Criminology Career Outlook

Online Degrees in Criminology: Career Outlook

Online degrees in criminology prepare individuals to enter careers that help to resolve the complexities of law enforcement. Professionals in the field possess the professional ethics, cultural fluency and critical thinking skills necessary to meet the demands of this area of public service. Their communication and problem-solving skills enable them to understand how best to confront crime wherever it occurs.

Coursework for online degrees in criminology is highly interdisciplinary, integrating subject matter from psychology, political science, legal studies and computer science so that students acquire a deep understanding of the intricacies of the field. Teaching and learning in these various content areas allow graduates to transition more seamlessly into a myriad of occupations. Depending on the credential attained, graduates who earn online degrees in criminology are prepared for either entry-level occupations or mid- to advanced level positions that may necessitate supervisory responsibilities.

Associate’s Degree: Correctional Officer
Correctional officers work in detention facilities to oversee individuals who have either been arrested or convicted for criminal activities. They are responsible for maintaining the security within these institutions through the prevention of disturbances, assaults and escapes. It is their duty to enforce rules and to ensure inmates’ adherence to regulations. While the associate’s degree will enable professionals to pursue this career, the Federal Bureau of Prisons requires at least a bachelor’s degree for entry-level positions. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the average income for these professionals to be approximately $38,000; that increases to $53,000 for Federal correctional officers. It also reports the number of correctional officers will increase 9% by 2018. Prospects in the field are positive, particularly due to attrition and retirement rates as well as rising demand.

Bachelor’s Degree: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Agent
FBI agents investigate Federal crimes and national security issues. They may engage in activities such as surveillance, white-collar investigations and court-authorized wiretapping. Commonly, they work with agencies such as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Secret Service, or they may act as U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents and U.S. marshals. This position requires a bachelor’s degree and at least three years of professional experience. Degrees must have been attained in accounting, electrical engineering, information technology or computer science. Intensive training at the FBI Academy is also mandated. Although the law dictates the salaries of Federal employees in law enforcement, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the approximate median income of Federal detectives to be $73,000. These professionals also receive law enforcement availability pay (LEAP) in the amount of up to 25% of the agent’s income because of the significant overtime they must work. Employment projections for FBI agents are contingent on government spending for law enforcement, although layoffs are rare because of retirement rates.

Master’s Degree/PhD: Criminologist
Within the social science disciplines of sociology and psychology, individuals may opt to specialize in criminology. In this role, professionals study society and the social behavior of groups, cultures, organizations and institutions. They design research studies and projects that involve methods such as historical analysis and quantitative and qualitative techniques to explain patterns and trends. These data guide and inform lawmakers, educators and those interested in resolving social problems. Professionals who possess master’s degrees commonly act as researchers and project administrators who study criminology and related activities; professionals who possess PhD degrees may undertake research projects, assume positions within government agencies and/or teach college and university courses. The U.S. Bureau of Statistics reports the salary range for this profession as approximately $40,000 to over $122,000. It estimates employment growth within both sociology and political science as 21% by 2018, attributable primarily to retirements and career transition within the field.