Criminologist

Criminologists specialize in crime and criminal law. They research criminal behavioral patterns and postulate theories based on their research.

Criminologists mostly work in university settings, conducting research and teaching police administration and policy, juvenile justice, corrections, drug addiction, criminal ethnography, macro-level models of criminal behavior, victimology, and theoretical criminology. They conduct research about sociological, psychological, biological issues related to criminology. Some criminologists participate in community programs and involve themselves with policy projects with criminal justice agencies.

Where do criminologists work?

Certain criminologists conduct research while teaching courses related to criminal justice. Some criminologists work as policy advisors for state and federal agencies. Criminologists can also start their own consulting businesses.

Education and Training

Potential criminologists must earn a 2 year master’s degree in criminology. Those who work at universities usually have PhD’s. Criminology programs study psychological and sociological factors that explain criminal behavior. Students will also learn about system analysis as it pertains to criminal justice.

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