12 Jobs You Can Get With a Criminology Degree (With FAQs)

What Do You Learn in a Criminology Program?

Criminology programs commonly cover:

• Theories of crime
• Criminal behavior
• Criminal justice systems
• Sociology
• Psychology
• Research methods
• Statistics
• Public policy
• Ethics
• Law and legal institutions
• Social inequality
• Crime prevention

Criminology differs from criminal justice. Criminology focuses more heavily on why crime occurs and how it affects society, while criminal justice typically emphasizes the institutions and procedures used to respond to crime.

The subjects overlap, and individual degree programs may include elements of both.

12 Jobs for Criminology Graduates

1. Police Officer

Police officers protect communities, respond to emergencies, investigate incidents and enforce laws. Daily responsibilities can include interviewing witnesses, preparing reports, collecting evidence and appearing in court.

A criminology degree can provide knowledge of criminal behavior, law and social conditions. Candidates must also meet agency requirements, which may include:

• Police academy training
• Background checks
• Physical fitness testing
• Medical examinations
• Psychological evaluations
• Driver’s license requirements

Requirements vary by department and location.

2. Detective or Criminal Investigator

Detectives investigate suspected crimes, examine records, interview people and help prepare cases. They may specialize in homicide, financial crime, cybercrime, organized crime or missing-person investigations.

Many public-sector detectives begin as police officers and gain investigative experience before promotion. Federal and private investigative roles may follow different paths.

Useful skills include:

• Interviewing
• Evidence evaluation
• Report writing
• Critical thinking
• Attention to detail
• Legal knowledge

3. Probation Officer

Probation officers supervise people who receive probation rather than incarceration. They monitor compliance with court requirements and connect clients with employment, treatment or educational resources.

Responsibilities may include:

• Conducting interviews
• Visiting homes or workplaces
• Preparing court reports
• Evaluating risks and needs
• Monitoring rehabilitation plans
• Responding to violations

Some jurisdictions use separate parole officers for people released from correctional facilities.

4. Correctional Officer

Correctional officers maintain safety and security in prisons, jails and detention facilities. They supervise daily activities, conduct inspections, enforce rules and document incidents.

This career can involve shift work, stressful situations and physical risk. Candidates may need academy training, background screening and physical testing.

A criminology background can help officers understand institutional behavior, ethics and rehabilitation.

5. Forensic Science Technician

Forensic science technicians collect, preserve and analyze physical evidence. Some work at crime scenes, while others work primarily in laboratories.

Possible responsibilities include:

• Photographing scenes
• Recording evidence locations
• Collecting biological or chemical samples
• Conducting laboratory tests
• Maintaining evidence records
• Writing technical reports
• Testifying in court

A criminology degree alone may not provide enough laboratory science. Employers may require coursework or a degree in biology, chemistry, forensic science or another natural science.

6. Private Investigator

Private investigators gather information for individuals, attorneys, insurance companies and businesses. They may investigate fraud, conduct background checks, locate people or document activities.

Depending on the assignment, they may:

• Search public records
• Interview witnesses
• Conduct surveillance
• Review financial documents
• Investigate insurance claims
• Prepare reports

Licensing requirements vary by jurisdiction. Investigators must understand privacy laws and legal limits on surveillance and information gathering.

7. Crime or Intelligence Analyst

Crime analysts examine data to identify patterns, trends and geographic concentrations of criminal activity. Intelligence analysts may also evaluate networks, threats and information from several sources.

Their work can help agencies:

• Allocate resources
• Identify emerging risks
• Connect related incidents
• Develop prevention strategies
• Support investigations
• Prepare briefings

Additional training in statistics, geographic information systems, databases or data visualization can improve career opportunities.

8. Victim Advocate

Victim advocates help people affected by crime understand legal processes and access support. They may work for government agencies, courts, hospitals, shelters or nonprofit organizations.

Responsibilities can include:

• Explaining available services
• Helping with protection-order applications
• Accompanying clients to court
• Connecting clients with counseling or housing
• Communicating with justice agencies
• Supporting safety planning

Empathy, boundaries and trauma-informed communication are important in this career.

9. Juvenile Justice Specialist

Juvenile justice specialists work with young people involved in the legal system or considered at risk of entering it. They may support prevention, diversion, rehabilitation or case management programs.

