Major in Criminology Vs. a Degree in Criminology

Criminology is the study of criminal behavoir and social issues around crime.

Criminology is the study of criminal behavior and the social issues surrounding crime. Students who decide to either major in Criminology or obtain a degree in Criminology are exposed to a variety of similar academic courses that center on sociology and psychology principles. However, a major and a degree in Criminology can be differentiated from each other.

Criminology Major

Criminology majors are categorized under a main specialization in an academic department that offers courses that culminate in an undergraduate Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree within a college department like Sociology or Social and Behavior Sciences. The program usually focuses on sociology, social science research and political science and psychology courses.

Careers for Criminology Majors

Students with criminology majors are prepared for careers as criminal investigators, federal agents, corrections officers, parole officers, private security and juvenile counselors. Students are also prepared to attend law school and graduate school.

Criminology Degree

Criminology degrees are issued from a college within a university like Florida State University's College of Criminology and Criminal Justice and the degree is issued from that academic department as a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Criminology. Course studies focus on the causes of crime, criminal behavior and the justice system and prepare students to become criminologists. Students cover areas of psychology, criminal theories, criminal law and policy and analyze facts and figures.

Criminology degrees also stress the study of social explanations behind criminal behavior such as drug trafficking, family violence, terrorism and prostitution. Advanced areas of study can include research methods, sex and gender issues and public health issues.

Careers for Criminology Degrees

Degrees in criminology can lead to career options in crime analysis, community initiatives, offender assessment, public policy, victim advocacy, private investigation, employment with federal agencies like the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) or Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), victim services and research.

Differences / Similarities

Course work can be similar for both a criminology degree and criminology major. A degree or major in criminology are available primarily at four-year academic institutions. Depending on the institution, both can require internships that expose students to experience in the community at local police departments, the public defender's office, juvenile court or prisons. Criminology degrees tend to cover the analysis and methodology behind crime and criminology majors tend to prepare the student for other specific jobs in the career field.

References

• College Board: Major in Criminology
• College of Notre Dame: Criminology Program
• Get-Criminology-Degree.com: Careers and Areas of Study

Resources

• Criminology Degree.org: Study of Criminology Degree