Criminology Careers

Criminology Careers Criminology CareersPosted February 15, 2012, by Mike KermodeIf you watch a lot of crime shows like CSI, NCIS and Making a Murderer, youve probably wondered what its like to have a career in criminology, the kinds of criminology jobs that are out there, or even just What is criminology? Read on to find out what you need to pursue a criminology career.What is criminology?In a broad sense, criminology is the study of crime, criminals, their behaviour, and societys definition of, and response to, crime and crime prevention, as well as how we treat criminals via corrections. This fast-changing and booming discipline which has been around since the 18th century seeks to answer the questions why does crime exist? And how best to treat it while diminishing its occurrence? Criminology lies within the social sciences, and encompasses three main areas law, sociology and psychology. Law, in this context, looks at how criminals are dealt with and defined sociology looks a t the social and cultural factors contributing to crime and psychology looks at the criminal mind itself.Why criminology is importantWithout the comprehensive study of crime, criminals and the criminal justice system, we would have no basis with which to understand what motivates criminals to commit crimes, let alone how to best deal with criminals in a fashion that encourages their rehabilitation rather than recidivism. Criminology is essentially about keeping communities safe and encouraging the wellbeing of society generally. Without it, law enforcement would be a blunt instrument, delivered without a true understanding of the motives behind crime, and therefore how to counter it. Criminology tackles both the causes and the effects of crime.What criminologists doCriminologists investigate crimes, gather statistics on crime rates, develop profiles of particular offences and critically analyse the criminal justice system, its methods and effectiveness. Criminologists are found in many different contexts, so the work can vary according to the setting and the individuals skillset. You could be collecting data and collating statistics based on types of crime or the age of offenders, or writing and proofing reports about crimes and the possible causes of crime. You could have a hand in proposing improvements for the use of public resources, as well as developing effective crime prevention strategies. You may also be involved in crime scene investigations, or attending autopsies to ascertain exactly what happened at a crime scene. You could also be writing behaviour assessments and intervention plans for offenders with complex needs and histories.Career paths in criminologyArmed with a degree in criminology, there are many career paths you can take. It is often used as a launching pad for more specialised training in the field, or to complement existing professional experience or qualifications. Graduates will find open doors in corrections and rehabilitatio n, in customs, criminal investigation, juvenile justice, forensic science, law enforcement, or research and policy analysis. This work operates on many levels, in local, state or federal government agencies as well as private agencies. Criminologists are also employed in community-based organisations and initiatives, in youth and mental health work, counselling, social work, and in prisoners or victims rights. Or, for those who wish to more comprehensively understand the criminal mind, there are opportunities in psychology and psychopathology, in a public or private setting. You could also take the academic route, teaching criminology in universities, or getting into research and policy analysis, with the chance to contribute to policy or the ever-growing body of literature in the field.What qualifications you needThere is no one path to becoming a criminologist. Requirements for positions vary, but in most cases youll need either an undergraduate degree in criminology or a degre e in sociology, psychology, or law, complemented with postgraduate study in criminology. Sometimes relevant and sufficient work experience say, experience as a correctional officer can be a legitimate entry pathway to postgrad study. For example, you may have been a correctional officer and seek to apply for a postgraduate course in criminology.What you can expect to studyBy studying criminology youll develop a host of practical and theoretical approaches to the understanding of crime. Areas you are likely to study are criminal law, social psychology, fraud, the sociology of deviance, methods of punishment and penology, law enforcement, forensic science basics, criminological theory, crime patterns pertaining to age, gender and socioeconomic status, and victims of crime. Youll also likely be trained in research methods and social policy analysis, so youll have the practical research and critical skills to make your observations as accurate and as meaningful as possible.What els e you needTo succeed in criminology, you need to be curious curious about why people do what they do, and what drives them to break the law. You also need to be passionate about improving the wellbeing of communities, especially marginalised ones, through the prevention of crime, and addressing the behaviour and rehabilitation of criminals. Depending on where you wind up, chances are youll need to have solid report writing skills, and have a good handle on how to develop and interpret statistics (both of which are skills you will develop as part of your studies). Given its social scientific bent, you dont necessarily need a science background, or even a law background but if its a forensic, legal or psychological path you wish to take as a criminologist, then there are combined degrees out there where you can develop complementary skills in two fields at once. For example, a Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Laws will give you knowledge and training in the two areas simultaneo usly, to expand your career options considerably. Your qualification is your ticket to a fascinating world. Youll learn about what makes us tick as individuals and as a society, and have a unique opportunity to make communities safer and make the criminal justice system a fairer and more effective place.Bachelor of Criminology and JusticeStudy modeOn CampusOnlinePayment optionsHECS-HELPUpfront paymentCourse guide+ FREE eBrochureEnquire Online Enquire OnlineCriminology ResourcesCorrectional officer resumeCorrectional officer cover letterCareer Insider StoriesShelley Lask - Body Positive Health & FitnessInterested in becoming a?Project ManagerCounsellorYouth WorkerWriterSociologistPopular Career Searchescriminology courses nswbachelor of social science in criminology and forensics career outcomecriminology courses melbournewhat jobs can you get into with a criminology degreebachelor of social science criminology and forensic scienceCriminology CoursesBachelor of Criminal JusticeEnqu ire Online Enquire OnlineMike KermodeRelated ArticlesBrowse moreEmployment trendsAustralian job market boomingThe Australian job market is in full recovery mode, with the total number of advertised jobs rising by 19.1 per cent in February the biggest monthly jump in job ad numbers in 11 years.Employment trendsEngineers top recruiters skills shortages listPermanent recruitment has risen in the last three months from four per cent to seven per cent of recruitment agency jobs, with engineers topping the skills shortages list.WORKFORCE TRENDSResources sector looks to the futureComing off the back of a mining boom the economic downturn has left the resources sector somewhat startled but its not all doom and gloom.