21 answers
Keira
Student
Elmwood Park, Illinois
2
Questions
Asked
2136 views
What jobs can I get with a bachelors in Criminology?
I am currently an accounting major and hate it. Business related classes like economics, finance, etc., are so boring to me but I chose this major for job security. I've been thinking about switching to a BA in Criminology but I'm worried about the job outlook since many do not earn a decent salary or end up going back for their masters. What criminology jobs have an essence of business and can provide some financial security?
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21 answers
Paul A. Wherry
Consultant
1
Answer
Steubenville, Ohio
Updated
Paul A.’s Answer
You can choose to work in law enforcement or become a lawyer. If you like doing research and working with numbers, becoming a forensic accountant might be a good fit for you.
DERRICK FRIMPONG
Consultant
7
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
DERRICK’s Answer
You can pursue a career in law enforcement, like becoming a court officer or joining the police force. You could also explore forensics. Criminology offers many exciting paths, so you can start by finding the one you like best.
Lauren Glenn
Senior Services Support Associate
4
Answers
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Lauren’s Answer
A criminology degree can lead to many exciting jobs like working in law enforcement, helping in prisons, studying crime scenes, doing research, supporting victims, or shaping policies. By doing internships, gaining research experience, and building a professional network, you can boost your career options and explore different specialties.
Zack Bohn, CPA
Accountant - Audit
2
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Zack’s Answer
Great question! In college I actually took a course where we worked with a certified fraud examiner and we spent the semester helping work a case! This would fall under job titles like fraud examiner, forensic accountant, or even some extensions of internal audit who specialist in fraud. Even though it was a small slice, we spent time doing more 'investigation' type procedures like interviewing local business owners about their specific situation being investigated, researching information obtained from law enforcement (bank records / statements), and looking at accounting transactions to paint a picture of where fraud occurred. It was a great way to volunteer and help a local business, and I know our instructors were really passionate about their jobs and enjoyed the work because of the mix between more law-enforcement activities and accounting-numbers focus. I may be biased as an accountant myself, but I really do think having an accounting background will be incredibly beneficial as a foundation for many other careers, so don't give up!
Larissa Biazzotto Herman
Project Manager
6
Answers
Charleston, South Carolina
Updated
Larissa’s Answer
Switching to Criminology doesn't have to mean giving up financial security, especially with your accounting background, that combo is actually lowkey a cheat code for a specific lane called financial crimes. Think about roles like Fraud Examiner, Forensic Accountant, or AML Analyst (Anti-Money Laundering). These jobs have you investigating things like embezzlement, money laundering, and corporate fraud, and companies like big banks, the Big 4 accounting firms, and even the FBI are constantly hiring for them. Salaries are solid too, typically starting around $60K and climbing well past $100K with experience. Your accounting knowledge doesn't go to waste either, it actually makes you stand out compared to a typical Criminology grad who has zero business background.
The move that would really set you up is either double majoring or picking up a business minor alongside Criminology, so you have both worlds covered on your resume. After graduation, certifications like the CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner) or CAMS (anti-money laundering cert) can open doors without needing a master's degree, which is the thing most people stress about. Federal agencies like the IRS Criminal Investigation division and the SEC also actively look for people with exactly your kind of hybrid background, and those gigs come with great job security and benefits. Basically, the "Criminology jobs don't pay well" stereotype is true for some paths, but the financial crimes route is a totally different story.
The move that would really set you up is either double majoring or picking up a business minor alongside Criminology, so you have both worlds covered on your resume. After graduation, certifications like the CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner) or CAMS (anti-money laundering cert) can open doors without needing a master's degree, which is the thing most people stress about. Federal agencies like the IRS Criminal Investigation division and the SEC also actively look for people with exactly your kind of hybrid background, and those gigs come with great job security and benefits. Basically, the "Criminology jobs don't pay well" stereotype is true for some paths, but the financial crimes route is a totally different story.
