Criminology
Roughly one in every three people in the United States has a criminal record. But what causes someone to commit a crime? What impact can crime have throughout a neighborhood? How does the criminal justice system reinforce racism?
As a criminology major, you'll ask tough questions about a topic that affects nearly every aspect of society, from health and housing to education and the environment. And then you’ll learn where to find the clues to help answer them.
What will I learn?
Forget what you've seen on TV crime shows. Here, you'll take a critical, research-based look at criminology as you explore subjects such as:
- The relationship between crime, deviance and delinquency.
- Theories of crime.
- How we measure crime.
- Systems of power and how law contributes to inequality.
- Misconceptions and stereotypes.
- Disparities in the justice system related to race, ethnicity and gender.
- Experiences of incarcerated people.
- How behavior shapes policy (and vice versa).
What can I do with a criminology degree?
A criminology degree is an excellent choice if you want to work in law enforcement, criminal justice (including criminal justice reform), security or public safety. Within these fields, there are many opportunities at the local, state and federal level—including helping people whose lives are impacted by crime, the courts, the prison system and related institutions.
In addition, many criminology majors use their expertise to launch a career in social work, social justice, policy analysis, public policy, education or in the legal field.
And because criminology also gives you a strong foundation in sociology, you’ll be prepared to apply your skills in nearly any job that requires an understanding of social groups, institutions and structures.
By the Numbers
Check out salary ranges and career outlooks straight from the U.S. Department of Labor to see the return on investment for your degree.
| Occupation Title | Mean Annual Wage | Mean Hourly Wage | Future Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Managers, All Other | $47,950.00 | $23.05 | Rapid Growth, Many Openings |
| Psychologists, All Other | $104,070.00 | $50.03 | |
| Sociologists | $134,430.00 | $64.63 | Rapid Growth |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other | $89,730.00 | $43.14 | Rapid Growth |
| Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary | $110,360.00 | N/A |
Data provided by the and DOL data from 2024.