Criminology is a growing field and if you have a formation in it, there’s a very strong chance that you won’t have to worry about finding a job ever again. This is a great career field for people who want to make a real difference in the world and serve their community. Unfortunately, criminology is not a degree that is pushed enough. There are so many different positions that you can fill at different levels and criminology is one of the interesting fields there is. If you’ve been introduced to the field and are starting to build interest or you have never thought about it before, here are six reasons why you should consider criminology as a career field.
You Like Variety
If you want to work in an unpredictable field and get a chance to learn something new every day, then you should give criminology a closer look. Another great thing about criminology is the diversity of positions the field offers. You could work with criminals as a probation officer and help them stay on the straight and narrow. Or you could work in public service or become a consultant for government organisations. Government agencies and politicians routinely hire criminologists to revise and devise new laws or to get their opinions on why they are seeing a surge in crime in their districts, province, or the country.
Criminologists are some of the most important people in this country. They work in areas like child welfare and often work as social workers too. You’ll also find criminologists working in schools in communities in need, in group homes, and even in the green movement. You could work as an environmental conservation officer, for instance. This means that you won’t necessarily have to work with criminals per se.
If your goal is to work in or close to law enforcement, however, then there are many positions that you could look at if you have a criminology degree. You could work as a criminal investigator or as a correctional officer, for instance. Or you could become a police officer depending on the major you go for. This is why we would suggest that you check the whole range of positions that you could fill with a criminology degree and know what will be expected of you.
It’s Easier than Ever to Get In
You should also know that criminology is more accessible as a field than ever, and this is in large part due to the growing number of online criminology degrees you can find these days. You could get an online degree in criminology from a prestigious school like Wilfrid Laurier University right from home and get all the credentials needed to work in any criminology-related field.
This means that you may not have to relocate if you live in a remote area and will be able to work full-time while you get your degree, which is something that can be nearly impossible to do if you have to take yourself physically to classes. This makes online courses a good option both for people who have no degree and people who are in another profession who would like to transition into the field.
It’s an Exciting and Rewarding Job
Another thing that people love about working in criminology is how exciting the field is. You will be there to solve real-world problems and help the most vulnerable people in our society. You could play an instrumental role in solving and preventing crimes as well. Few things can be as fulfilling as seeing dangerous criminals getting arrested because of your work or being able to transform whole communities because of your advice.
Great Salaries
You should also know that criminology jobs tend to pay very well for the most part. Few people know this, but there are many positions in this field that pay close to six figures. Forensic psychologists, for instance, make around $94,000 per year on average. Other positions that pay well include police identification and records officer, sociologist, and fire investigator, just to name a few. So, look at what’s available out there and don’t assume that you won’t be able to make a good living with a criminology degree.
Understand the Other Side of the Criminal System
When people think about criminals and the criminal system, they often see things from one side only. But people with a criminology background learn about the psychology of criminals and crime. They start understanding the reasons why people commit crimes and can start working on solutions.
Criminologists are thought to see criminals as humans and not just a nuisance. They can then start looking at ways they can help them become productive members of society instead of focusing solely on repression. Criminologists are often involved in research that can improve outcomes for criminals and prevent them from becoming recidivists. They can also help make prisons safer both for inmates and the people they work with.
Understanding crime is something very few people can boast about, and once you start seeing things from the other side, you can never see crime the same way again. This is why criminology is a great career option for people who want to solve real issues and dig deeper than the surface.
You Love a Challenge
Criminology is also a perfect field for someone who’s always up for a challenge. Criminology involves a good dose of problem-solving, especially if you decide to work as an inspector or detective. If you’re a great problem solver and are a big picture thinker, criminology is the place for you. This is also a great option for people who perform well under pressure and can find last-minute solutions to very serious issues.
There are tons of reasons why opting for a career in criminology could be a great choice. If you’re interested and would like to learn more about the field, we suggest that you contact a counselor immediately and see if criminology is truly the field for you.
