2 answers
Dylan
Student
West Chester, Pennsylvania
1
Question
Updated
2237 views
I am going into sophmore year of college with a Criminology degree, and I am wondering what big things I can do career wise with this degree? #Spring25
A well paying job with a criminology degree
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2 answers
D.J. Benion, MBA
Federal Law Enforcement Officer
34
Answers
Updated
D.J.’s Answer
You're in a great position. A Criminology degree opens a lot of doors if you’re strategic about it. Career-wise, you can definitely go into traditional law enforcement — local police, sheriff’s departments, state police, or federal agencies like the FBI, DEA, ATF, U.S. Marshals, or DHS. These paths usually involve first becoming a patrol officer, special agent, or investigator and then promoting into specialized roles like detective, task force officer, or federal agent.
Beyond law enforcement, you can move into criminal intelligence and analysis roles — working with fusion centers, intelligence units, private security companies, or consulting firms that support government investigations. Criminology is also a strong launchpad for victim advocacy, juvenile justice, or corrections leadership, depending on your interests.
If you’re interested in bigger moves, your degree also sets you up well for graduate programs — like law school (JD), forensic psychology (MA/PhD), or criminal justice administration (MA), which can lead to careers in prosecution, policy-making, or leadership at agencies like DOJ, FBI, or international organizations. Another major option is private sector careers: corporate security, cyber threat analysis, financial crimes investigations, background investigations, risk management, or even working for firms like Pinkerton, Gavin de Becker, or Amazon Corporate Security.
One smart move right now is to start using the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) website — www.bls.gov. It’s the official source for real-world career data: salary ranges, job growth forecasts, required education, and job descriptions. You can go to the “Occupational Outlook Handbook” section and type in jobs like “Police Officer,” “Detective,” “Criminal Investigator,” “Intelligence Analyst,” or “Security Manager.” The BLS will show you exactly what each career involves, what the expected growth is, and what skills employers are looking for. This helps you make decisions now about what certifications, internships, or extra skills to start building before graduation.
Final advice: Start building experience now — internships, volunteer work, campus security jobs, research with professors, or entry-level certifications in intelligence, investigations, or security. Your real-world experience combined with your degree will be what sets you apart by the time you graduate.
Beyond law enforcement, you can move into criminal intelligence and analysis roles — working with fusion centers, intelligence units, private security companies, or consulting firms that support government investigations. Criminology is also a strong launchpad for victim advocacy, juvenile justice, or corrections leadership, depending on your interests.
If you’re interested in bigger moves, your degree also sets you up well for graduate programs — like law school (JD), forensic psychology (MA/PhD), or criminal justice administration (MA), which can lead to careers in prosecution, policy-making, or leadership at agencies like DOJ, FBI, or international organizations. Another major option is private sector careers: corporate security, cyber threat analysis, financial crimes investigations, background investigations, risk management, or even working for firms like Pinkerton, Gavin de Becker, or Amazon Corporate Security.
One smart move right now is to start using the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) website — www.bls.gov. It’s the official source for real-world career data: salary ranges, job growth forecasts, required education, and job descriptions. You can go to the “Occupational Outlook Handbook” section and type in jobs like “Police Officer,” “Detective,” “Criminal Investigator,” “Intelligence Analyst,” or “Security Manager.” The BLS will show you exactly what each career involves, what the expected growth is, and what skills employers are looking for. This helps you make decisions now about what certifications, internships, or extra skills to start building before graduation.
Final advice: Start building experience now — internships, volunteer work, campus security jobs, research with professors, or entry-level certifications in intelligence, investigations, or security. Your real-world experience combined with your degree will be what sets you apart by the time you graduate.
Thank you very much D.J., this was great advice. I will start looking into the websites you provided.
Dylan
Dylan - DJ's advice is spot on, it's the best you'll get!
Chrisanne M
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1207
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Great question, Dylan!
When combined with internships, certificates, or more specialization, a degree in criminology can lead to a number of fulfilling and successful professions. Becoming a probation/parole officer, federal agent (such as with the FBI, DEA, or ATF), crime analyst, or criminal investigator are some of the most promising professional choices. Positions like criminology researcher, policy adviser, or intelligence analyst in government organizations or think tanks are also possibilities if you're more interested in research and policy.
A career in law enforcement leadership is another option, particularly if you intend to advance in your position or take on administrative responsibilities. Given your past, you can also think about pursuing a career in juvenile justice, forensic interviewing, or victim advocacy; depending on the area and agency, these fields can all be emotionally rewarding and pay well.
Think about learning data analysis, psychology, or law skills to expand your career alternatives and income potential. You can discover what most interests you by taking part in research projects, internships, ride-alongs, or even mock trials and criminal justice organizations.
Since you are still in the early stages of your college career, this is an excellent opportunity to explore several options through electives and practical experiences. You're headed in the right direction; keep expanding your abilities and network!
Best wishes!
When combined with internships, certificates, or more specialization, a degree in criminology can lead to a number of fulfilling and successful professions. Becoming a probation/parole officer, federal agent (such as with the FBI, DEA, or ATF), crime analyst, or criminal investigator are some of the most promising professional choices. Positions like criminology researcher, policy adviser, or intelligence analyst in government organizations or think tanks are also possibilities if you're more interested in research and policy.
A career in law enforcement leadership is another option, particularly if you intend to advance in your position or take on administrative responsibilities. Given your past, you can also think about pursuing a career in juvenile justice, forensic interviewing, or victim advocacy; depending on the area and agency, these fields can all be emotionally rewarding and pay well.
Think about learning data analysis, psychology, or law skills to expand your career alternatives and income potential. You can discover what most interests you by taking part in research projects, internships, ride-alongs, or even mock trials and criminal justice organizations.
Since you are still in the early stages of your college career, this is an excellent opportunity to explore several options through electives and practical experiences. You're headed in the right direction; keep expanding your abilities and network!
Best wishes!