Criminologists study a variety of tangible and intangible factors that contribute to crime statistics, including demographics, social behavior, criminal behavior and psychology, and statistics. Criminologists are needed to analyze all of these factors and report their predictions for how overall crimes can be minimized or prevented, how specific criminals can be caught and prosecuted, and how a particular crime fits into the larger pattern of criminal behavior and/or social problems. Daily duties range from interviewing witnesses and suspects, to writing and studying reports of demographical issues and social problems, to visiting crime scenes to testifying in court. Criminologists combine their understanding of very technical, practical skills like reading and reporting statistics with their ability to communicate intangible factors like social psychology and criminal research. Both of these aspects of their job are used by lawyers and law enforcement officials as methods of gathering evidence and pursuing an investigation. Criminologists typically enjoy regular work schedules but are often needed to put in overtime hours, accept on-call shifts and attend crime scenes in addition to their research.


B.S. in Criminology and Criminal Justice

Criminologists work in many different business environments, including colleges and universities, law enforcement agencies and government. Because of this versatility, the pay scale and salary expectations for criminologists also differ. If a criminologist combines his or her teaching position with consulting work for a law enforcement agency, the salary expectations may be higher than if income was only coming from one source. Some criminologists also work as full-time psychologists, which can be a lucrative career depending on location, experience and education. Benefits packages are readily available for those who work for universities, psychology offices and law enforcement agencies, but may be harder to secure if you are self-employed.

Criminologists are experts at combining skills from many different fields to become marketable criminal justice professionals. Education and training in research, psychology, sociology, statistics, criminal justice, history, geography and other fields is important. Master’s degrees are preferred in this industry, as criminologists are expected to have spent a lot of time studying criminal behavior. A Master’s degree in criminal justice, sociology or psychology with a concentration in criminal behavior will be very useful with research projects, analytical work and when communicating with legal and law enforcement professionals.

Top 10 Criminal Justice Colleges

Search our rankings of the 10 top criminal justice colleges in the US below and request free information packets directly from the top criminal justice degree programs for your needs.

 
1.
University of Phoenix - Master's Degree. University of Phoenix provides highly rated resources that fosters independent learning and enables the student for success. University of Phoenix graduates have shown a history of success by having long careers in the field of Criminal Justice.
 
2.
Everest University Online - Master's Degree. With a career-oriented focus, a student graduating with a M.S. in Criminal Justice from Everest University Online will have the skills necessary to pursue numerous careers upon graduation.
 
3.
Walden University - Master's Degree. At Walden University, the Master's Degree in Criminal Justice degree plan can be completed completely online and at the convenience of the student. Walden University is the premiere online college for students interested in pursuing a degree in the legal and justice field.
 
4.
Colorado Technical University - Master's Degree. The university's Master of Science in Management with a concentration in Criminal Justice is designed to prepare individuals for roles in the emerging administrative and leadership sectors in the criminal justice system. Students are offered flexible courses online, allowing them to pursue this prestigious degree while maintaining other priorities in their lives as well.
 
5.
Kaplan University - Master's Degree. The wide variety of courses and flexible time schedules make Kaplan University a top rated Masters in Criminal Justice school with the following options: Master’s of Science (M.S.) in Criminal Justice, M.S. in Criminal Justice/Corrections, M.S. in Criminal Justice/Law, M.S. in Criminal Justice/Global Issues in Criminal Justice.
 
6.
Capella University - Master's Degree. Capella University Online’s top ranked job placement statistics make it a top choice by any student who wants a future in criminal justice. A Masters of Science in Public Safety - Criminal Justice, is offered.
 
7.
Saint Joesph's University - Master's Degree. Saint Joesph's University Master's in Criminal Justice program is at the forefront of education in providing a dynamic curriculum to every student. Saint Joesph's makes it easy to obtain a Criminal Justice degree online affordably and from the comfort of home.
 
8.
Virginia College - Master's Degree - At Virginia College, students are equipped with proper skills and training before graduation in order to succeed in their career of choice. Their Master's in Criminal Justice degree will prepare students for mid to upper-level management positions in the legal field.
 
9.
University of Cincinnati - Master's Degree - This highly regarded criminal justice department prepares the student with a well respected faculty, a quick degree plan, and the choice to move on to get a Doctorate. Options include M.S. Degree in Criminal Justice, M.S. Degree in Criminal Justice (1 Year Program).
 
10.
Bowling Green State University - Master's Degree. Bowling Green State University’s Criminal Justice school provides students with excellent academic training and experience. The department offers both a Masters of Science (MS) degree in Criminal Justice, and a Bachelors of Science (BS) degree in Criminal Justice.
 
11.
South University - Master's Degree. The South University Masters in Criminal Justice department allows you the option of specializing in Homeland Security. The school offers two masters options: Masters of Science( M.S.) in Criminal Justice, M.S. in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security.
 

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