Overview of Criminology

Criminology is the scientific study of criminal behavior, including the causes, impacts, and prevention of crime. It is a dynamic field of study, drawing from the fields of sociology, psychology, law, and other disciplines to gain a better understanding of crime and the criminal justice system. Criminologists research crime patterns in society, analyze past and current data, study criminological theories, develop new approaches, and evaluate the effectiveness of current criminal justice strategies. As such, this field is multifaceted, with countless opportunities for further study and professional work.

Career Opportunities for Graduates with an Associate Degree in Criminology

The job opportunities available to those with an associate degree in criminology are vast. Students may find employment opportunities in private companies, law enforcement, corrections, government organizations, and non-profit agencies. Such careers may include jobs in crime prevention, criminal investigation, criminal profiling, probation and parole officers, criminology research, and crime scene analysis. Additionally, graduates may find work in a variety of corporate and organizational settings related to the field, such as in the areas of marketing, public relations, and risk management.

Internship or Co-Op Opportunities Related to Criminology

An associate degree in criminology provides students with an excellent foundation to pursue a range of internship and co-op opportunities. Such experiences may involve working in a correctional facility, a crime laboratory, a local police department, or even a law firm. This type of professional experience provides students with the chance to gain knowledge and expertise in the field, build a network of professionals, and develop the skills necessary for success in the field.

Specialized Tracks or Concentrations within Criminology

Due to the expansive and varied nature of the field of criminology, some schools offer specialized tracks within the degree program. These can include concentrations such as criminal justice, police science, forensics, homeland security, and cyber crime. These tracks provide students with an opportunity to pursue a more focused and in-depth study of an area of particular interest in the discipline.

How Does an Associate Degree in Criminology Prepare Students for Further Education?

An associate degree in criminology typically consists of courses in research methods, criminal justice policy, law, corrections, and other relevant topics. This provides a strong foundation of knowledge for future studies in the field. Graduates of an associate degree in criminology may choose to pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree in criminology or related fields for further study, to develop even more specialized skills and expertise.

Impact of Artificial Intelligence in Criminology

Recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning have had an impact on the field of criminology, particularly in the areas of data analysis and the prediction of crime. AI systems have been used to identify and analyze patterns of criminal behavior, generate recommendations based on data analysis, and assist in the development of automated law enforcement tools. As this technology continues to evolve, its potential applications in criminology are expected to increase.

The Career Outlook for Criminology

The field of criminology is ever-changing and evolving. As understanding of criminal behavior and the criminal justice system continues to deepen, the need for professionals trained in criminology is likely to grow in the coming years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of criminal justice and law enforcement professionals is projected to increase 7% from 2019 to 2029, which is faster than average for all occupations.

Here are the top reported starting salaries for graduates in Criminology:

Purdue University Global, Salary: $26,926

Central New Mexico Community College, Salary: $26,068

For privacy reasons, not all schools report the first year salaries for students who earned their associate degree in Criminology.