Are you considering a career change? What about your first job or degree program? Regardless of whether you’ve been in the workforce for years or this is your first true calling, criminology might be the answer for you.
But what is criminology anyway?
Criminology might seem exciting due to shows like CSI and Criminal Minds, but what does it look like in practice? Keep reading to learn all about what criminologists do so you can decide whether or not it’s right for you.
What Is Criminology?
Criminology uses psychology and sociology to learn all about the criminal mind. Criminologists want to dive deep into what makes criminals “tick” and how those quirks might make the difference between the mind of a criminal and the mind of your “average person.”
Criminologists aim to put a stop to crime by learning about why the crimes are happening in the first place. If criminologists are able to find the causes, they’re able to help future criminals. They can destroy the systems in place that lead to crime (like extreme economic divides).
While criminology contributes to criminal justice, it’s also related to social justice. Criminologists want to make sure that the punishments that criminals face match the crimes. Criminals who are mentally ill may be better off in mental health centers than prisons, for example.
Criminologists can also be great for finding criminals based on profiles that they’ve created. These profiles are based on past experiences and former cases.
Why Should You Consider a Career In Criminology?
With all of that in mind, you might be wondering why criminology might be the right field for you.
Criminology, unlike criminal justice, can be great for anyone who likes to solve puzzles. Because it relies on psychology, it may be more interesting for someone who focuses on the academic side of criminal justice instead of the more “practical” side.
That doesn’t mean that you’re limited to careers that are “off the field” though.
Criminology degrees can lead to all kinds of careers. Some criminologists do choose more practical careers, like police officers, loss prevention professionals, and security guards.
Others aim for more specialized careers such as detectives, private investigators, crime scene investigators, criminal profilers, or even researchers and educators.
You have a lot of flexibility with a career in criminology.
Criminologists also have the ability to work anywhere. There’s nowhere in the country where your criminology degree won’t be useful. Every city needs police officers, detectives, guards, and the other careers that can come from your degree.
Basically, regardless of your specific interests in the criminal justice system, a degree in criminology can help you.
Look at the criminology degree path on criminaljusticeprogramsonline.com for more information.
Is a Career in Criminology Right for You?
Criminology is a fascinating field. If you want to learn about why criminals do the things that they do and work towards a future of restorative justice, this might be the right answer for you.
Look into criminology programs near you to start working in this exciting field.
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