Employers can include:

• Juvenile courts
• Detention facilities
• Community organizations
• Schools
• Social service agencies
• Residential programs

Some positions require additional training in social work, counseling, education or youth development.

10. Paralegal or Legal Assistant

Paralegals support attorneys by organizing documents, conducting research, communicating with clients and preparing case materials.

Criminology graduates may be especially interested in criminal law, civil rights, compliance or public defense. Some employers prefer candidates who have completed a paralegal certificate or an approved legal studies program.

Paralegals cannot provide legal services independently unless local law specifically permits the activity.

11. Cybercrime or Information Security Specialist

Cybercrime specialists investigate or help prevent crimes involving digital systems. They may work in law enforcement, corporate security, consulting or financial services.

Responsibilities may include:

• Reviewing system activity
• Preserving digital evidence
• Investigating account misuse
• Analyzing fraud patterns
• Assessing security risks
• Supporting incident response

Criminology provides knowledge of crime and investigation, but candidates usually need additional technical training in networks, operating systems, cybersecurity and digital forensics.

12. Policy or Compliance Analyst

Policy analysts study laws, programs and justice-system outcomes. Compliance analysts help organizations follow laws, regulations and internal standards.

A criminology graduate might research:

• Crime prevention
• Sentencing policy
• Rehabilitation programs
• Police practices
• Fraud controls
• Workplace investigations
• Regulatory risk

Strong research, data analysis and professional writing skills are valuable. Advanced research positions may prefer a master’s degree.

Skills for Criminology Careers

Research

Criminology graduates learn to locate evidence, compare sources and evaluate research methods.

Data Analysis

Statistics and data interpretation are valuable in crime analysis, intelligence and public policy.

Written Communication

Many careers require accurate reports that may become part of an investigation, court process or policy decision.

Interviewing

Investigators, officers and advocates need to ask clear questions and document information accurately.

Critical Thinking

Professionals must evaluate incomplete evidence, consider alternative explanations and avoid unsupported conclusions.

Ethical Judgment

Justice-related careers involve confidential information, authority and decisions that can affect people’s lives.

Empathy

Empathy is especially important when working with victims, young people, families and people participating in rehabilitation programs.

Emotional Resilience

Some criminology careers involve crime scenes, trauma or conflict. Professionals need healthy coping strategies and appropriate workplace support.

How To Choose a Criminology Career

Consider Your Preferred Work Environment

Decide whether you prefer fieldwork, office analysis, laboratory work, court settings or direct community support.

Review Additional Requirements

A criminology degree does not automatically qualify you for every related career. Check licensing, academy, technical and graduate education requirements.

Gain Practical Experience

Consider internships or volunteer work with:

• Police departments
• Courts
• Legal offices
• Victim services
• Community organizations
• Research centers
• Government agencies

Select Relevant Electives

Choose courses that support your target career. Examples include statistics for crime analysis, chemistry for forensic work or computer science for cybercrime.

Evaluate the Emotional Demands

Research the daily realities of each position. Speak with professionals and ask about workloads, schedules, safety and available support.

Use Dokie To Present Criminology Research and Experience

Dokie can help criminology students and professionals turn research, case studies and policy findings into structured presentations. You can use it to prepare an academic project, explain crime data or present relevant experience during an interview without manually building every slide.

Conclusion

A criminology degree can support careers beyond policing, including research, advocacy, technology and legal services. Compare each role’s responsibilities and qualification requirements before selecting electives, internships or additional training.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you become a police officer with a criminology degree?

Yes. A criminology degree can provide useful knowledge, but candidates must also complete the hiring and training requirements established by the agency.

Is criminology the same as criminal justice?

No. Criminology focuses on crime, behavior and social causes. Criminal justice focuses more on law enforcement, courts, corrections and justice-system operations.

Do criminology graduates need a master’s degree?

Not for every career. Many entry-level roles accept a bachelor’s degree, while advanced research, policy and academic positions may prefer graduate education.

Can a criminology degree lead to a cybersecurity career?

Yes, particularly in cybercrime, fraud or digital investigation. However, additional technical education and cybersecurity experience are usually necessary.

Are criminology careers limited to law enforcement?

No. Graduates can work in advocacy, policy, compliance, social services, research, legal support and private-sector risk management.