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Criminology
Criminologists research the relationship between criminal law and social order to understand the causes of crime and the behavior of criminals. They employ an interdisciplinary perspective in an attempt to understand the creation and use of laws, patterns of crime, causes of crime and criminality, social reaction to crime, criminal justice administration, and the efficacy of punishment of criminal offenders as compared with other forms of treatment or rehabilitation.
Abilities and skills useful for this combination of majors include, collecting, organizing and interpreting information, good written and oral communication skills, and analytical and problem solving interests. People in this field are imaginative, energetic, and comfortable with using their own ideas to solve a problem.
In addition to being a stepping stone for a variety of careers, a minor in criminology provides excellent preparation for graduate school in criminology, criminal justice, counseling, forensics, law, business, and many other fields.
OCCUPATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Probation officers
Criminologist
Court reporter
Parole officers
Bailiff
Court clerk
Private investigator
Customs agent
Private security
Police officer
Compliance officer
*Some positions may require additional education and/or training.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
Overall employment of social scientists is expected to grow 10 percent from 2006 to 2016. However, projected growth rates vary by specialty. Demand for social workers will increase by 22%. (http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos054.htm) (http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos060.htm)
POTENTIAL EMPLOYERS
Airports
Correctional facilities
Credit companies
Federal agencies
Financial institutions
Insurance companies
Law enforcement
Local government
Non-profit organizations
Real estate companies
Retail businesses
State agencies
SOURCES FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Books (* denotes books available in the Career Center Library)
- *Eberts, Marjorie & Gisler, Margaret. Careers for Good Samaritans and Other Humanitarian Types, Lincolnwood, IL: VGM Career Horizons, 1998.
- *Encyclopedia of Careers and Vocational Guidance, Vol. 2, Chicago, IL: Ferguson Publishing Co., 2000.
- *Fogg, Neeta, et.al. The College Majors Handbook, Indianapolis, IN: JIST Works, Inc., 2004.
- *Harr, J. Scott, & Hess, Karen M. Careers in Criminal Justice and Related Fields, Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth, 2006.
- *Lambert, Stephen. Great Jobs for Criminal Justice Majors, Lincolnwood, IL: VGM Career Books, 2001.
- *Morgan, Marilyn. Careers in Criminology, Lincolnwood, IL: Lowell House, 2000.
Professional Associations
- American Society of Criminology, 1314 Kinnear Road, Suite 212, Columbus, OH 43212, http://www.asc41.com.
- American Correctional Association, 206 North Washington Street, Suite 200, Alexandria, VA 22314, http://www.correctionscorp.com.
- National Criminal Justice Association, 720 7th Street, NW, 3rd Floor, Washington, DC 20001-3716, http://www.ncja.org.
Web sites
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