wow, very interesting. I didn't know any of these professions were an option. Thanks so much
Keira
Alexis A
Personnel Security Specialist
2
Answers
Statesboro, Georgia
Updated
Alexis’s Answer
I got a degree in accounting and hated it. I loved the problem solving aspect of it but I was missing the people piece that I was looking for to feel fulfilled. Of course I interacted with people, it just felt very transactional. I went back to school and got a degree in human resources management. While I was working on those degrees, I was working as a 911 dispatcher. It was a tough job but I loved helping people and being that support in their time of need. When I finished with my HR degree, I was like ok now what. I have two degrees and working a job I love but I wanted, more money and a normalish schedule so I was looking for roles that combined the things I loved about my job, the things I loved about accounting, and the people aspect. I was applying to pretty much exclusively HR related roles and one day I came across an early careers program that allowed me to spend three years exploring different roles within the government practice. The idea was to spend about a year in 3 different rotations and then make a selection about where you would want your permanent home to be. The rest as they say is history. I ended up in a career I had never even heard of and I LOVE it. I am a Personnel Security Specialist, sometimes called Industrial Security. Each day brings me a new challenge. I get to solve problems, help people overcome hurdles, and I have that human to human contact each day. Many people in this field have backgrounds in criminology. Some started as background investigators before making the transition, others come from completely unrelated backgrounds. We are a truly diverse bunch. Salary starts around 70,000k and on the upper end at the more senior levels, before entering management, around 115,000k. Don't limit yourself based on your degree or what you think you want. If you have an opportunity to explore with an early career program similar to the one that I participated in, take it! Life will surprise you and the most interesting and rewarding opportunities present themselves when you aren't even looking for them!
This was super helpful, thank you!
Keira
Marchonie Derosier
IT Transformation
10
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Marchonie’s Answer
great question! If you are willing to consider making accounting a minor, think about
Corporate investigations / compliance investigator. The job would be a combo of “criminology + business” because you investigate misconduct, policy violations, or internal fraud inside organizations. The focus is heavier on policies and determining if someone is not following policy. Salary range is $57.5K–$82.
Another option is Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Analyst if you like financial crimes; salary range for those that have experience is $53,990 to $61,690 and Entry-Level starts approximately at $49,711
Fraud Investor could be a third option - Entry-Level is approximately $67,568; salary range is $61K–$78K with more experience
If you want to only focus on criminology then options like police detective at the state or federal level (entry is $68,582 per year) or probation officer (entry $55,000 - $63,000) annually would be your options.
Hope that helps!
Look for internships in bank compliance, insurance SIU, corporate security, internal investigations starting as early as sophomore year.
Corporate investigations / compliance investigator. The job would be a combo of “criminology + business” because you investigate misconduct, policy violations, or internal fraud inside organizations. The focus is heavier on policies and determining if someone is not following policy. Salary range is $57.5K–$82.
Another option is Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Analyst if you like financial crimes; salary range for those that have experience is $53,990 to $61,690 and Entry-Level starts approximately at $49,711
Fraud Investor could be a third option - Entry-Level is approximately $67,568; salary range is $61K–$78K with more experience
If you want to only focus on criminology then options like police detective at the state or federal level (entry is $68,582 per year) or probation officer (entry $55,000 - $63,000) annually would be your options.
Hope that helps!
Marchonie recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a thoughtful response. I will definitely be utilizing this information.
Keira
Abigail Miller
Actor, Business Consultant
13
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Abigail’s Answer
Many of my colleagues have already shared some great advice on jobs that combine criminology and business. Instead of repeating that, I want to share my own journey. I have a degree in both business and criminal justice, and this mix of skills opened many doors for me. My criminal justice studies taught me to think differently, especially in understanding investigative processes. I learned to spot patterns and motivations, which has been very useful in my business career.
My advice is to focus on how you can tell your unique story to get the job you want. Think about the skills needed for that job that aren't always mentioned, like recognizing patterns, assessing risks, and identifying trends. These can come from your background in criminology or criminal justice. If you can communicate that story well, you'll find great opportunities along the way.
My advice is to focus on how you can tell your unique story to get the job you want. Think about the skills needed for that job that aren't always mentioned, like recognizing patterns, assessing risks, and identifying trends. These can come from your background in criminology or criminal justice. If you can communicate that story well, you'll find great opportunities along the way.
Carrie Cristinzio
CPA
11
Answers
McLean, Virginia
Updated
Carrie’s Answer
There are already some great answers! Forensic accounting came to my mind right away. Continuing your accounting studies while exploring areas like forensics, cyber, fraud, and criminal studies could be an exciting and rewarding direction for you.
Justin Broyles
Consultant
12
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Justin’s Answer
It sounds to me like you could combine your current work in accounting with your interest in criminology to potentially pursue the career of a forensic accountant. This is one of the most exciting financial services careers you can pursue in my opinion. While looking at numbers all day can be draining for many, forensic accountants do this to help solve crimes. So you're basically a detective, solving crimes from your computer with numbers instead of on the streets and that can be thrilling!
As an overall piece of advice, I would say that while your major is important, it is not the end all, be all for you. If you were to major in accounting, that doesn't mean you will be an accountant in the professional world. I meet so many people everyday with unique backgrounds that you would never expect for their role. For example, I majored in History & Political Science at my alma mater and so far in my career, I have worked deep into Risk Management, Financial Services, and now the Healthcare industry. So you never truly know where your career path will take you and what skills will be relevant in the future!
