Criminology

Those passionate about unraveling the secrets of the human mind will find in criminology a fascinating field of study and professional practice.
If your interests are focused on evaluating human behavior, people who commit crimes, the influence of society and the motive behind unlawful acts, criminology may be a degree you will enjoy studying.

Why study the degree in criminology?

Criminology is the discipline that analyzes antisocial behaviors, that is, it studies the offender, their behavior, crimes, and in general deviant behaviors, with the purpose of determining the factors that led the person to commit the unlawful act, in order to use knowledge of the causes to determine ways to prevent crime.

Criminology is fundamental to society because it helps improve the social, moral and cultural reality of the world, since the study of criminal problems from a scientific point of view helps find the best way to reduce crime by controlling the factors that influence its existence.

Criminology or Criminalistics? What is the difference?

This question often arises when faced with these two disciplines that seem so similar. But while criminalistics deals with the scientific aspect of crime, criminology focuses on its psychological and social aspect.

The criminology is a deeply social discipline that seeks to discover and understand the nature of crime, its motivations, its roots and its impact on society. Its studies are aimed at understanding both the criminal mind and the environment in which that mind originates and develops; in addition to having a strong social and community service component.

If I decide to study the degree in criminology, what will my role be as a professional?

If you decide to study criminology you should know that you will dedicate yourself to seeking and reflecting on the motives that led the offender to commit the crime, because understanding the root of the problem will make it possible to find a solution.

Among the typical functions of criminology professionals are developing strategies that reduce unlawful acts, delinquency, violence of all kinds, and in general promoting and creating crime prevention programs to achieve that goal.

What qualities should I have to study the degree in criminology?

As a student of the criminology degree it is good to have certain characteristics that will not only make your studies easier, but are also fundamental in practicing the career; one of them is an interest in ethics and justice, don't forget that it is a degree compatible with Law and the justice system in general.

The ability to relate to people and understand their attitudes, thoughts and feelings is one of the characteristics of a criminologist, because this helps in their work of understanding deviant behaviors and their origin.

If you would like to study criminology and in addition to good communication, you have good deduction, understood as the ability to form a judgment based on facts, propositions or principles, and to take something general to something particular, as well as in turn you have the capacity for induction, that is, to take a particular criterion or circumstance to something general; definitely this degree is for you.

Subjects and teachings in the criminology degree.

The subjects you will find in this degree may vary according to the country you are in or they may even be the same but with other names, however, some of the basic subjects are scientific methods, psychology, criminal psychiatry, human rights, ethics and values, theory of crime, and all similar ones that prepare the professional for the practice of this degree that is responsible for studying the criminal.

Job field and career opportunities

The job field is broad and can become economically profitable depending on the professional and the institution where they work, what is certain is that in most countries this career has good employability. Since the career allows both assisting and evaluating criminals and victims, the chances of employment are high in public institutions that require these professionals in their auxiliary areas. The graduate in criminology frequently works within security institutions, justice and health institutions, such as penitentiary centers. Their professional activity includes various tasks, all of great importance: conducting statistical studies on criminal activity, collaborating in criminal investigations, developing crime prevention strategies, among many others.

Work together within the field of criminalistics with other professionals in conducting expert assessments and investigations. Many professionals choose to devote themselves fully to health and work in crime victim support centers, as advisors, psychologists or providing legal assistance.

Others turn toward teaching and education. This wide range of job options is ideal for those who have a humanistic guidance, with an interest in psychology, sociology and community help. It is a career that represents a great challenge, but also one that brings great satisfaction.

How do I know if Criminology is the degree for me?

If you are drawn to social problems, their origin and the study of the man who commits crimes, as well as for those people who have good communication, capacity for analysis and interpretation and above all who want to collaborate with society, pursuing one of the most important objectives of a state, reducing criminality and managing to reintegrate the offender into society as a new person capable of living together without committing crimes.

If you like research and you are curious about the influence of society on people, or the circumstances that can lead a human being to commit the worst crimes, and how to use this information to generate solutions, definitely this degree is your best option.

In addition the degree has a high level of employability, so you will easily be able to find employment, especially in State institutions, collaborating with justice.

Taking into account that the degree is one of those that most require analysis and interpretation in order to help prevent delinquency, and therefore has an important role in society, it is advisable that the student be committed to it and to the vocation of helping, because this is one of the pillars of criminology is to seek solutions to collaborate with the social environment, preventing crimes and victims, through the study of the offender and the creation of programs that encourage and generate change.

Finally, if you want to be part of that social change and you have liked everything presented about this interesting degree, do not hesitate to study it and create your future based on it.