There is reason why television shows on crime are so popular. The entire science of discovering the who, what, where, when and why of crime is so interesting that even the most minute details and discoveries can cause a view to be on the edge of their seat. It is for this reason that so many students have begun to enter the field of
Criminology. Becoming a Criminologist gives you a front row seat to solving crime, and although it is an extremely interesting career path, is not nearly as glamorous as portrayed on television.
Although it involves science, for the most part you couldn't be a good Criminologist unless you had analytical thinking skills and the ability to think subjectively about the world around you. When studying criminology, you will be exposed to course work beyond the scope of simple criminology. All of these will affect your ability to reason deductively and perform your job to the best of your ability.
What specifically does a criminologist do? Criminology is the very basic study of crime. If you've ever heard the term "profiling" you will have hit upon one of the many tasks that is up to the criminologist. Working with law enforcement agencies such as the local police or as high up as the FBI, criminologists analyze crime, criminals, and patterns in order to create profiles both complex and simple. Profiling assists in capturing criminals in that you can get inside their heads prior to the crime being committed. In this way, the criminologist also assists in preventing crime, as police officers can identify behaviors and work to avoid situations before they arise. In addition, the criminologist will analyze the criminal justice system at large and identify patterns in laws and how they are broken.
To become a criminologist, you will need an
Undergraduate degree with a major in Criminology. Courses taken during your time at University will include basic and abnormal psychology, criminal and constitutional law, sociology, and computer science. For those who wish advancement in their field, a Masters degree in Criminology is preferred.
When entering this field, you can expect employment with local police,
FBI or CIA, or as a medical examiner. If you have a higher degree and experience, you can also become a professor at a University. As well, you could find a job as a social worker, security officer, or as a profiler for a large corporation.
The average salary for a person who chooses to be a criminologist is approximately $60,000 per year. For those with advanced degrees, the ability to make $100,000 per year is not out of reach. This is a career field that is rapidly growing, as the need to eliminate crime before it happens has never been more important to the safety and security of our country.
A criminologist has the benefit of providing a real service to those who employ them. Not only do they assist their employers in solving and preventing crime, they assist the public by making our neighborhoods and cities safer places to live. If altruism is your focus, becoming a criminologist is a sure to be a fulfilling career.
If you want to start or accelerate your career in the field of criminology, explore these
accredited online criminology degree programs and request more information from our accredited colleges and universities today.
Earn Your Criminal Justice Degree Online
Take the first step to a secure, flexible and well-paying career by enrolling in an online Criminal Justice Degree Program. Whether you want to start or accelerate your career in criminal justice, explore the online certificate and degree programs below and request more information today.
We recommend getting information from several schools so you can compare the programs, costs, time commitments and financial aid options.
The Criminal Justice concentration offers coursework for students interested in the causes, treatment, and impact of crime on communities. Students examine psychological perspectives on the offender, including the history and theories of criminal justice. Policies and procedures of criminal justice, legal, and mental health settings will also be explored. Students also learn about effective treatment approaches that are effective with offenders, particularly substance abuse treatment.

Whether you are currently in law enforcement, corrections, or private security, or looking to enter one of these fields, a criminal justice degree or certificate can make all the difference. In a typical 30-year career, the difference between having one or not can add up to several hundred thousand dollars. A Kaplan University program is the place to start. Gain the skills you need to advance or begin your criminal justice career.

As an accredited institution with 40 years of experience, Walden has graduated more than 31,000 alumni, all of whom now have the credentials and desire to make a real difference and be a force for good.

With convenient class locations as well as online learning, University of Phoenix makes quality higher education highly accessible. For those seeking a Criminal Justice education, University of Phoenix can help you reach your goal while you work—and much sooner than you might expect.

Advance your career and increase your effectiveness in the fields of corrections, criminal justice, or the judicial system by broadening your skill set and deepening your understanding of the complex issues surrounding criminal behavior.

Our online Criminal Justice program is designed specifically for working adults. You can maintain a balance between your academic studies and your work and family obligations while you prepare to launch your Criminal Justice career.

Justice Studies is an interdisciplinary field that embraces those aspects of the social sciences and the humanities that are relevant to an understanding of law, justice, social control, and political change.

Post University's Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program provides a comprehensive curriculum that emphasizes creative thinking and writing skills while developing an understanding of the criminal justice system.

Westwood College Online offers a Bachelor of Science in Criminal online degree program that integrates sociology, ethics, and the legal system to prepare students for a variety of exciting careers.

The criminal justice programs at Keiser University will prepare graduates to enter the field of criminal justice, and provide opportunities for advancement for those currently in the field.

Colorado Technical University
Our Master of Science in Management with a concentration in Criminal Justice will challenge you to develop your management skills and gain expertise in program evaluation, budgeting and policy-making relevant to the criminal justice system.

Everest University Online allows you to not only learn and practice a subject which is integral to your educational objective, but also offers flexibility and convenience for completing your program while continuing to manage career, family and home life.

Labels: Criminal Psychology, Criminal Rehabilitation, Criminologist, Criminology, FBI