Best Jobs for Criminology Majors: Salary and Responsibilities Comparison for 2025

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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What jobs are suitable for criminology majors?

There is a wide range of suitable jobs for criminology majors across law enforcement, criminal justice, social services, and research. Here are a few popular career paths: 

Police Detective/Criminal Investigator

These professionals solve crimes and apprehend criminals, using their knowledge of criminal behavior to ensure public safety. They are responsible for gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and building cases for prosecution. Their work is essential for the justice system and for maintaining order in communities.

While the path to becoming a police detective differs from the steps to becoming a private investigator, both roles involve a dedication to solving cases. 

Average Salary: $75,325

Crime Scene Investigator (CSI)

A Crime Scene Investigator, or CSI, is a specialist who meticulously collects and analyzes physical evidence at crime scenes. Their findings are crucial for linking suspects to crimes and helping investigators piece together what happened. The evidence they gather can include fingerprints, DNA, and other trace materials.

Average Salary: $59,636

Private Investigator

Private Investigators conduct independent investigations for various clients, including law firms, businesses, and individuals. They use their understanding of criminology to uncover facts, locate missing persons, and gather information for legal or personal cases. Unlike police, their work is not limited to criminal matters.

Average Salary: $55,726

Forensic Scientist

Forensic Scientists apply scientific methods to analyze evidence from crime scenes. They work in a lab setting, examining everything from DNA and ballistics to toxicology samples. Their expert analysis provides crucial scientific proof that can be used to either convict or exonerate a suspect in a court of law.

To answer the question of “what education is needed to become a forensic scientist?”, a bachelor's degree in a natural science is typically the minimum requirement. This includes degrees in forensic science, chemistry, or biology. 

Average Salary: $79,408

Probation/Parole Officer

These officers supervise individuals who have been released from prison or are serving a sentence in the community. Their role is to help offenders with their rehabilitation and successful reintegration into society. They ensure that individuals comply with the terms of their release and help them access necessary resources like housing, employment, and counseling.

The parole officer education requirements typically include a bachelor's degree in a field such as criminal justice, social work, psychology, or sociology. Many jurisdictions may also require candidates to pass a civil service exam, undergo psychological and physical evaluations, and complete a state-sponsored training academy before they can officially begin their work.

Average Salary: $56,720

Clinical Social Worker

Clinical Social Workers often assist individuals who have experienced trauma, addiction, or have a criminal history. They provide counseling and support, and sometimes collaborate with law enforcement or the justice system. Their work focuses on addressing the underlying issues that may contribute to criminal behavior.

Average Salary: $94,158

Jury Consultant

Jury Consultants provide a unique service to legal teams by helping them select a jury that is as unbiased as possible. They utilize social science and psychological principles to evaluate potential jurors and assist attorneys in understanding how different individuals might respond to a case. Their insights are crucial for developing a robust legal strategy.

Average Salary: $86,430

Criminologist

A Criminologist is a researcher who studies crime and its causes, effects, and social impact. They analyze data to understand trends in criminal behavior and often use their insights to inform public policy and policing strategies. Their work helps to develop more effective prevention and intervention programs.

Average Salary: $81,173

What is the starting salary for a criminology graduate? 

The starting salary for a criminology graduate in the United States typically ranges from about $45,000 to $60,000 per year. The exact criminology salary for an entry-level professional can vary based on the specific job title, location, and sector of employment.

For example, entry-level criminologists and related jobs for criminology majors often begin around $45,000 annually, while early-career professionals may earn closer to $60,000. 

What is the job outlook for graduates with a degree in criminology? 

Graduates with a degree in criminology have a positive job outlook, with employment in related fields projected to grow faster than the national average. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates a 7% growth for sociologists, which includes criminologists, until 2033—a rate quicker than for most occupations.

Career Prospects and Educational Pathways

Demand for criminology-related roles is high across law enforcement, forensic analysis, policy development, and social services. To maximize career opportunities, it's crucial to understand the educational landscape.

Advanced degrees and strong analytical skills can significantly improve your career prospects. A Master's degree, in particular, can be a major advantage when looking for jobs for criminology majors.

What skills do employers look for in a criminology major?

