For college students, there are so many swirling thoughts behind why they ultimately decide to attend a school and figuring out what they want to study. Life after graduation is an entirely different issue considering there are so many new questions and concerns that need addressing. Furthering your education after receiving a Bachelor’s degree can be an incredibly beneficial decision, but there is still a lot to think about before committing to the next step in your academic journey.
Criminology is certainly one concentration that many potential students are looking into for careers in criminal justice and law enforcement. Even without previous experience in criminal justice during undergraduate studies or in the field, many are taking an interest in the degree because of its applications beyond the walls of higher education.
For any student considering which degrees to pursue, the biggest question always comes back to what Master’s in Criminology jobs are available. It’s only natural to be curious about what options are out there for those with a Masters of Science in Criminology, and as it happens, there are many job opportunities available for these graduates.
What Master’s in Criminology Jobs Are There?
The field of criminal justice continues to have growing demands for highly trained workers and those with the appropriate academic background will certainly have an advantage. It’s important to realize that while a career in law enforcement can leverage a degree in Criminology or criminal justice, the two concentrations are somewhat different regarding what is studied.
With the changing landscape of law enforcement career paths, it is important for officers and agents to be adaptable to change. Learn more about the future of law enforcement.
What is the difference between Criminology and criminal justice?
Falling under both behavioral and social sciences, Criminology is the study of criminal behavior to understand what motivates or causes someone to become a criminal while also seeking solutions to prevent criminal behavior. Criminal justice on its own tends to emphasize society’s responses to crime, but the two fields often overlap in many colleges and universities.
People who study Criminology look at crime as a social phenomenon, behavior which deviates from the norm as what is acceptable. No matter how rare criminal behavior is in the grand scope of society, it is ultimately a problem that needs solutions. On the other hand, criminal justice coursework will tend to focus on the system in which crime is detected, prosecuted and punished.
For those interested in studying Criminology, there are several career paths to choose from, but it should be kept in mind that your own career aspirations will go a long way in helping you decide which paths are right for you.
Working in Criminal Justice
Often, individuals with a degree in Criminology will find that the most natural job opportunities lie in working directly with the criminal justice system. While Criminology develops a lot of skills required in the social and behavioral sciences, a lot of the knowledge and experience gained can be applied to a whole world of careers in law enforcement.
Many students who are interested in Criminology may be most strongly suited for a career in criminal justice, specifically as a law enforcement officer. Not all careers of this type require a higher education degree, but a law enforcement degree can be extremely beneficial for long-term career development.
Here are a few jobs that may be perfect for Criminology graduates:
- Municipal, County, State Police Officer
- Federal Agent (FBI, Border Patrol, DEA, National Park Ranger, etc.)
- Detective, Special Investigator
Corrections & Probation
Another segment of career paths to choose from in criminal justice are those which pertain to corrections and probation.
Careers in corrections mostly work in the supervision and care of convicted or incarcerated individuals within correctional facilities. Degree and educational requirements to work as correctional officers vary across states and prison systems. However, some federal level correctional facilities such as those within the U.S. Bureau of Prisons require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree.
Probation and parole officers are primarily tasked with providing counsel and guidance to criminal offenders on probation and former inmates who have been granted parole from prison. To transition convicted criminals back into society, it is the responsibility of probation and parole officers to ensure that the convicted parties meet the conditions of their release. Becoming a parole or probation officer generally requires a bachelor’s degree, although some agencies may require a Masters degree.
For careers in corrections and probation, Criminology is a natural fit since the coursework covers a lot which can have a positive contribution to rehabilitating criminals and preventing relapse in criminal behavior.
Law & Legal Careers
What many don’t realize is that Criminology degrees can directly relate to finding a career within the legal system or provide a good foundation before the decision to study law. Criminology graduates may find an interest in having their career in the courtroom, and that can take several forms. For those who already work in law enforcement and have considered changing careers, having a Criminology degree beforehand can help these individuals explore a path to finding work as a legal professional, such as a paralegal. Even beyond that, many who study Criminology also choose to move on to law school and become lawyers.
Direct Application of Criminology
The study of criminal behavior as science needs trained professionals to further the data and research necessary to strengthen the scientific validity of the field. Seeking a Criminology degree requires the guidance and teachings of those who have either become academic scholars on the subject or have a wealth of real-world experience.
What does a Criminologist do?
The life of a Criminologist is most often an academic one, either working in higher education, with government agencies or think-tanks. Part of their job is to conduct original research to further the science by seeking answers to specific questions or testing theoretical logic to better understand criminal behavior. Criminologists must be good psychologists, and once they discover the reason that stands behind a criminal’s actions, they can predict or prevent additional and similar crimes.
A Masters or doctorate is typically required, but Criminologists can specialize in a number of different areas. Criminologists may work as college professors or as advisors to state legislatures or Congress. These individuals can work to directly impact how police organizations operate or inform public policy surrounding the prevention and prediction of crime.
Closely Related Career Paths
Although a degree in Criminology can be directly applied to a career in criminal justice or as a professional Criminologist, the knowledge gained through such coursework can also be used for several related jobs. As mentioned previously, a Criminology degree could be the first step towards pursuing a law degree, but there are other careers graduates may gravitate towards.
Forensic Science & Psychology
Studying Criminology naturally prepares students for a life in criminal justice, and another highly associated focus within that field is known as forensic psychology. Often associated with pieces of popular culture like CSI or the Hannibal Lecter films, forensic psychology is merely the practice of psychology in association with the law. A Forensic Psychologist can have many specializations, and the study of Criminology has a lot of overlap.
Here are just a few jobs dealing with forensic psychology:
- Criminal Profiler
- Corrections Psychologist
- Jury Consultant
- Social Worker
What Are Other Jobs For Criminologists?
Besides working in the criminal justice system or explicitly as a full-time Criminologist, graduates who have studied Criminology can find even more related career paths. These are jobs that often are favored by law enforcement retirees since they require the same knowledge and skill set. Still, these are important jobs and often benefit citizens in private affairs or help reduce losses for large companies.
- Loss Prevention Specialist
- Private Investigator
- Security Specialist
- Insurance Fraud Investigator
Finding a Master’s in Criminology Job Which Suits You
Criminology can be an incredibly rewarding field if you have the interest and passion for pushing you through. It all starts with finding the right program and gauging your ambition, but there’s a whole world of options when it comes to honing in on a career path best suited for Criminology graduates.
Hopefully, by seeing the different jobs available, you can tell for yourself if this is a study which both interests you and keeps you satisfied with your career well into your future.
Learn more about West Liberty University’s programs in criminology, including the 100% online MS in Criminology.
