Criminology Courses: Scope, Jobs, Salary & Admission Process

Criminology is the branch of science which deals with crime, criminal behavior and the justice system.

Criminology covers the scientific study involving the cause of crime, methods of investigation and different ways to prevent criminal activities.

If you’re someone who is interested in law, investigation, psychology and science and wish to contribute in this field, then pursuing a career in Criminology could be the best career option for you.

Candidates interested in this field can pursue various UG, PG and certification courses. In this article aspirants can explore Criminology courses after 12th, eligibility criteria, career prospects and job opportunities in this field.

Also Check – Career in Forensic Science

Criminology Courses

Candidates interested in Criminology, can pursue a wide range of degree, diploma, and certificate programs.

Below is a list of varios courses in Criminology:

Undergraduate (UG) Courses

• BA Criminology
• BA Criminology & Criminal Justice
• BA Forensic Science & Criminology
• BA Criminology & Psychology
• B.Sc. in Forensic Science with Criminology

Postgraduate (PG) Courses

• MA Criminology
• MA Criminology & Criminal Justice
• M.Sc. Criminology & Forensic Science
• Post Graduate Diploma in Criminology

Doctoral Courses

• Ph.D. in Criminology
• Ph.D. in Criminology & Criminal Justice

Eligibility Criteria

For admission in the Criminology programs, candidates must meet the following eligibility Conditions:

For UG Courses

• Candidates must have passed 10+2 (any stream – Arts/Science/Commerce) from a recognized board.
  A minimum of 50% aggregate marks is required.
• Preference is sometimes given to students from Arts (Psychology, Sociology, Political Science) or Science backgrounds.

For PG Courses

• A Bachelor’s degree in Criminology, Sociology, Psychology, Law, Forensic Science, or any related discipline.
• A minimum mark of 50–55% aggregate marks is required.
  Some universities conduct entrance exams + personal interviews (e.g., TISS, DU, BHU).

For Ph.D

• A Master’s degree (MA/M.Sc) in Criminology or related subject.
• Must qualify UGC-NET/JRF or university entrance exam.

Admission Process

The admission in UG courses like BA or B.Sc Criminology is done on the basis of entrance exams conducted at university or national level.

Most universities accept CUET UG exam for admission to the bachelor’s program and CUET PG for admission to master’s courses.

Some private universities also conduct their own entrance exams for admission to various UG and PG courses.

Top Colleges & Universities

• Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai
• Gujarat Forensic Sciences University (GFSU), Gandhinagar
• University of Madras, Chennai
• Osmania University, Hyderabad
• Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi
• University of Pune (Savitribai Phule Pune University), Pune
• University of Delhi (DU), Delhi
• Andhra University, Visakhapatnam
• Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli
• University of Mysore, Mysuru

Career Scope

Criminology is an emerging career option in India as well as abroad. A professional holding a degree or doctoral qualification in this field is known as a criminologist.

With the rise of detective agencies and increasing focus on crime prevention, the demand for trained criminology professionals is growing at a decent pace.

The field offers diverse career opportunities for criminologists, forensic scientists, research assistants, investigators, and criminal analysts.

After completing a course in criminology, candidates can find employment in multiple sectors such as the Forensic Department, Police Services, Research Institutions, Medical and Private Hospitals, CBI, Judiciary, Crime Laboratories, Colleges and Universities, Legal Departments of MNCs, Prison Reform Programs, and even international agencies like the FBI and Interpol.

I want to work as a criminologist, what skills do I need?

Skills Required to become a Criminologist

Analytical Skills: You should have the ability to predict effectively or solve complicated crime situations to produce well structured results.

Data Collection: The collected data on the spot of crime should be informative and understanding. The way of collecting data should be organized and clean.

Crime Techniques: You should follow the different techniques every time to analyze the data gathered from various sources in the crime places.

Criminal Behaviour: It is very important to understand and have criminal behaviour knowledge. If one has full knowledge about a criminal’s behaviour then you can easily understand the reasons for their crimes.

Good Public Speaking Skills: You have to build up this quality inside you to put your words forward in public places.

Research Skills: First, you have to know the research techniques before investigating any case. Research is very important in every field of investigation.

Knowledge of Computers: The knowledge of computers and the internet is necessary nowadays. All sources of collecting information and gathering are mostly done through the internet.

Job Profiles

After completing the course, candidates can work in the following job roles:

• Criminologist
• Forensic Scientist
• Criminal Investigator
• Crime Analyst
• Criminal Psychologist
• Rehabilitation Specialist
• Social Worker (Criminal Justice)
• Legal Analyst
• Lecturer / Researcher in Criminology
• Police Officer / Law Enforcement Officer
• Private Detective / Security Consultant

Top Recruiters

The top sectors and organizations recruiting criminology professional are as the following:

• Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
• Intelligence Bureau (IB)
• Research & Analysis Wing (RAW)
• National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB)
• State Police Departments
• Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)
• Forensic Science Laboratories (FSLs)
• Judicial and Legal Institutions
• National Institute of Criminology and Forensic Science (NICFS)
• Human Rights Organizations & NGOs
• Correctional Homes & Rehabilitation Centers
• Private Security & Investigation Firms
• Colleges & Universities (Academia & Research)

Salary and Payscale

The salary of professionals working in the Criminology field, depends on their qualification, experience and organization they are employed in.

While most of the jobs in this field are available in government sectors in institutions like CBI, RAW, Police Departments, Intelligence Bureau etc.

The salary of professionals in the government sector is anywhere between ₹8 – 18 LPA. The salary also covers various other allowances.

In private sector or NGO’s, the salaries are competitive and are performance driven and can vary between ₹4-15 LPA.

Books & Study Materials

Here is the list of top books that candidates can refer for building a strong foundation and pursuing a career in criminolgy.

• Criminology for Dummies by Steven Briggs
• Student Handbook of Criminal Justice and Criminology by John Muncie & David Wilson
• Key Readings In Criminology by Tim Newburn
• The Oxford Handbook of Criminology Fifth Edition by Mike Maguire
• Criminology by Tim Newburn
• Criminology: A Reader by Yvonne Jewkes and Gayle Lether

FAQ’s

For more information about Criminology courses, feel free to leave your comments below.