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5 careers you can have with a criminology degree

Blog | 08.17.2020

Many people earn criminology degrees because of the adventure and excitement that comes with its career choices. There are many options that students have once they earn their degree. Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College’s criminology program provides students with real life experiences – like mock disaster drills and patrolling traffic for community events. SMWC wants students to know the wide range of career options they have when they graduate, so here are five careers you can pursue after earning a degree in criminology.

1. Private investigator

As a private investigator, you will have behind the (crime) scene access. PI’s are usually hired through the agency they work for to perform detective work or to even do a follow-up investigation. Although this job requires a lot of focus and maturity, the daily routine can be very thrilling. There could be situations where you’re required to work undercover.

Job tasks can include:

  • Perform surveillance
  • Prepare reports
  • Conduct interviews for crime investigations
  • Provide courtroom testimonies

2. Police officer

Maintaining the law will be involved in your job every day as a police officer. Serving as a hometown hero is often a motto of police officers while having the goal to keep your community safe. Responding to car accidents, emergencies and assisting at crime scenes that can be included throughout your daily schedule.

Job tasks can include:

  • Patrol assigned areas
  • Investigate crimes
  • Produce and track case reports
  • Collaborate with other emergency service teams

3. Forensic analyst

Having a strong ability to focus is an important trait to have when being a forensic analyst. You’ll often be called to examine crime scenes and collect data to find conclusions of unanswered questions at the scene. By following needed safety precautions, you will play a big part in helping officials find leads and efficiently close cases.

Job tasks can include:

  • Visit crime scene investigations
  • Test blood, bodily fluids and other DNA samples
  • Examine physical evidence from crime scenes
  • Appear as a professional expert in court cases

4. Correction officer

By serving your community, you and other emergency services personnel work to keep your community safe. Maintaining systems and inmates within facilities, you’ll perform a variety of different tasks throughout your workday routine. You may even be involved with the K9 units for drug cases that come up.

Job tasks can include:

  • Perform training courses for new officers
  • Manage inmate schedules
  • Oversee surveillance
  • File detailed incident reports

5. Loss prevention specialist

Being a loss prevention specialist is one of the most important roles of any retail enterprise. To help minimize the cases of shoplifting and theft in the retail industry, you need to be familiar with different digital software and have experience with video surveillance. By pursuing this career, you can help save millions of dollars in the retail industry.

Job tasks can include:

  • Stage investigations into employees who have been suspected of theft
  • Notify law enforcement to perform arrests
  • Pose as a shopper in stores
  • Monitor security surveillance in retail stores

Whether you’re a law enforcement officer or have a position involving behind the scenes tasks, criminology degrees open opportunities that will build your focus and leadership skills.

1 Comment

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Tina Troudt | 02.13.2023 at 7:39pm
What studies would I take to become a victims advocate