If you’re passionate about public safety and advocating for those whose voices aren’t always heard, then a degree in Criminology and Policing is a great way for you to do impactful work and make a difference in society. However, it’s not always easy to get clear information about what to expect from a degree program and where it might take you in the future. In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about studying Criminology and Policing, from what the degree entails to potential career options post-graduation.
What Is Criminology?
Criminology covers a wide range of areas in society that serve the public. When combined with Policing, degrees in this subject cover the institutions that make up the criminal justice system, including criminal courts, police forces, and correctional prison facilities. As part of your program, you’ll be introduced to the concepts, laws, and conventions that underpin these facilities and the systems that they exist within, so you’ll be right in the heart of the action. While Criminology and Policing do require hard work and the ability to work well with others, especially under pressure, this is a great path to take if you’re looking for a job that helps you to make a difference. Graduates of Criminology and Policing degrees go on to do a range of careers that span across different institutions but that are primarily centred around improving the lives of others and ensuring that justice is always upheld.
What Skills Do Criminology And Policing Students Need?
Because the career choices for Criminology and Policing graduates are primarily public-facing roles, certain skills are required for students who enter the field after undertaking a program in this area. These include soft skills like strong communication, compassion for others, and time management, but also some learned ability such as the in-depth knowledge of laws and systems that can be picked up through a degree or certification.
If you don’t have all of the skills needed for criminology and policing specialists just yet, then don’t worry! A good degree program will teach you everything you need to know to get started and make sure that the only thing left to learn is what can only be picked up in the field once you’ve started in a new role, whatever the industry. The main thing to prioritise when completing your degree is keeping up to date with the course materials, doing extra reading around the topics you cover and staying organised to make sure you don’t fall behind on your lecture notes. As long as you fully apply yourself, you will find studying an enjoyable and fulfilling experience.
Potential Career Options For Criminology Graduates
While you might be positive that you have the skills and attributes required to work in the policing or criminal justice industry, you might be wondering what career options are available if you pursue this degree. Criminology graduates enjoy a wide range of careers, including, but not limited to:
Criminal Justice:
Criminology graduates have the world at their feet when it comes to working in the justice sector, and no matter whether you specialize in a niche area of the law or you want to represent a wide range of people, you can be certain that you’ll find job satisfaction in this rewarding role. As a graduate, you might find yourself fighting for the human rights of an asylum seeker one day and promoting justice for a victim of domestic violence the next. As part of your role, you’ll need to develop close relationships with those you are working for, and when the hard work pays off, this is a highly rewarding feeling.
There are other areas of the criminal justice system that require the skills of Criminology graduates, too – if you prefer to take a more administrative approach to your day-to-day, you could consider an advisory role to organisations and government bodies who need individuals qualified in Criminology to discuss policy issues.
Corrections Officer:
While mainstream media doesn’t always paint Corrections Officers in a positive light, the work they do is invaluable to individuals who are in a corrections facility. These people have a profound impact on those who face difficulties in the criminal justice system. Working with prisoners can be a hugely rewarding job, especially if you look to implement new ways of rehabilitating the prison population as they prepare for their move back into society.
What’s more, with over 400,000 corrections officers in the US, this is a growing career that brings with it a high level of job security as the prison population rises year on year. You can be a focal point for changing the lives of inmates who rely on the skill and empathy of their corrections officers. If this is something that you’re interested in pursuing, you can find some excellent online guides to correctional officer careers that can help you to get started.
Animal Welfare Officer:
Another career option for Criminology and Policing graduates might be surprising, as it’s rooted in the promotion of animal wellbeing rather than based in the courtroom. Criminology specialists frequently assist with the investigation into and prosecution of animal rights abuse cases, and this work is vital for the protection of animals worldwide. Although this role can be demanding, especially in emotionally challenging cases, it’s a great way to work in a job where you truly make a difference every day.
If you’re still looking into your career options, and aren’t sure if you’re ready to commit to a job as an Animal Welfare Officer, then a great way to get a feel for working in this industry is to volunteer at a local animal shelter. This will cement your understanding of the problems that animals face around the country and give you first-hand experience of the laws and statutes surrounding their care. As you graduate from a Criminology and Policing program, you’ll then have a better idea of which path to follow as you fight for animal welfare.
Forensic Analyst:
On top of more traditional roles in the justice system, a Criminology degree also allows its graduates to pursue science-based jobs if this is more suitable for their skill set. A good example of this is the opportunity to become a Forensic Analyst once you’ve graduated. Forensic Analysts work in labs to dissect and evaluate evidence for criminal cases and provide an overall conclusion on what a piece of evidence suggests.
In this role, you’ll find that although you take more of a back seat in cases themselves, the work you do on a daily basis is invaluable to securing justice for the innocent and making sure the guilty are held accountable to protect others. Job satisfaction for Forensic Analysts is consistently high, as it is easy to see the positives that come from your work when your evidence analysis helps to secure the safety of an individual.
Within these roles and the many others available for criminology graduates, individuals can mould their careers around fighting for the justice of others and standing up for what they believe in.
So How Do You Get On To A Criminology Program?
If you’ve taken a look at the responsibilities, skill requirements, and possible career options for Criminology and Policing graduates, and you’ve decided that a job in the industry is the right choice for you, you’ll now need to look into how you go about getting your qualification through an accredited program. Depending on which area you’d like to specialize in post-graduation, there are different routes that you can take to get your certification. Still, most of them will at least include a BA degree in Criminology and Policing. Throughout these programs, you can take different electives that will give you an in-depth understanding of these specializations so that you can make an informed decision.
The great thing about Criminology and Policing degrees is the high-quality programs that you have access to as a new student, as well as the different study options that are available to you. For instance, if you’re looking to take a combined honours BA in Criminology and Policing, then you could consider a reputable online program to complete your learning. Online courses are growing in popularity for a good reason – they allow greater flexibility for when and where you study, meaning that you can manage your time around other commitments like childcare or work. Studying while you work is a great opportunity for many people, as it means that you can start your new career change without having to support yourself on a limited income.
Ultimately, only you can decide whether a career in Criminology and Policing is right for you. If you have soft skills that are transferrable to a role in this demanding industry, like compassion for others and the ability to act impartially in your decision-making, then you should consider bringing those skills to this area to help others in need. This is a really rewarding career path that will leave you making a difference in people’s lives every day, and you will see firsthand the impact of your work.