Employers value a wide range of skills in criminology majors, preparing them for diverse roles across criminal justice, law enforcement, research, and social services. A criminology degree opens up numerous career paths, and understanding the specific jobs for criminology majors can help students focus on developing the most sought-after abilities. Here are some of the most sought-after abilities.

Analytical and Critical Thinking

Graduates must be able to synthesize complex arguments and evidence to understand crime and criminal behavior. Critical thinking is also essential for evaluating criminological theory and solving real-world problems by breaking down complex issues into manageable components and developing logical, data-driven solutions. This skill set is fundamental to understanding the root causes of crime and designing effective interventions.

For those looking to enhance their skills in this area, pursuing a fast-track graduate certificate in data analytics online can be an excellent option. Such a program can provide the specialized knowledge needed to analyze crime data, identify patterns, and contribute to evidence-based policy making.

Research and Data Skills

Proficiency in both quantitative and qualitative research methods is crucial for any criminology professional. A strong candidate can competently collect, analyze, and interpret data for crime analysis, policy-making, and evaluating the effectiveness of criminal justice programs. These skills allow professionals to move beyond anecdotal evidence and make informed decisions based on solid, empirical findings.

Communication Skills

Strong written and oral communication is vital for writing detailed reports, delivering effective presentations, and collaborating with diverse teams. The ability to make reasoned arguments and ethical judgments is also highly valued, as professionals must often present their findings clearly and persuasively to a variety of audiences, from judges to community members.

Clear and concise communication is essential for ensuring that complex information is understood and acted upon correctly.

Technical and Computer Skills

Competence in using technology and databases related to criminal justice and data analysis is expected. This includes basic computer literacy and, for some roles, specialized digital skills such as proficiency with statistical software or geographic information systems (GIS) for mapping crime trends. Being technologically savvy allows professionals to manage large datasets efficiently and leverage modern tools to enhance their work.

Interpersonal and Teamwork Skills

Criminology professionals must work effectively both independently and as part of a team. Collaboration with officials, law enforcement, and social services is a common requirement in many roles, making the ability to build and maintain professional relationships essential. A strong team player understands the importance of shared goals and contributes positively to a collaborative work environment.

Observation and Attention to Detail

Keen observation skills are necessary to study human behavior and crime scenes. Attention to detail is also critical for detecting patterns and inconsistencies in evidence or data that others might overlook, which can be the key to solving a case or uncovering a new trend. This meticulous approach ensures accuracy and thoroughness in all aspects of the job.

Legal and Ethical Understanding

A solid grasp of criminal law, legal procedures, and policy is fundamental to working within the justice system. The ability to make ethical decisions is paramount when dealing with sensitive issues related to crime and justice, as professionals must navigate complex moral dilemmas with integrity. This understanding ensures all actions are legally sound and morally defensible. 

To show how these abilities translate into the workplace, the chart below highlights the average criminology major salary by industry, giving you a clear sense of where these skills are most in demand.

What are the key differences between a government job and a private sector job for criminologists?

The key differences between a government job and a private sector job for criminologists center around roles, authority, accountability, pay, and work environments:

Government Jobs

• Roles and Responsibilities: Typically focus on enforcing laws, investigating crimes, managing corrections, and public safety. Jobs for criminology majors include police officers, probation officers, forensic experts, and policy analysts.
• Authority: Government criminologists and law enforcement officers have broad legal authority, including arrest powers and access to extensive law enforcement databases.
• Accountability: Accountable to the public, legal system, and government regulations, with strict adherence to constitutional rights and procedures.
• Work Environment: Often involves working in agencies like police departments, courts, prisons, and government research organizations.
• Pay and Benefits: Generally offer stable salaries with good benefits, pension plans, and job security, but may have slower salary growth compared to the private sector.
• Legal Constraints: Subject to strict rules on searches, evidence collection, and use of force.

Private Sector Jobs

• Roles and Responsibilities: Focus on protecting specific assets, individuals, or organizations. Jobs may include private investigators, security consultants, and corporate crime analysts.
• Authority: Limited legal powers compared to government officials; private security typically cannot make arrests (unless deputized) and operate under less stringent constitutional regulations.
• Accountability: Accountable primarily to employers, clients, or private companies rather than the public.
• Work Environment: Work for private companies, security firms, corporations, and consultancy agencies.
• Pay and Benefits: Often higher pay potential with performance-based incentives, but job security and benefits may be less stable.
• Flexibility and Innovation: Can adopt flexible, innovative approaches but face less oversight; may use techniques not available in public policing.

