1 answer
Jazmine
Student
Mesa, Arizona
1
Question
Updated
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How would double majoring in criminology benefit my speech and hearing science major?
I want to potentially join the FBI or do something involving forensics so I want to have a more well rounded background.
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1 answer
Marchonie Derosier
IT Transformation
6
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Marchonie’s Answer
That's a neat double major! Together, the skills you get from studying those will shop up FBI jobs involving interviewing, victim support, behavior, communication, and analysis. These are the job titles that would align:
Victim Specialist — probably the best combined fit. Criminology aligns well with criminal justice/social science expectations, and Speech and Hearing Science can help with crisis communication, trauma-informed interaction, and supporting victims who have communication challenges. The catch: this role usually requires about three years of direct victim-services experience, so it is not usually a straight-out-of-college job but you can get volunteer or intern experience related to this to strengthen your profile:
- victim advocacy or crisis hotline work
- child services, disability support, or counseling-adjacent experience
- research, interviewing, or behavioral observation
- internships in law enforcement, victim services, intelligence, or social services
Regardless of if you decide to change the combo focusing on developing strong writing and analytical coursework will certainly position well.
Forensic child interview specialist / forensic interviewer-type path — this is where Speech and Hearing Science becomes especially valuable. Knowledge of language development, communication disorders, listening behavior, and child interaction can be highly relevant when interviewing children or vulnerable individuals. Criminology adds the investigative and justice-system side. This is one of the smartest niche combinations if you like people-facing investigative work. 4 7
Intelligence Analyst — criminology is a recognized fit here, and your Speech and Hearing Science background could help if you position it as training in communication patterns, human behavior, careful observation, and analytical interpretation. Highlight in your research, writing, analysis, and possibly language or behavioral work.
Special Agent — criminology is clearly relevant, and you can highlight your skills gained in communication, interviewing, behavior, and interpersonal skill. Also, Special Agent roles require a bachelor’s degree plus professional experience, this could be more of a near-term goal after graduation, not usually an immediate first step.
Victim Specialist — probably the best combined fit. Criminology aligns well with criminal justice/social science expectations, and Speech and Hearing Science can help with crisis communication, trauma-informed interaction, and supporting victims who have communication challenges. The catch: this role usually requires about three years of direct victim-services experience, so it is not usually a straight-out-of-college job but you can get volunteer or intern experience related to this to strengthen your profile:
- victim advocacy or crisis hotline work
- child services, disability support, or counseling-adjacent experience
- research, interviewing, or behavioral observation
- internships in law enforcement, victim services, intelligence, or social services
Regardless of if you decide to change the combo focusing on developing strong writing and analytical coursework will certainly position well.
Forensic child interview specialist / forensic interviewer-type path — this is where Speech and Hearing Science becomes especially valuable. Knowledge of language development, communication disorders, listening behavior, and child interaction can be highly relevant when interviewing children or vulnerable individuals. Criminology adds the investigative and justice-system side. This is one of the smartest niche combinations if you like people-facing investigative work. 4 7
Intelligence Analyst — criminology is a recognized fit here, and your Speech and Hearing Science background could help if you position it as training in communication patterns, human behavior, careful observation, and analytical interpretation. Highlight in your research, writing, analysis, and possibly language or behavioral work.
Special Agent — criminology is clearly relevant, and you can highlight your skills gained in communication, interviewing, behavior, and interpersonal skill. Also, Special Agent roles require a bachelor’s degree plus professional experience, this could be more of a near-term goal after graduation, not usually an immediate first step.