Criminology

What is Criminology	Related Career Titles
Related Major Skills	Law Enforcement Job Links
Court Related Job Links	Corrections Related Job Links
Federal Job Links	State and Local Job Links
North Carolina Links	Career Planning Links
Professional Association Links	Miscellaneous Resources Links
UNCW Dept of Sociology & Criminology	UNCW Post-Baccalaureate Certificate and Intetdisciplinary Minor in Forensic Science: Crime Scene Investigation

What is Criminology?

Criminology is a social science approach to studying law making, law breaking, and the social responses to crime. The principal elements of criminology are social science theory and research methods that explore all aspects of crime and justice issues. While the criminal justice system includes the police, courts and corrections, our research and teaching explores the broader social context within which the criminal justice system exists. The justice system has developed into a major social institution in modern American society. It consists of over 60,000 local, state and federal agencies with nearly 2 million employees at an annual cost of more than $145 billion. Students find the subject matter of criminology fascinating and the abundant career opportunities encouraging.

The Criminology Program at UNCW provides students with a strong social science foundation. Graduates are prepared to directly enter the profession in fields such as corrections, probation and parole, police services or to continue on to graduate school and law school. The rigorous curriculum empowers students with a deep understanding of crime and justice as well as an appreciation of American society and its diversity. Depending on the concentration selected, Criminology or Criminal Justice, core courses include Introduction to Criminal Justice, Introduction to Sociology, Criminology, Methods of Social Research, Data Analysis and a Senior Seminar. In addition, students are able to choose among a host of primary electives such as Victimology, White Collar Crime, Collective Violence, Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, Police in Society, Criminal Courts, and Corrections. A variety of secondary elective courses are offered such as Minorities, Crime and Criminal Justice Policy, Juvenile Justice, Law of Evidence, and Comparative Criminology. Several sociology courses are also required to complete the major.

Students are encouraged to complete a practicum (internship) in a criminal justice agency. Field placements may include the local police and sheriff's departments, the District Attorney's office, Probation and Parole, Juvenile Services, the State Bureau of Investigation, and the Center for Missing Persons. Junior and senior-level students may enroll in the practicum program.

back to top

Related Career Titles

ENTRY LEVEL JOB TITLES

Airport Security Officer	Customs Agent	Litigation Manager
Bailiff	Deportation Officer	US Marshall
Body Guard	Deputy Marshall	Military Officer
Border Patrol Agent	Detective	Naval Investigator
CIA Agent	Discrimination Investigator	Non-Profit Organization
Child Support Agency	Drug Enforcement Agent	Paralegal
Community ServiceCcood.	Employ. Agency Recruiter	Park Ranger
Compliance Manager	Envir. Conservation Officer	Police Officer
Corrections Officer	FBI Agent	Postal Service Investigator
Court Administrator	Fish & Game Warden	Pre-Trial Services Officer
Court Clerk	Loss Prevention Specialist	Private Security Officer
Housing/Tenant Rep.	Industrial Security Specialist	Probation & Parole Officer
Juvenile Court Counselor	Law Clerk	Public Safety Officer
SBI Agent	Social Worker	Victim Services Specialist
Secret Service Agent	Teacher	Youth Advocate
Sheriff	US Customs Agent

JOBS REQUIRING ADDITIONAL EDUCATION OR EXPERIENCE

Attorney	Criminologist	Law Librarian
Coroner	Corrections Facilities Mgr	Police Detective
FBI Agent	Contracts Administrator	Penologist
Criminal Investigator	Substance Abuse Counselor	Private Investigator
Warden

back to top

Related Major Skills

Written & presentation skills	Research strategies
Understanding societies' reaction to crimes	Ethics and moral values
Considerations of gender & race	Interviewing skills
Quantitative skills	Strong background in humanities, social science, & natural science
Skills in research and scientific methodology	Broad understanding of criminal law and the criminal justice system
Critical thinking	Computer literacy
Understanding nature of crimes	Ability to identify and analyze social problems and develop solutions
Decision-making	Knowledge of legal structures
Patience	Supervision & management skills