Criminology is the scientific study of crimes and criminals. It examines unlawful activities and behaviours, perpetrator psychology, effective means of rehabilitation, and the impact of crime on citizens and society. At the same time, Criminology looks at the factors that drive people to engage in criminal activities.
Criminology overlaps with other academic disciplines, like Psychology, Sociology, Law, Criminal Justice, and Public Policy. This is why many universities offer programmes like Criminology and Psychology, Law and Criminology, or Sociology with Criminology.
A typical Criminology curriculum includes subjects like Juvenile Delinquency, Cultures of Crime, Neighbourhood Dynamics of Crime, Deviance and Social Control, Terrorism, Forensic Science, Criminal Justice, Race and Racism, Social Change, Psychology of Criminal Behaviour, Global Inequality, etc.
Students who choose a Criminology programme are curious about the human condition, psychology, and the unwritten law of cause and effect that seems to govern our behaviour. They understand that in most cases, criminals have been victims of abuse from their family, friends, or local community.
Knowing that, future Criminology graduates want to reduce crime rates by improving society and creating a positive environment in which people’s basic physical, emotional, and mental needs are met and guaranteed.
Criminology graduates can find jobs in the field as counsellors, drug enforcement officials, investigative agents, probation officers or community development workers.
Read moreView all PhDs in Criminology. Keep in mind you can also study an online PhDs in Criminology.