Jobs With a Degree in Criminology
The available career choices for someone with a degree in criminology vary greatly. You can become a member of a police force, a crime analyst or part of the media. As a criminology major, you can work in multiple levels of government like the federal level, state level and the county or local level.
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Police Officer
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A degree in criminology allows you to pursue a career as a member of your community's police force. The degree teaches you the workings of the criminal mind and better ways to deal with crime in your community. In most police departments, a college degree is required; it allows you to have access to a higher pay scale and a better opportunity to be promoted. When you apply to become a police officer, you must go through a variety of background checks, physical tests and a psychological evaluation. Another requirement of being a police officer is that you must be of 21 years of age and a United States citizen.
Journalist
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You can apply your degree in criminology to the field of journalism by investigating crime-related stories and aiding the media in understanding emerging crimes. A criminology degree also allows you to give the media an expert opinion on a criminal issue that is in addition to the remarks made by the local police force. You can add valued commentary on local or national crimes.
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Crime Analyst
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A degree in criminology is paramount for someone seeking to be a crime analyst as an understanding of the criminal mind is necessary to complete the job's objective. A crime analyst utilizes three methods to complete their job, from a tactical aspect that directly works with crimes as they occur, to a strategic method that aids police in where they need to increase their presence to prevent further crime. A crime analyst also must have an administrative background so he may send his findings to police chiefs and city officials. Though the requirements for a crime analyst vary, the minimum requirement is a bachelor's degree in a criminal justice major.
Federal Corrections Officer
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A bachelor's degree in criminology allows you to pursue a correctional officer position for the United States federal government. A correctional officer is responsible for keeping order in a penitentiary while prisoners serve their ordered sentence. The Federal Bureau of Prisons requires applicants to pass a series of examinations to become a federal correctional officer. The requirements are that you must apply before your 37th birthday, pass an extensive background check, be a U.S. citizen, complete a physical examination and have a panel interview prior to being offered a position. Furthermore, a newly hired correctional officer must complete more than 200 hours of formal training within their first year of being employed. That includes 80 hours of familiarization within their stationed-facility and 120 hours of off-facility specialized training in Glynco, Georgia.
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References
- Federal Bureau of Prisons: Eligibility & Pre-Employment Statements
- Education-Portal: How to Become a Correctional Officer: Education and Career Roadmap
- State University: Correctional Officer Job Description
- Calmis: Labor Market Information: Crime and Intelligence Analysts
- State University: Police Officer Job Description
- Creative Pool: Journalist
Resources
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