Introduction
Criminology is an exciting and challenging field of study, but many graduates struggle to figure out what career paths are available to them. Fortunately, there are plenty of options for criminology graduates, ranging from traditional law enforcement roles to specialized areas like forensic science and cybersecurity. In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive overview of the different career paths, industries, and specializations within criminology, as well as the necessary skills and further education options for professionals in the field.
Career Paths
One of the most common career paths for criminology graduates is working in law enforcement, which could include positions like police officer, detective, or federal agent. In these roles, criminology graduates might analyze crime scenes, interview witnesses, and use their understanding of criminal behavior to solve crimes. For those interested in private investigation, criminology can prepare graduates for careers in surveillance, background checks, and other investigative services. Finally, working for a justice department, like the courts or a correctional institution, can also be a rewarding choice for criminology graduates. The average starting salary for these roles ranges from $45,000 to $60,000, depending on the position and location.
Industries
Criminology graduates might also find work in a variety of different industries beyond law enforcement. Some graduates might work for government agencies, like the FBI, CIA, or Department of Homeland Security, analyzing data and criminal trends. NGOs, like the International Red Cross, or private companies might also hire criminology graduates for roles such as corporate security, risk assessment, or consulting. This industry is growing steadily and could see up to 7% job growth in the coming years.
Specializations
Forensic science is a prominent field that graduates might pursue with additional specialization, where they may analyze and collect evidence from crime scenes. For those interested in criminal psychology, careers such as victim support, profiling, or consulting for forensic proceedings can be a good choice to undertake. Finally, Cybersecurity is also a promising field for criminology graduates, with many opportunities in government and private sectors to help detect and combat cyber crime. The salary for forensic science ranges between $40,000 to $82,000, while criminal psychologists can earn between $50,000 to $110,000 annually with mid-career bonuses.
Personal Stories
To get a first-hand account of the different career paths available to criminology graduates, we spoke with a few professionals in the field.
Sarah, who graduated with a criminology degree, decided to use her skills in the private sector working for a large corporation’s security team analyzing and responding to cyber threats. Her degree in criminology made her stands apart from colleagues possessing traditional IT related degrees.
Mike, on the other hand, is working for the department of justice, investigating and collaborating with detective officers. His experience and knowledge of criminology theories and practicality, help him to take an informed decision based on collected evidence.
Required Skills
Criminology degree programs develop critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills that are necessary for success in a variety of settings and career paths. Aspiring graduates are required to have excellent communication; observation; interpretation and analytic skills as these skills are core to carrying any duty required in criminology. In addition to that, graduates have a basic understanding of laws and statutes, and experience in research and data analysis
Further Education
While a bachelor’s degree in criminology is typically sufficient to land an entry-level job into the field, many graduates choose to pursue advanced education or certification. Doing a master’s degree in criminology can help refine skills and become an expert in a particular area. Certifications such as Certified Fraud Examiner(CFE) or Professional Certified Investigator(PCI) help graduates become specialized in their field and adds an additional layer of credibility and competitiveness in the job market.
Conclusion
A criminology degree opens up a wide range of opportunities, industries, and specializations for graduates to choose from. Whether it’s working in law enforcement or pursuing specialized fields such as forensic science, criminal psychology, or cybersecurity, criminology graduates have a diverse array of options available to them. Key skills such as communication, attention to detail, and data analysis are crucial across all career paths, and further education or certification can help graduates stand out in the job market. For those considering a degree in criminology, this provides a roadmap to the plethora of opportunities and career paths it comes with.
