Criminology

Criminology is defined as the scientific study of crime, criminal behavior and law enforcement. It is a branch of study that helps law enforcement agencies by studying the effects of crime on society.

Study Programs

Those who want to become a criminologist have several study options in front of them. One can go for an Associate degree. These degrees are offered at the college level. Associate degree programs focus on the workings of the judicial system and the psychological and sociological reasons behind criminal behavior.

A Bachelor degree is another option that students who are interested in becoming criminologists can pursue. A Bachelor's degree is a four-year study program that helps students to develop their critical, oral and written communication skills, as well as their research skills. This study program provides in-depth understanding of all facets of criminology study.

Those who want to take their studies further can pursue a Master or Doctoral degree in this field. In fact, in order to become a criminologist one needs a Master degree in the field.

Employment Opportunities

There are various jobs that one can qualify for after completing an Associate degree program. Credit investigator, paralegal assistant, security guard and loss prevention officer are some of the employment opportunities available to an Associate degree holder.

A Bachelor degree obviously opens up more venues. Students who have successfully completed their Bachelor degree program can seek employment as customs investigators, mediators, legislative aides and lobbyists. Many students go on to become police officers, journalists or human rights activists.

With a Master degree one can qualify to become a criminologist. As a criminologist, one will focus in forensics. Crime scene investigator and criminal profiler are two jobs that a criminologist can specialize in.

A crime scene investigator studies the alleged crime scene in order to review the evidence. An in-depth report is prepared after careful observation of the crime scene, and the report is submitted to the law enforcement agency.

The job of a criminal profiler requires a criminologist to prepare a psychological and social profile of a potential criminal.

Criminologists are also employed in prisons to help the staff assess the mental status of the prisoners. The mental status report prepared by the criminologist plays an important role in deciding whether an inmate should be released or not.