Becoming a Criminologist: How to become a Criminologist

This specialized position requires individuals who are highly analytical and insightful. Criminologists study criminal law and criminal behavior, so a graduate-level degree is required. Depending on where you work, you may need a Master’s degree or a Ph.D. if you plan to teach at a university.

Top Schools Offering Criminologist Degree Programs:

The links below will allow you to request free enrollment information directly from top national schools that offer a Criminologist degree program:

1.

Kaplan University - The wide variety of criminal justice courses and flexible time schedules make Kaplan University a top rated criminal justice school for working adults needing a flexible learning schedule.

2.

University of Phoenix - The most widely recognized online criminal justice college in the world, UofP offers accredited criminal justice degrees for almost every career goal.

3.

American Intercontinental University - With a top notch criminal justice financial aid program and military degree program, American Intercontinental University online is a top rated criminal justice college.

Degree Requirements to become a Criminologist:

Because criminologists need to have a graduate level degree, there isn’t necessarily a required undergraduate degree, though some schools may wish their applicants to have Bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice, history, political science, or a related field. Once you reach the graduate level, however, your courses will include studies in criminology, sociology, psychology, law, and even design and systems analysis. Elective classes at the undergraduate or graduate level may also include computer science, statistics, logic or writing-intensive classes.

Duties of a Criminologist: What are the duties / traits of a successful Criminologist?

Some criminologists are employed by government agencies or private organizations to conduct research and advise on specific cases and the overall criminal justice system. These professionals need to understand all the latest developments in criminal psychology, juvenile justice, corrections, drug addiction, race and the criminal justice system, victimology and more. Other criminologists prefer to teach the subject at a university, where they research and conduct classes in law reform, psychology and other related topics.

Criminologist Salary: How much does a Criminologist make?

Because the career options for criminologists are so varied, the salary outlook ranges from $38,000 to over $80,000 for professors and teachers, and between $36,000 and $45,000 for professionals.