Many people think that a criminology degree locks you into law enforcement, but that myth couldn’t be further from the truth. This dynamic field opens doors to forensic science, psychology, public policy, cybercrime, and even corporate investigations, giving graduates countless ways to make an impact.

A criminology degree doesn’t box you into one path; rather, this credential launches you into countless possibilities. Graduates dive into careers from crime scene analysis and criminal profiling to legal research and social advocacy. The question isn’t if this degree unlocks opportunities, but which of those opportunities you’ll chase. This blog highlights the many criminology careers where you can create a real, lasting impact.

Criminology Degree Careers: Beyond the Stereotypes

Criminology degree graduates defy stereotypes, stepping into careers that reach far beyond the traditional law enforcement roles.

• More than Law Enforcement: Becoming a police officer is not the only thing that majoring in criminology leads to. There are many opportunities in career fields such as victim advocation, forensic science, and clinical social work.
• A Blend of Psychology, Law, and Sociology: Students earning a criminology degree learn topics across multiple fields including law, psychology, sociology, and even economics. These can all be key aspects of understanding the motive behind a particular crime.

Law Enforcement Pathways: On the Frontlines of Justice

For those drawn to protecting communities and upholding justice, criminology degrees can be the gateway to impactful law enforcement careers.

• Police Officers & Detectives: A criminology degree can provide psychological and sociological skills required for understanding why criminals commit crimes. These skills not only help officers and detectives solve crimes but also assist in crime prevention.
• Federal Agencies (FBI, DEA, Homeland Security): Criminology graduates who work for a federal agency are great candidates to receive additional training to work in specialized fields such as cybersecurity, counterterrorism, and intelligence analysis.
• Community-Focused Roles: Individuals with a background in criminology are well prepared to work closely with their community. These types of jobs include becoming a Juvenile Justice Counselor to rehabilitate and counsel incarcerated juveniles.

Forensic Science & Investigative Roles

If solving mysteries and uncovering hidden truths excites you, forensic and investigative careers could be your calling. These roles let criminology degree graduates dive deep into the evidence—analyzing crime scenes, decoding criminal behavior, and exposing complex fraud schemes—all while playing a pivotal role in delivering justice.

• Forensic Analysists & Crime Scene Investigators: Criminology majors who chose to pursue a career in the forensic science field are often responsible for studying crime scenes as well as collecting, analyzing, and interpreting physical evidence to support law enforcement officers in their investigations.
• Criminal Profiling and Behavioral Analysis: This role combines criminology with psychology, often responsible for building a psychological profile for criminals and interviewing suspects.
• Private Investigators & Fraud Examiners: These criminology related careers are typically independent but can also work alongside law enforcement agencies. They are responsible for uncovering information over a broad range such as healthcare, corporate crimes, and many more.

Criminal Justice & Corrections: Reform & Rehabilitation

For those passionate about second chances and systematic change, a career in criminal justice and corrections can offer the opportunity to transform lives. A degree in criminology can help those pursuing these careers better understand the people who they are meant to help.

• Probation & Parole Officers: These law enforcement officers supervise individuals who have been placed on probation. They are responsible for ensuring individuals are following their court-ordered conditions and helping them reintegrate into society.
• Correctional Officers & Administrators: These law enforcement officers are stationed in correctional facilities to ensure the safety of inmates while maintaining order and security.
• Policy Development: Individuals who pursue this career path are involved in researching and shaping public policy regarding public safety, the criminal justice system, and crime prevention.

Legal Studies & Courtroom Reforms

These careers place you at the heart of the justice system—supporting legal teams, shaping cases, and influencing verdicts.

• Court Clerks, Legal Researchers, & Paralegals: These professionals are responsible for supporting the legal system, such as the courts and lawyers. A degree in criminology can help provide key background information for this role.
• Pathway to Law School: A background in criminology can help prepare future lawyers to effectively interrogate witnesses in the courtroom, present key evidence, and facilitate negotiations.
• Expert Witness Roles: Expert witnesses are those who are permitted to testify to their knowledge on a particular topic during a court case. For those pursuing this specific career path, a degree in criminology can offer foundational knowledge before pursuing training in a specific field.