As an overall piece of advice, I would say that while your major is important, it is not the end all, be all for you. If you were to major in accounting, that doesn't mean you will be an accountant in the professional world. I meet so many people everyday with unique backgrounds that you would never expect for their role. For example, I majored in History & Political Science at my alma mater and so far in my career, I have worked deep into Risk Management, Financial Services, and now the Healthcare industry. So you never truly know where your career path will take you and what skills will be relevant in the future!
Lisa Shane
26
Answers
Updated
Lisa’s Answer
I have a Bachelor's degree in History, but I ended up working in Human Resources. I used the skills I gained during my studies, like researching, communicating, and forming strong hypotheses, when I applied for jobs. I also did internships during college to gain work experience and took summer jobs unrelated to my career, like working at an amusement park. There, I learned conflict resolution and customer service. I believe that the specific degree doesn't always matter; it's the skills you learn that count.
Bill Vorhies
Professional Services
14
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Bill’s Answer
This may sound counter intuitive, but in certain instances studying topics that may not interest you now, will qualify you for opportunities you may desire in the future. An undergraduate degree in business (or accounting) is one of the most versatile and marketable degrees, providing a solid foundation to pursue a wide range of jobs, giving you the chance to find something you really like. However, at the end of the day, you do want to pursue a career in something that interests you and that you love.
Leslie A. Dey, CSM, MSMIT
Management
6
Answers
Richmond, Virginia
Updated
Leslie A.’s Answer
LOL. I feel your pain. I too started as an accounting major and found it utterly dull, but as you stated, the secure way to go. By my junior year in college, I switched to marketing which I loved. I was able to leverage my marketing/business degree into teaching and then I.T. If at all possible, follow your passion. Choosing a career based on what you think will provide security will never bring you joy. Doing a job that you love will make you feel so much better.
Gauri Gosavi
8
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Gauri’s Answer
If you switch to criminology, focus on jobs like compliance, fraud analysis, AML/KYC, corporate investigations, and risk. Those are the criminology-related paths that have more business value and better financial stability than things like corrections or basic loss prevention.
I wouldn’t do criminology alone if you want security. A criminology major + business, finance, analytics, or accounting minor is a much stronger combo because it makes you more employable in banks, insurance, and corporate roles.
If you hate accounting, switching can make sense — just don’t switch without a plan. Build skills like Excel, writing, research, and data analysis, and try to get internships in compliance or fraud early.
I wouldn’t do criminology alone if you want security. A criminology major + business, finance, analytics, or accounting minor is a much stronger combo because it makes you more employable in banks, insurance, and corporate roles.
If you hate accounting, switching can make sense — just don’t switch without a plan. Build skills like Excel, writing, research, and data analysis, and try to get internships in compliance or fraud early.
Saxon Stewart
Audit & Assurance - Financial Services
7
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Saxon’s Answer
A bachelor's degree in criminology opens doors to rewarding and stable careers, especially in fields related to business and regulation. Some of the best positions include AML/KYC analyst, fraud investigator, compliance officer, financial examiner, and corporate investigations. These jobs use the investigative skills from criminology but are based in banks, insurance companies, consulting firms, and other business environments, often offering better pay and stability than typical criminal justice roles.
If you're feeling stuck, don't switch careers just because you're bored, but also don't stay in accounting if you truly dislike it. Consider shifting to criminology while adding practical skills through a minor or electives in data analytics, business law, information systems, or fraud examination. This combination makes you a strong candidate for entry-level roles that don't immediately require a master's degree and can lead to good salaries over time.
If you're feeling stuck, don't switch careers just because you're bored, but also don't stay in accounting if you truly dislike it. Consider shifting to criminology while adding practical skills through a minor or electives in data analytics, business law, information systems, or fraud examination. This combination makes you a strong candidate for entry-level roles that don't immediately require a master's degree and can lead to good salaries over time.
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
Keira
Jackie Sookraj (formerly Sumer)
Human Resources / Talent Management
1
Answer
Cleveland, Ohio
Updated
Jackie’s Answer
I agree with everyone else—there are already some great answers! Check out job listings in criminology or related fields like the FBI or finance across the country. Look at the qualifications they require. Having a degree in accounting along with criminology can really make you stand out. I don't work in accounting now, but I did major in it, and it helped me get a great job at Deloitte. From there, I moved into Human Resources. I don't think I would be where I am today without my accounting background. It's a degree that opens up many different opportunities.
Hovendra Parasram
Tax Consultant
19
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Hovendra’s Answer
It's perfectly fine to realize a major isn't the best fit for you. Choosing a career just for job security can lead to burnout, so it's wise to think about what truly interests you.
