Criminologist Career Research Paper

How Do You Become a Criminologist?

In order to become a criminologist, candidates will need the right education, training and licensure. A criminologist is tasked with analyzing data to understand crimes, such as why they are committed, and to solve social problems, such as how to predict and prevent specific criminal behaviors. Although a few spend time collecting data at crime scenes, almost all criminologists spend their time in offices, laboratories or academic settings.

Required Education

Criminology is a highly intellectual and highly competitive field because most of the work revolves around analyzing and determining criminal patterns. Therefore, most students major in sociology, psychology or criminology as undergraduates. There are specialized majors, such as social psychology or a dual degree in sociology and criminology. All of these majors allow students to better understand human nature, analyze actions and predict behaviors. It is possible to become a criminologist with just a bachelor's degree, but most criminologists pursue a master's degree in the behavioral sciences. Coursework will focus on areas such as law, criminal theory, social deviance, crime

A research methods classes will introduce students to the standard social science research methods that are applied to contemporary criminal justice issues. Students will examine the relationships between theories and research in order to identify patterns and draw evidence-based conclusions. Studying abnormal psychology will enable students to better understand human behaviors through comparing the differences and similarities between normal and abnormal behaviors. Studying criminal psychology will provide insights into how criminals are influenced by multiple stimuli within various environments. Students learn about the psychological factors that motivate antisocial