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The main difference between criminal justice and criminology is the scope of the two programs.
Criminal justice focuses more on reacting to crime and holding criminals accountable.
It is the practical aspect of how society reacts to crime.
It is a hands-on approach, and people in this program are likely to be police officers.
Criminology studies crime itself, taking a more academic approach to studying why crime happens.
It is more research-oriented and tackles theoretical or big-picture aspects.
People in criminology programs become researchers or analysts.
Criminology takes data from criminal justice and helps inform policy.
Choosing Your Path
There is a lot of overlap between criminal justice and criminology programs, and you could combine the two.
Criminology is more involved in theoretical analysis, or studying crime as it relates to society.
Criminal justice programs study the justice system itself, or how laws are enforced.
Criminal justice programs are good for people who want a hands-on type of job in corrections, law enforcement, or the legal system.
Criminology is best for students who want to know why crime happens and how to prevent it.
Criminology programs are more for people interested in an academic setting than hands-on approaches.
Criminal justice programs examine what to do, while criminology studies the why.
Curriculum
Criminal Justice
Criminal justice degrees train students in the practical aspects of law enforcement.
You may have a class in criminal law and the procedures involved in law enforcement.
Policing techniques and skills would be another aspect.
Criminal investigations, how to work crime scenes, and gathering evidence, would be a big part of the program.
Corrections and rehabilitation would be taught as well.
Programs would include hands-on training, such as internships and practical training.
Ethics, policies, administration, and security would be some other subjects.
Criminology
Criminology programs would focus more on research and theoretical issues involved in the social sciences.
Theories about the cause of crime and the sociology of crime would be key components.
Classes in research methods, crime statistics, and data analysis would be common in most curricula.
Studies would also include aspects of the impact of crime on a community or a culture.
It would examine both what causes crime and the aftershocks on the victims.
Juvenile delinquency would be yet another area that might be included.
Overlap
Both could include classes in psychology, ethics, and sociology.
Combining the two at some level would give a solid blend of theoretical and hands-on education.
There would be some similarities in both, but taking some classes in both would enhance a person’s understanding overall.
Degrees
Criminology degrees can be obtained at four-year universities, where you can get a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD.
The lower level focuses on theories and research methods.
The higher two degrees go deeper into research and specialization, which may involve a thesis or dissertation.
There is an emphasis on academic writing and research methods.
Criminal justice degrees can begin with associate degrees at a junior college.
From there, you could get Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD degrees.
For law enforcement, you may also need to complete a police academy program.
Master’s degrees involve specializations like security or investigations.
Careers and Skills
Criminal justice students generally go into law enforcement careers, such as police officers, detectives, or corrections officers at penal institutions.
Graduates of these programs could also be federal agents, security officers, or probation officers.
Some court administrators also have criminal justice backgrounds.
Criminology appeals to those who want to study crime itself and shape policy instead of enforcing laws.
People with a criminology degree could be research associates, crime analysts, victim advocates, or social workers.
They could also be policy advisors or become forensic psychologists with further study.
Students in criminal justice programs will learn decision-making under pressure, conflict resolution, legal and procedural knowledge, and documentation.
Criminology students will develop skills in data analysis, critical thinking on social issues, policy evaluation, and an understanding of societal patterns.
Salary and Job Outlook
There are a lot of options available for criminology and criminal justice students, and so the salary levels have a tremendous range.
Education level is significant in how much money you can make and what jobs you can qualify for.
A Bachelor’s degree is a solid basis, but you have more opportunities with a Master’s or some other advanced degree.
Criminology majors may start at around $40,000, but the average salary is closer to $55,000.
Police officers or detectives make between $60,000 and $80,000.
FBI agents and specialists can earn $100,000 or more.
Criminology research assistants may start at $29,000 but can reach $90,000 as a researcher with a PhD.
The job outlook for these students is changing with the culture.
Correction officer jobs may decline by 10 percent over the next few years.
Forensics students have a brighter future, with a 15 percent increase in jobs expected.
There may be fewer jobs in criminal justice, but more jobs in criminology.
With an emphasis on internet security, cybersecurity workers should see a whopping 30 percent increase in jobs over the next few years.
An increase of five to eight percent is expected for police officers.
Criminal Justice Vs. Criminology – Summary Table
| Aspect | Criminal Justice | Criminology |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | System of practices and institutions for enforcing laws and maintaining social order | Scientific study of crime, its causes, consequences, and prevention |
| Focus | Law enforcement, legal processes, and corrections | Understanding the causes and effects of criminal behavior |
| Approach | Practical and procedural | Analytical and research-based |
| Key Components | Police, courts, corrections | Theories of crime, criminal behavior analysis |
| Primary Goal | Enforce laws, ensure justice, and maintain public safety | Analyze and understand criminal behavior to inform policy and prevention |
| Methodology | Application of laws and procedures | Research, data analysis, and theoretical frameworks |
| Educational Path | Degrees in Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, or related fields | Degrees in Criminology, Sociology, Psychology, or related fields |
| Career Opportunities | Police Officer, Correctional Officer, FBI Agent, Probation Officer | Criminologist, Criminal Profiler, Academic Researcher, Policy Analyst |
| Work Environment | Law enforcement agencies, courts, correctional facilities | Research institutions, universities, policy think tanks |
| Nature of Work | Reactive - responding to crimes and enforcing laws | Proactive - studying crime to prevent future occurrences |
Sources
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/police-and-detectives.htm
https://libguides.tamusa.edu/c.php?g=72449&p=467579
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of personality would best fit a criminology student?
A criminology student would need to like to study, do research, and be analytically minded.
They would need to be curious about human nature, what causes crime, and have an interest in social justice.
People with solid critical thinking skills, who value order and stability, and who enjoy research would likely enjoy this type of study.
What kind of personality would prefer a career in criminal justice?
A criminal justice student would enjoy a more hands-on approach, such as being a police officer.
They would be practical, decisive, and drawn to leadership roles.
They would be people who can think quickly, are resourceful, and can function in stressful situations.
They are often leaders who can build strong relationships and have great people skills.
How would students benefit from studying the one they did not choose?
Criminal justice students could get a big-picture view of what they are doing.
While the police officer is out enforcing laws, he would benefit from understanding why crime happens and what societal influences are at work.
That information could help him do a better job of relating to people.
Criminology students would have a big-picture view, and criminal justice studies might help them have a more real-world viewpoint.
Criminology students understand the why, but some criminal justice education could give them practical information on what works on the street.
How can criminology and criminal justice programs work together?
Criminology focuses on crime prevention by addressing the root causes of crime and attempts to address those causes, such as poverty or lack of education.
Criminal justice is more focused on responding to crime and enforcing laws.
They can work together by feeding off each other.
Criminology finds causes and creates strategies, and criminal justice implements strategies by putting them into practice.
Criminal justice can then inform criminology on how well the strategies work and provide data for further studies.
Criminal justice provides data for criminology, which then determines what the data means.
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