Study Criminology

In the academic world there are different degrees to choose from, for those who are interested in seeking the causes of events we enter the world of criminology.

The definition of Criminology basically revolves around research, since this science is specifically dedicated to the search for the causes that led to a criminal act taking place and its consequences.

Why study Criminology?

Studying criminology is an important decision, since you enter a field that many people usually avoid, crimes and their causes.

It is common for human beings to try to find an explanation for all the events that occur around them, and this fascination has often turned into a career. There are even television series that have based their theme on the area of naval Criminology, like NCIS.

Criminology is a fascinating degree for all those who are interested in both medicine and psychology, in finding reasons for the mind to act in one way or another.

What is the Criminology degree about?

A universe full of interesting disciplines.

In some curricula you can see how Criminology acts transversally with other sciences, since human beings shape their behavior through their social bonds. In this way some educational institutions offer subjects that suggest a close relationship with medicine or law. Criminology can be linked to criminal law, genetics, the sociology, anthropology, psychology and its pathologies, among other areas.

Does the degree have the same name in all countries?
University degrees may vary their names depending on the country or the institution that offers it.

While Criminology is a science that has been in the academic field for many years, its importance has undergone some transformations. It may happen that in certain countries it is offered simply as a specialization, so a Master's or Postgraduate degree must be completed to study it, or the degree in Criminology can be studied. In the case of this degree, to differentiate it from Criminalistics, which are the harder aspects of a criminal case, it is known in all countries and institutions under the same name.

What qualification can be obtained by studying the Criminology degree?

A different degree with a good professional qualification.

It is common to hear psychologists say that they study crime pathologies, but for those who want to specialize in the subject, the Criminology degree is the most precise thing they will find. In countries like Spain, this degree provides a Licenciado title, it has recently been considered a university degree. In some places it is still usually an addition to a previous qualification, therefore it can be offered as a Doctorate or a Specialization in Criminology.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of the degree?

One of the advantages that can be obtained through the study of this degree is a broad view of other disciplines that focus on this subject. The professional obtains an interdisciplinary qualification.

The disadvantage that can be pointed out is based on the inquiry that must be carried out, since you have to be prepared to encounter certain circumstances in the cases observed.

What are the job prospects of studying this degree?

A degree with close ties to law and psychology trains a student prepared for the working world.

The career paths for Criminology are mainly related to the area of investigation. Professionals in this degree can work as consultants or join a public institution that includes an area dedicated to this type of inquiry, such as the police or more specialized departments. They can also work in criminal law, associated with critical Criminology, or in the area of medicine, sociology or anthropology.
There are some professionals who focus on the branch of investigation and seek to find reasons indicating that certain cases need specific sentences, or how a person can reintegrate into society without posing a real danger to it.

Where to study Criminology?

Argentina, the Universidad Nacional de Río Negro offers the Bachelor's degree in Criminology and Forensic Sciences, lasting four years.

Brazil, the Instituto Paulista de Estudios Bioéticos y Jurídicos offers the Postgraduate degree in Criminology with a duration of one year.

Spain: Granada: Universidad de Granada, Málaga: Universidad de Málaga, Sevilla: Universidad de Sevilla, Cádiz: Universidad de Cádiz, Sevilla: Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Valladolid: Universidad Europea Miguel de Cervantes (UEMC), Universidad de Valladolid, Salamanca: Universidad de Salamanca, Barcelona: Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona (UAB), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Universitat Abat Oliba CEU (UAO), Girona: Universitat de Girona (UDG), Madrid: Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (URJC), Universidad Camilo José Cela (UCJC), Universidad Europea de Madrid (UEM), Universidad Francisco de Vitoria (UFV), Universidad Pontificia de Comillas, Universidad Pontificia de Comillas, Murcia: Universidad de Murcia (UM), Universidad Católica de San Antonio (UCAM), País Vasco: Universidad del País Vasco, Alicante: Universidad de Alicante (UA), castellón: Universitat Jaume I (UJI), Valencia: Universitat de Valencia (UV), Univ. Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir (UCV).

Mexico, the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León awards the Bachelor's degree in Criminology with a duration of ten semesters.