What does a Criminologist do?

Criminologists often work for law enforcement agencies at the local, state and federal levels, but they might also work for universities or research facilities. The main purpose of Criminologist careers is to take a research-based approach to reduce crime. Criminologists study all types of crime, including property, victimless, organized and violent crime. They dig into statistics, interview people who’ve committed crimes and work with related specialists to better understand why people break the law. Some of the things they analyze include criminal demographics, human behavior, physical environmental features and the effects of corrections. They look for patterns and warning signs in criminals and use that information to predict when crimes might happen again. Their research and data may help reduce future crime by influencing laws, policies and the correctional system.

Criminologist skills and qualifications

Successful Criminologists come to the field with certain skills and qualifications that make them well-suited for the job. These include:

• Critical thinking skills
• Ability to pass in-depth background and security checks
• Strong communication skills
• Writing skills to produce high-quality research documents
• Familiarity with analysis software
• Strength with numbers
• Sharp observation skills to pick up on small details
• Ethics and an understanding of confidentiality

Criminologist experience requirements

While it could be possible for someone to get a job offer right out of college, many Criminologist positions require one to three years or more of related experience. Graduates might do an internship in the field or work in similar fields to gain experience. It’s common to start out as an Assistant Criminologist working under a more experienced Criminologist to gain on-the-job training before working independently.

Criminologist education and training requirements

Criminologists need a minimum of a Bachelor of Science in Criminology or a related field, such as criminal justice, psychology or sociology. Many organizations set the minimum education requirement as a master’s degree in a relevant field. For research positions at universities, candidates typically need to have a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in the field, and they might also need teaching experience or training. In some states, Criminologists need to become licensed, but there isn’t a standard license or certification for candidates to work in the field.

Job description samples for similar positions

If you’re looking for job descriptions for other related positions, consider these options:

• Criminal Investigator
• Crime Scene Investigator
• Detective
• Psychologist

Criminologist job description FAQs

What is the difference between a Criminologist and a Criminal Psychologist?

Both professions look at criminal behavior to better understand it, but they focus on different sides of the story. A Criminal Psychologist focuses specifically on the mental processes related to committing crimes. They look at the thoughts, actions and feelings of criminals to determine how their mental state affected their crimes. In addition to research, Criminal Psychologists might also testify in court regarding the mental state of a suspect. Criminologists take into account human biology, psychology and sociology to better understand why people break the law. They primarily look at external factors leading to crimes whereas Criminal Psychologists look at criminals’ internal factors.

What can you do to make your Criminologist job description stand out?

When writing a job description for a Criminologist position, consider what makes your organization unique. Specify the type of crimes the Criminologist will be studying and how their research will be sued, such as writing research papers or working with politicians to change laws. Mention any special resources and software the Criminologist will have access to as well as the other professionals on the research team. Highlight special perks and benefits your organization offers that might help attract highly sought-after applicants.

What qualities make a good Criminologist?

A good Criminologist is thorough and pays attention to the details to make connections and identify trends and patterns in crime. They’re analytical and number-oriented since a large part of the job involves the use of statistics. An effective Criminologist can put aside their biases and preconceived ideas to let the data speak for itself. They know how to work with different types of people, including criminals they might interview and other professionals in related fields.