About Criminology Studies

Criminology is the study of crime. This is both an academic discipline and a degree that can assist the degree-holder in getting a job in law enforcement. Many students wishing to pursue a career in law enforcement choose this area of study, though it is often not necessary to get a criminology degree in order to work in law enforcement.

Types

There are three philosophical approaches to criminology. Classicists believe that human beings make their own decisions and should be punished if they deviate from what is considered right, since this punishment will deter others from committing crimes. Positivists believe that human beings do not always have control over what they do as a result of various external and internal factors. Therefore, humans must be reformed. The Chicago school of thought believes that crime results from poverty and impoverished zones.

Theories/Speculation

In addition to considering why individuals commit crimes, criminologists also take into consideration social problems that might lead to crime. Some criminologists believe that impoverished areas are constantly changing and that less cohesive communities fail to pressure potential criminals to follow the law. Other criminologists believe that the actual poverty itself drives criminals to desperation. Some sociologists blame the American dream and the strain that the American dream places on others as a source of crime. Finally, there are theorists who speculate that crime originates from subcultures that splinter from mainstream society and form their own views.

Theories/Speculation

For the punishment of crime, there are two theories. One theory is that the punishment itself deters crime and provides victims with a sense of justice. Another theory holds that the threat of punishment and the existence of surveillance itself deters the would-be criminal from committing a crime. Building on this theory, some thinkers speculate that criminals are best deterred if they are taught to feel guilty. This is often the rationale behind PSA ads that encourage citizens to not commit crimes such as DUIs.

Function

Those who study criminology seek better ways for law enforcement to protect and serve. Criminology also seeks to determine the best ways for a criminal to rehabilitate and return to society as a productive citizen. Careers in criminology include: community corrections coordinator, consumer advocate, crime intelligence analyst, criminologist consultant, drug policy adviser, environment protection analyst, law reform researcher, and regional crime prevention coordinator.

Warning

Though there are careers in criminology and though several law enforcement agencies such as the FBI accept criminologists, the study of criminology is not always the best way to get into law enforcement. Frequently, successful law enforcement agents have studied accounting, business and biology. The FBI is often more interested in those who can bring unique skills to the job. They already have plenty of agents with criminology degrees.

Resources

• Applying to the FBI
• Top Criminology Schools