Forensic-focused criminology graduates may also weigh opportunities based on what state pays the most for forensic technicians, since location significantly affects compensation in both government and private sector careers.

How long does it take to complete a degree in criminology?

A typical bachelor's degree in criminology takes about three to four years to complete on a full-time basis. For example, the Bachelor of Criminology program at some universities requires completion of around 144 units (about 24 courses), which usually spans three years if studying full-time.

Other institutions may offer a four-year program depending on curriculum structure and additional practical training requirements.

If a student pursues the degree part-time, it may take longer. Additionally, combining criminology with another degree in a double degree program can extend the duration to four to five years. Postgraduate degrees, such as a master’s in criminology, typically take one to two years to complete.

Some students extend their studies by applying to grad school for a different major, using criminology as a foundation for advanced work in law, psychology, or public policy. This pathway may lengthen overall study time but can also expand career options.

What is the average cost of a degree in criminology?

The average cost of a bachelor's degree in criminology in the United States ranges widely, depending on the school and program format. For 2025, typical tuition costs for an online criminology bachelor's degree are approximately between $6,000 and $16,000 per year at many public universities. 

On average, the total tuition and fees for a bachelor's in criminology were about $12,815 in 2020, according to National Center for Education Statistics data, with net prices after financial aid often closer to $6,144 annually.

The overall cost, including living expenses, books, and materials, can range from approximately $10,000 to $40,000 for tuition plus $17,000 to $20,000 for living expenses over the duration of the degree. Costs tend to be lower at in-state public universities and higher at private institutions.

Students looking to reduce tuition may start at cheap accredited online community colleges, completing general education before transferring to a four-year criminology program. This route often cuts overall expenses significantly.

To better understand the typical educational paths students choose, the chart below outlines the most common criminologist degrees, showing how many professionals in the field pursue bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral-level study.

What are the financial aid options for criminology majors?

Financial aid options for criminology majors include a variety of scholarships, grants, fellowships, federal work-study programs, and student loans. Specific scholarships often focus on criminal justice or criminology students and may have criteria such as academic merit, community involvement, or being related to law enforcement. 

Examples include scholarships like the Paul Janosky Criminal Justice Scholarship, Women in Federal Law Enforcement Scholarship, and others that award amounts from $500 to $25,000, depending on the program and level of study.

Other financial aid options include:

• Grants and fellowships that may be available for undergraduate and graduate students.
• Federal work-study programs that support part-time work while studying.
• Student loans, including federal and private options.
• Some scholarships also target specific groups, such as children of law enforcement officers or students researching particular aspects of criminology.

Students are encouraged to apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) early to maximize their chances of receiving financial aid, and to carefully research and apply for scholarships specific to criminal justice or criminology majors, paying close attention to deadlines and application requirements like essays and letters of recommendation.

Additionally, some universities offer aid packages or dual-focus opportunities tied to the benefits of pursuing a dual degree in psychology, which can complement criminology training and make students more competitive for specialized roles.

While financial aid can help you pay for school, it's also important to know where you can find a job after graduation. 

How to Choose the Best Criminology Major

Choosing the best criminology major involves considering multiple aspects, including personal interests, career goals, program reputation, curriculum, internship opportunities, faculty expertise, and financial factors.

Key points to consider when choosing a criminology major include the following:

• Interest and Career Goals: Decide if the focus is on crime theories, criminal behavior, law enforcement, forensic science, or policy analysis. Some may prefer roles behind the scenes in research, while others want direct law enforcement involvement.
• Program Reputation and Faculty: Research the reputation and accreditation of the program as well as faculty who have expertise in areas of criminology that align with personal interests.
• Curriculum and Specializations: Look into the core and elective courses offered, which may cover topics like criminal law, forensic psychology, juvenile delinquency, cybercrime, and policing. Ensure the curriculum fits desired career paths.
• Internships and Practical Experiences: Schools with strong connections to criminal justice agencies provide valuable internships, co-ops, and hands-on experience. The experience can be an advantage in searching for jobs for criminology majors.
• Financial and Location Factors: Consider tuition costs, available financial aid, scholarships, and the location's proximity to criminal justice institutions for networking.
• Alumni Success and Career Support: Programs with active alumni networks and high job placement rates add value by opening career opportunities.