A bachelor's degree in Criminology opens doors to careers in law enforcement, probation, fraud investigation, corporate security, compliance, intelligence analysis, victim advocacy, and government work. If you're interested in combining criminology with business, consider roles like:
- Fraud Examiner or Financial Crime Investigator
- Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Analyst
- Compliance or Risk Analyst
- Corporate Security and Loss Prevention
- Insurance Fraud Investigator
These jobs often involve investigating financial crimes, analyzing transactions, and helping organizations manage risks. They offer good salaries and growth opportunities, often without needing a graduate degree.
Before changing majors, talk to professors, career counselors, and professionals in these fields. Sometimes students find introductory business courses dull but enjoy specialized areas like forensic accounting or risk management.
Remember, no degree alone guarantees happiness or financial security. The best outcomes usually come from finding what interests you, what you're good at, and what the job market needs. If criminology excites you, there are definitely paths to meaningful work and financial stability.
A bachelor's degree in Criminology opens doors to careers in law enforcement, probation, fraud investigation, corporate security, compliance, intelligence analysis, victim advocacy, and government work. If you're interested in combining criminology with business, consider roles like:
- Fraud Examiner or Financial Crime Investigator
- Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Analyst
- Compliance or Risk Analyst
- Corporate Security and Loss Prevention
- Insurance Fraud Investigator
These jobs often involve investigating financial crimes, analyzing transactions, and helping organizations manage risks. They offer good salaries and growth opportunities, often without needing a graduate degree.
Before changing majors, talk to professors, career counselors, and professionals in these fields. Sometimes students find introductory business courses dull but enjoy specialized areas like forensic accounting or risk management.
Remember, no degree alone guarantees happiness or financial security. The best outcomes usually come from finding what interests you, what you're good at, and what the job market needs. If criminology excites you, there are definitely paths to meaningful work and financial stability.
deep sam
manager
28
Answers
Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
Updated
deep’s Answer
How to make criminology more useful:
Combine it with a minor or certificate in business, analytics, or information systems.
Focus on getting internships in areas like fraud, compliance, risk, or investigations.
Improve your technical skills, such as Excel, SQL, and reporting tools.
Look for jobs where both criminology and business skills are appreciated.
If accounting doesn't feel right, changing paths can be a good choice, but plan it carefully. Use criminology as a strong base and add a clear specialty to it.
Combine it with a minor or certificate in business, analytics, or information systems.
Focus on getting internships in areas like fraud, compliance, risk, or investigations.
Improve your technical skills, such as Excel, SQL, and reporting tools.
Look for jobs where both criminology and business skills are appreciated.
If accounting doesn't feel right, changing paths can be a good choice, but plan it carefully. Use criminology as a strong base and add a clear specialty to it.
Kurt Hollis
Software Implementations and Upgrades
4
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Kurt’s Answer
Being that I am into Business Software and Technology, and based on what you mentioned, I can recommend Cyber Security for technology at companies to protect against cyber attacks and fraud. That is a part of both Finance and Criminology.
Many companies need to better protect from intrusion and computer attacks. The jobs involve many aspects of protecting the business and people. The good news, this career area is growing and it pays well.
Many companies need to better protect from intrusion and computer attacks. The jobs involve many aspects of protecting the business and people. The good news, this career area is growing and it pays well.
Noah Allen
1
Answer
Updated
Noah’s Answer
Think about not just your major, but also the specific classes that excite you. When I was in college, some classes grabbed my attention more than others. With a Criminology degree, you can explore many fields, especially in professional services that deal with security and fraud. If a certain area interests you, consider getting certifications or attending bootcamps in that field. Your degree is just the start, opening up a world of opportunities. Don't worry about making the perfect choice right now. You've got this!
Julieann Parr LeVan
Cyber Security Consultant
3
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Julieann’s Answer
Hello,
Feeling unsure is completely normal! Consider how many credits you might lose if you switch majors. Accounting offers many opportunities and can lead to great companies like Deloitte, which is one of the "big 4" firms. They have a strong accounting presence but also offer exciting roles in cyber forensics. Remember, you don't have to work strictly in the field of your degree. Often, your education opens up many possibilities. If you find your classes useful, sticking with accounting might be beneficial, and you can still pursue a career that involves criminology. Exploring cyber security could also be a great option! Best of luck!
Feeling unsure is completely normal! Consider how many credits you might lose if you switch majors. Accounting offers many opportunities and can lead to great companies like Deloitte, which is one of the "big 4" firms. They have a strong accounting presence but also offer exciting roles in cyber forensics. Remember, you don't have to work strictly in the field of your degree. Often, your education opens up many possibilities. If you find your classes useful, sticking with accounting might be beneficial, and you can still pursue a career that involves criminology. Exploring cyber security could also be a great option! Best of luck!