A bachelor’s degree in sociology, psychology, or criminal justice is the first step to a career in sociological criminology. A Ph.D. is required for teaching or research. Sociological criminologists research social problems that lead to criminal behavior and work to reduce crime. They also analyze punishment and rehabilitation efforts. Jobs are available in government agencies, private law firms, and correctional institutions. University studies cover research methods, crime theories, and victims’ rights.
A bachelor’s degree in sociology, psychology, or criminal justice is the first step toward starting a career in sociological criminology. Students who want to teach or conduct research typically earn a Ph.D. in one or more areas. Some regions require internships in sociological criminology and licensing before starting work.
Criminology specialists typically complete courses in the social sciences to learn about deviant behavior and social problems that contribute to crime. Students enrolled in psychology or sociology as their major areas of study are generally taught research methods using statistics, crime theories, and reporting methods. They may specialize in one area and choose the other as a minor field of study.
Sociological criminologists research how social problems lead to criminal behavior and look at ways to reduce the number of crimes committed. They can create profiles of people who commit certain types of crimes to help police investigations. Sociological criminology also analyzes deviant behavior by race, gender, age and class. These criminologists can research how drugs or alcohol affect juvenile delinquency and how juvenile crime relates to adult offenses.
The field also includes work to improve the effectiveness of correctional institutions. Sociological criminology analyzes different forms of punishment and rehabilitation efforts. These studies can be divided by biological, environmental and psychological factors related to incarceration.
These professionals may work for government agencies at the local, state or federal level to develop crime prevention reform strategies. Some criminologists work for private law firms to analyze social factors or personality disorders linked to abnormal behavior. Jobs may also be available in jails, prisons or rehabilitation centers where programs can be analyzed to assess their effectiveness. An internship may be available at law enforcement agencies to help gain experience in criminology.
University studies typically include research methods and theories of normal and deviant behavior. They often include looking at different types of crimes and the psychological roots of abnormal behavior, including the home environment or a criminal’s experiences as a child. Courses can cover how law enforcement interacts with the court system and citizens’ constitutional rights. Studies typically include victims’ rights and how criminal behavior affects them.
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