Academic & Research Opportunities with a Criminology Degree

For those driven by curiosity and a desire to shape the future of justice, a criminology degree offers rewarding paths in research and education. These careers focus on uncovering insights, expanding knowledge, and influencing how society understands and responds to crime.

• Criminologists & Researchers: Criminologists work with a wide range of law enforcement and government agencies in order to assist in the improvement of the criminal justice system. They use both psychology and sociology to better understand criminal behavior.
• University Professors & Educators:These are individuals who pursued a career in criminology and are now responsible for teaching the next generation of criminology students. Along with teaching, professors may also publish academic articles or journals in order to educate a wider audience.
• Policy Think Tanks & Non-Profits:These are non-government agencies where criminology majors often work that analyze current criminal justice policies and conduct research to advocate for changes to the justice system.

Career Growth & Advancement for a Criminology Degree

A criminology degree can spark your career—but how far you go depends on how you build on it. With the right education, credentials, and strategic choices, you can rise into higher paying, specialized, and leadership roles across the field.

• Education Matters: One way to advance within a career is to further your education, the same applies for degrees in criminology. A bachelor’s in criminology can lay the groundwork for master’s and even doctoral degrees in many fields other than just criminology such as psychology, criminal justice, and forensic science.
• Specializations & Certifications: One way to facilitate career growth with a degree in criminology is to apply for specializations and certifications within your career. For example, the US Department of Homeland Security offers many different opportunities to receive certifications in topics such as security leadership, cybersecurity, and emergency preparedness.
• Salary Outlook & Job Demand: While the salary for someone with a degree in criminology is largely dependent on the career path they choose, according to a study done by ZipRecruiter the average salary is typically between $62,000 and $94,000. According to Career Sidekick, many jobs that one with a criminology degree can pursue are high in demand and have ample opportunity for career growth.

Aligning Your Criminology Degree with Passion & Purpose

Finding the right path in criminology starts with knowing yourself. This field offers countless roles—but the most fulfilling careers come when your skills and values align with the impact you want to make.

• Matching Skills with Careers: A career in criminology is not the only factor when deciding which career path to pursue. One should also consider their personal strengths and weaknesses. For example, someone who is very empathetic would be better suited for a career in victim advocacy or a juvenile justice counselor whereas someone with strong analytic and investigative skills would be better suited for a career in forensic science or detective work.
• The Human Impact: The functioning of our society is dependent on individuals in careers related to criminology such as law enforcement officers, lawyers, and those responsible for helping individuals reintegrate into society after either being convicted of a crime or being the victim of one. Without these people, our world would become orderless and chaotic.
• Future Trends: As our world is constantly evolving, so is the role of criminology in our society. The criminal justice system and the techniques used to solve crimes need to evolve along with everything else in the world, without those in various criminology careers this would not be possible.

Answering Your Questions About a Criminology Degree

What is the difference between a degree in criminology and a degree in criminal justice?

Criminology is focused on analyzing and studying the motive behind a crime while criminal justice focuses on the justice system and how society responds to crime.

How long does it take to graduate if I choose to major in criminology?

Graduating with a Bachelor of Criminology typically takes 4 years, however some schools offer accelerated programs to graduate within 3 years.

Is it better to get a certification or degree in criminology?

While certifications do take less time than getting a degree, most advanced or specialized positions typically require a college degree, so in the long run it is better to get a degree.

Does getting a bachelor’s degree in criminology mean that I can only pursue higher education in criminology?

No! An initial degree in criminology can open many paths for master’s and doctoral degrees in various fields such as psychology, sociology, biology, and more.

Kickstarting Your Career Journey with a Criminology Degree

Excited by the endless career paths that a criminology degree can unlock but not sure where to start? You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. The team at Test Prep Score is ready to help you map out your future—from choosing the right schools and preparing for entrance exams to building the academic foundation that will set you apart. Step by step, test by test, we’ll guide you toward a criminology career that aligns with your passion and goals. Your future in this field begins with the right preparation—and we’re here to make sure you get there.