We Educate Wednesday [7/8/2020]:
Criminology as a college degree
What is Criminology?
Directly from this blog post by Millersville University: "Criminology is the sociological study of crime, criminals and the criminal justice system. Students in this program learn about all aspects of the criminal justice system, including the police, the courts, prisons, and community-based responses to crime."
Sociology looks at the social factors and groups of people and how they interplay and the outcomes of those interactions. Therefore, you are studying the topic of crime, criminals, and the entire system and how that all affects society and how society impacts all of that.
What topics will I learn about?
Each school and program differs slightly. This is in part due to different professors with various backgrounds/specialties. For example, the school you choose may have professors with a background in policing and therefore there are several courses related to policing. If the program is relatively new, it may only offer a select few number of courses and then expand as the program grows. Some courses that I've taken related to criminology are Intro to Criminology, Sociology of Policing and the Courts, Juvenile Delinquency, Drug Law Enforcement, Victims and Violence, Modern Corrections, and Social Problems. Some other courses may focus on gender and the law, sociology of deviance, and ethics. Schools may offer "special topics" that vary based on adjuncts and student interest. I've thought of proposing courses to be taught about Mental Illness and Crime, Trauma and the Law, Victims and the Criminal Justice System, Crime and the Media, and Alternatives to Incarceration (maybe one day I will teach such courses!). The best ways to learn more about the course offerings for a school is to reach out to current students, professors, and take a tour that may allow for both (when possible/safe).
What else will I gain from such an education?
Not only will you learn about these topics mentioned, but you will learn relevant skills to work in fields related to these topics. By examining the history of the system and related challenges, critically examining the current research and policies, and synthesizing academic papers based on your reading, classwork, and other knowledge, you will start your journey to become an informed and skilled professional. You may also be required to engage in an academic project or internship as part of your degree. This may sound daunting, but it can really help you explore the fields available to you post-graduation, make valuable connections, and learn directly from those working in the community.
What kinds of places can I intern with while obtaining such a degree?
Again, this depends on the area that your school is in, and established connections that exist between the school and local/county/state/federal agencies. Schools may have a specific office dedicated to assisting students find internship placements. The academic department housing the criminology program may also maintain a list of previous successful internship locations. However, this does not mean you are "stuck" with finding something already done. You could seek out new places and propose them to the school/department. Perhaps the connection that you make will help other students in the future. One of the best forms of growth for social science and knowledge in general is to branch out and create interdisciplinary relationships. You could intern at any of the places listed below in the next section but do not be afraid to try others.
What kinds of jobs can I get with a degree in criminology?
Students graduating with a bachelor's degree in criminology can work in a variety of fields/positions/agencies. The benefit of a social science degree is its wide applicability to many positions. Graduates can seek employment working for government agencies such as state/county probation/parole, municipal/state police, prisons, district attorney or public defender offices, children and youth agencies, older adult protective services, federal law enforcement agencies such as FBI or ATF, lawyer's offices, or courts. They may also seek out employment for companies, non-profits, or outside agencies such as drug and alcohol treatment/assessment providers, mental health providers, prevention education, victim services agencies (both domestic violence and sexual assault), court appointed special advocates, among other places!
What about if I'm looking for more education afterward instead of working?
With your bachelor's degree complete, you may still wish to go on for more schooling. Graduates (well hopefully before graduating) can seek out master's degree level programs such as criminal justice, administration of justice, forensic psychology, forensic science, political science, public administration, sociology, etc. Perhaps a master's degree is not the direction for you and law school is. Finally, a doctoral program may be the next goal, seeking to obtain a PhD in Criminology or Sociology, or perhaps a PsyD in Forensic Psychology, a Doctorate of Social Science in Prevention Science, Doctorate of Criminal Justice (DCJ), or a dual-program whereby you obtain a doctorate as well as a law degree (JD), or some other related degree.
***Have more questions?*** Please feel free to reach out to me and I will do my best to answer them! As mentioned above, you can contact the school's admissions department, academic program of interest (criminology program/department it is housed in), or someone you know who works in the field. In fact, future posts on this page during this month will feature professionals or students who have some connection to criminal justice and/or criminology, so they may answer some of the questions too.
(Photo/blog is from Millersville University, written by Kate Hartman June 24, 2020) Millersville is my alma mater, so I was slightly biased in posting their blog, but if you are interested in other state schools such as Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), West Chester, or private universities, they may also offer criminology programs!
Here is a link to a Facebook page run by Millersville's Sociology and Criminology Department Criminology & Sociology at MU.
Youtube video link: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dbzVDVZroOQ&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR3DHPo3HZ6XbJ1t__W4HVLITwCw1T2F0Q_xSRaWsXM9S9BjQh6Z-5jPq6g
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