What can you do with a Criminology degree?

First, some facts. Of the Criminology graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:

These are estimates based on AI analysis of 841 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Significantly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 52%, Criminology graduates have a much lower likelihood (-15%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.

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Also, after graduating, only 33% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Criminology graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.

See the details:

• What jobs can you get with a Criminology degree?
• What do Criminology graduates do 1, 5 or 10 years out?
• How hard is a Criminology degree? How long does it take?
• How much money can you make with a Criminology degree?
• What are the best colleges for Criminology?

View a random Criminology graduate and our analysis:

Relevance score: 100% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree. DEGREE INFO Graduated in 2013 from University of South Florida with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Criminology. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION Paralegal/Office Manager Legal Advocate Group Mar 2013 - Dec 2013 As a Paralegal/Office Manager at Legal Advocate Group, the role directly utilizes skills and knowledge acquired from a Bachelor's degree in Criminology, particularly in legal procedures and documentation. Paralegal Taracks Gomez & Rickman 2014 - 2014 The position of Paralegal at Taracks Gomez & Rickman requires specific knowledge of law and criminal procedures that aligns closely with the educational background in Criminology. Paralegal Self Employed (Contractual) Jan 2015 - Present Being a Self-Employed Paralegal relies on legal knowledge and skills, which correspond directly to the Criminology degree, demonstrating a consistent application of the foundational education. ABOUT No information provided.

What jobs can you get with a Criminology degree?

The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:

• Intern
• Law Clerk
• Legal Assistant
• Police Officer
• Legal Intern
• Paralegal
• Case Manager
• Security Officer
• Associate Attorney
• Correctional Officer

When we take a look at the various job trajectories of graduates with a degree in Criminology, it’s clear that the paths they choose can vary significantly. Many grads from this field gravitate towards careers directly related to law enforcement, criminal justice, or social work. A considerable number join police departments as officers, engage in roles such as probation officers, or work within legal settings like law firms and court systems. These positions utilize the core concepts from their studies, such as understanding criminal behavior, law enforcement practices, and advocacy for victims of crimes.

However, not every Criminology graduate goes straight into careers that align perfectly with their degree. A surprisingly large number end up in jobs that, while they might use some skills from their education, don’t directly apply criminological principles on a daily basis. Positions in sales, administrative roles, and even in hospitality make up a significant portion of the job data. For example, quite a few graduates took roles as sales associates, teachers, or in sectors like marketing and finance, where criminological knowledge isn’t particularly relevant. Many of these jobs require valuable soft skills like communication, organization, and problem-solving, yet they do not fundamentally involve the specialized knowledge acquired during their studies.

In summary, while many Criminology graduates do find highly relevant and impactful careers within law enforcement and social services, a considerable number also engage in professions that are less related to their educational background. It reveals a dual reality: there's a substantial demand for criminologists in traditional roles directly linked to their field but also a notable trend towards more generalized careers that may utilize their diverse skill sets, albeit not directly applying criminology knowledge regularly.

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Criminology graduates:

What kind of career trajectories do Criminology graduates have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

Looking at the career trajectories of people who graduated with a degree in Criminology, it’s really interesting to see the mix of paths they take right out of college and how these paths evolve over time. Most of these graduates seem to either find careers directly related to the field of criminology or move into positions that still involve some aspect of law enforcement, social services, or legal work. It’s not a straight line for everyone, though, and many end up in jobs that feel a bit disconnected from the Criminology focus.

For many recent graduates, their first jobs are often internships or entry-level positions related to law enforcement, legal assistance, or social work. Roles like police officer, paralegal, or even case manager are common starting points. For example, graduates from schools like John Jay College often secure positions within law enforcement agencies or legal firms by leveraging their connections or internship experiences. Over the next five to ten years, a substantial number of these graduates continue climbing the ranks within these fields. Many develop into higher-level roles, such as detectives, specialized investigators, or social services managers. It’s encouraging to see that a good portion of them remains in careers that directly utilize their criminology knowledge.

On the flip side, some graduates find themselves in jobs that are considerably less relevant to what they studied. A few move into sales, customer service, or entirely different sectors, showing a common trend where the degree isn’t the sole factor in job placement. This can be seen in cases where graduates from institutions like Florida State University take jobs in fields like inside sales or in roles completely unrelated to criminology. It’s a mixed bag, as some find success and fulfillment in their chosen paths while others seem to take longer detours from their original passions. Overall, while there are strong examples of successful criminology graduates moving into relevant fields, there are also many who don’t seem to use their degree in their careers, which can be an important takeaway for anyone considering this major.

How hard is a Criminology degree?

A Bachelor’s degree in Criminology can be pretty manageable, especially if you have a genuine interest in the subject. It’s not one of those super intense programs that require crazy math or complicated sciences, so if you enjoy reading about crime, social issues, and the justice system, you’ll likely find it engaging rather than super tough. That said, like any degree, you’ll have your challenging moments with research papers and theory-heavy classes, but overall, it’s about average in terms of difficulty. If you stay organized and keep up with your readings, you should be able to cruise through it without too much stress!

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Criminology.

Do Criminology graduates tend to make good money?

When looking at the job histories of these criminology graduates, it's clear that there's quite a variety in their earning potential. For instance, a graduate who has steadily progressed through public safety roles, especially in law enforcement, likely enjoys a more stable income with benefits over those in entry-level positions or internships. The transition from internship or entry-level roles to mid-level positions, such as case managers or investigative specialists, can also significantly impact earnings. However, some graduates remain in lower-paying positions for extended periods without visible career advancement or salary increases, which might suggest they're not pulling in great money overall.

Overall, while there are definitely graduates who have landed lucrative roles—especially in law, enforcement, or specialized fields—the majority seem to be on a slower path toward higher-paying jobs. Progression in their career, particularly in governmental or law-related jobs, often leads to better pay, but it may take several years of experience to see substantial financial benefits. In a nutshell, these graduates are on varied financial paths, with some doing well and others still trying to climb the career ladder for better salaries.

What buzzwords do Criminology graduates use to describe themselves?

Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Criminology. This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Criminology?

Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Criminology (ordered by the average relevance score of their Criminology graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:

College	Score	Count
California State University, Fresno	67	20
George Mason University	63	27
Arizona State University	58	17
Missouri State University	57	11
The Ohio State University	56	16
Penn State University	55	16
Florida State University	54	60
West Virginia University	51	20
University of Maryland	51	11
John Jay College (CUNY)	50	21
University of South Florida	49	47
Central Connecticut State University	49	13
University of Florida	48	21
The University of Texas at Dallas	48	10
Indiana University of Pennsylvania	48	20
Mississippi State University	46	10