fields. Even if you complete your degree, you won't be able to practice as a criminologist until you successfully pass the licensure test.
- The exact format of the exam will differ depending on where you live and which agency you're applying to, but be prepared for a tough challenge. Make sure to study thoroughly in advance.
Gaining Practical Experience
Become a member of a professional association. Professional organizations offer great chances to network, share research, continue learning, and explore job opportunities. Numerous associations cater to criminology professionals, including:
- The International Society for Criminology
- The American Society of Criminology
- The Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences
- The Law and Society Association
- The Midwestern Criminal Justice Association
- The Western Society of Criminology
Start job hunting. Criminology graduates have a wide range of career options. While you may begin with an entry-level position, there are often plenty of chances to advance. However, switching between sectors can be challenging. For example, moving from a state agency to a federal agency (or vice versa) can be difficult. Criminologists can find jobs with:
- Police departments
- The FBI
- Local and state government agencies
- Academic institutions
- Consulting firms
Pass background checks. As part of the hiring process for criminology roles, expect to undergo thorough background and security screenings. Since criminologists play a key role in law enforcement, maintaining a clean record and demonstrating strong ethical standards is essential.
Excel in your position. The daily tasks of a criminologist depend on the job and area of specialization. However, most criminology roles eventually combine fieldwork, analysis, and documentation. Some examples include:
- Visiting crime scenes to collect evidence and piece together what happened.
- Investigating the connection between crime and broader social issues like drug abuse, poverty, and corruption.
- Managing and analyzing data, as well as drafting reports based on criminal investigations.
- Advising policymakers on how to address and prevent crime.
Explore alternative career paths. Many criminology graduates find careers outside of criminology-specific roles. These positions can be equally rewarding and utilize the skills, knowledge, and training gained in criminology. Some job titles for those with criminology backgrounds include:
- Border Patrol Agent
- Compliance Officer
- Court Administrator
- Evidence Technician
- Federal Protection Officer
- I.R.S. Agent
- Legal Assistant
- Penologist
Enhancing Your Skills
Participate in conferences. Attending criminology conferences offers excellent opportunities to network, stay updated on the latest trends and challenges in the field, and discover job openings and other essential resources. Many prominent criminology organizations, such as:
- The American Society of Criminology
- The Western Society of Criminology
- The European Society of Criminology
Stay updated through research and publications. You can stay informed about the latest criminology advancements by reading cutting-edge research in specialized journals. If you're interested in sharing your own findings, consider publishing articles in these journals, including:
- The Criminologist
- The Journal of Quantitative Criminology
- International Annals of Criminology
- Criminology and Criminal Justice
- The British Journal of Criminology
- The European Journal of Criminology
- Criminology and Public Policy
Enroll in continuing education courses. As criminology evolves with new technologies, methods, and policies, continuing education becomes crucial. Even after earning your degree and gaining experience in the field, enrolling in refresher courses can help you stay on top of the latest developments. Colleges, professional organizations, and government agencies often offer courses covering topics like:
- Forensics and documentation
- Fighting cybercrime
- Enhancing crime prevention
Develop a specialization. You can choose to specialize in areas such as translational criminology, national security, or cybercrime. By focusing on relevant projects, taking specialized courses, and publishing your research, you can build expertise in your chosen sub-field. Developing a specialization can lead to higher recognition, increased responsibilities, and greater career prospects.
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Criminologist salaries can vary significantly based on experience and location. Entry-level criminologists typically earn between $29,000 and $40,000 annually. As you gain experience and enhance your skills, your salary can increase. Criminologists employed by the federal government tend to earn higher salaries, ranging from $41,000 to $63,000 per year.