What are the various specializations within forensic science careers?

Forensic science careers offer a wide range of specializations, each focusing on different aspects of scientific investigation related to crime. The major specializations within forensic science careers include:

• Forensic Science (Laboratory Analysis): Specialists who analyze physical evidence from crime scenes, such as DNA, blood, fingerprints, and other trace evidence. Roles include forensic scientists, fingerprint analysts, and crime scene technicians.
• Forensic Pathology: Professionals who examine the deceased to determine the cause of death through autopsies. Careers include medical examiners, coroners, forensic pathologists, and autopsy technicians.
• Forensic Anthropology: Experts who study human skeletal remains to identify victims and determine causes of death or trauma.
• Forensic Toxicology: Specialists who test bodily fluids for drugs, poisons, and other substances to understand the cause of death or impairment.
• Digital Forensics: Professionals who recover and investigate material found in digital devices related to cybercrime or digital evidence.

What are the ethical challenges faced by criminologists in their careers?

Different jobs for criminology majors may pose several ethical challenges. These conflicts are often related to the nature of the work and the contexts in which they operate:

• Intrusion and Privacy: Criminological research often involves intrusion into the lives of subjects, raising concerns about respecting privacy while conducting empirical studies, particularly with vulnerable or deviant populations.
• Confidentiality vs. Legal Obligations: Balancing the ethical obligation to maintain confidentiality with legal duties to disclose criminal activities or risks to others can be complex and fraught with moral tension.
• Value-neutrality vs. Advocacy: Trained as value-free social scientists, criminologists may struggle with maintaining scientific objectivity while working in legal contexts that demand clear conclusions, which raises dilemmas about advocacy and neutrality.
• Use and Potential Misuse of Research: Criminologists must consider how their findings might be used or misused in legal or policy settings, including the risk of selective presentation of evidence that could affect judicial outcomes.
• Ethical Policing of Research: Navigating between cooperating with criminal justice agencies and maintaining independent ethical standards can be challenging, especially when political or institutional interests are involved.

Here's What Graduates Have to Say About Jobs for Criminology Majors

Other Things You Should Know About Jobs for Criminology Majors 

Is criminology in demand in the U.S.?

Yes, criminology is in demand in the U.S., with job growth projected at about 7% from 2023 to 2033. Opportunities exist particularly in areas like corrections, police, and probation/parole officers, although demand can vary regionally due to financial and social factors.

Additionally, criminology graduates with interdisciplinary skills, such as psychology or social services knowledge, may find increased employability. Demand remains stable overall, despite temporary challenges brought by the pandemic. Criminology careers offer diverse paths in law enforcement, research, policy, and related fields.

What is the highest-paying job in criminology?

The highest-paying job in criminology is a judge, with an average salary of about $128,710 annually. Judges oversee court proceedings, make legal decisions, and determine sentencing, requiring a law degree, experience as an attorney, and passing a licensing exam.

Other high-paying roles include attorneys, FBI specialists, and forensic psychologists, with salaries typically ranging from $90,000 to $130,000 depending on experience and specialization. Careers in criminology that demand advanced degrees or legal qualifications tend to offer the best pay.

Is criminology a hard course?

Criminology can be moderately challenging, but its difficulty largely depends on individual interests, strengths, and dedication. It involves studying complex theories related to crime, criminal behavior, and the legal system, often requiring strong analytical, research, and communication skills. Students face a diverse curriculum that includes psychology, sociology, law, and forensics, which can be demanding but manageable with commitment. 

What social work careers are available for a criminology major?

Social work careers available to criminology majors include criminal justice social workers, probation and parole officers, victim advocates, substance abuse counselors, and community outreach coordinators. These roles involve supporting offenders, victims, and families by providing rehabilitation services and access to social, legal, and psychiatric resources.

Many work in courts, correctional facilities, hospitals, and non-profits. Additional qualifications, like a bachelor’s or master’s degree in social work and licensing, are often required for social work specialization within criminology.