Social Sciences
Criminology
Focuses on the systematic study of crime as a sociopathological phenomenon, the behavior of criminals, and the social institutions evolved to respond to crime. Covers the theory of crime, psychological and social bases of criminal behavior, social value systems and the theory of punishment, criminal law and criminal justice systems, penology, rehabilitation and recidivism, studies of specific types of crime, social attitudes and policy, and applications to specific issues in law enforcement administration and policy.
Where it can lead
Careers this field can lead to
Explore related careers, starting with the closest connections and the occupations hiring the most people.
Managers, All Other
- Median pay
- $141,900
- Hiring change through 2035
- 4.9%
- Job openings a year
- 100,900
To get hiredBachelor's degree
Explore this career Growing with the economyLife, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other
- Median pay
- $62,280
- Hiring change through 2035
- 4.4%
- Job openings a year
- 11,200
To get hiredAssociate's degree
Explore this career Growing with the economyPsychologists, All Other
- Median pay
- $110,840
- Hiring change through 2035
- 2.3%
- Job openings a year
- 3,500
To get hiredMaster's degree
Explore this career Growing slowlyCriminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary
- Median pay
- $76,590
- Hiring change through 2035
- 1.5%
- Job openings a year
- 1,100
To get hiredDoctoral or professional degree
Explore this career Growing with the economySociologists
- Median pay
- $106,030
- Hiring change through 2035
- 3.8%
- Job openings a year
- 200
To get hiredMaster's degree
Explore this careerAll work is projected to grow 3.5% between 2025 and 2035; read every hiring-change figure against it. The figures beside each career are the pay of that work, across everyone doing it. Graduates of this field earn $32,280 one year after completing the program, which is the start of a career rather than the shape of one.
Working style
How and where the work happens
Related careers can feel very different from one another. Compare the specific occupations to understand the work each one involves.
Few of the careers connected to this field are measured as substantially in-person or active work. Compare the specific occupations to see how much time each one involves with people, equipment, and movement.
College options
Where to study it
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