Criminology happens to be the scientific study of criminals, social crimes, criminal behavior, crime prevention methodology and crime regulations. Criminology as a Career Option engages the study of crime both at the social as well as individual level. From the point of view of social science, Criminology includes the studying of different types of crime, the reasons for the occurrence of the crime and the results. To place it differently, Criminology examines the response of the society towards crime and its prevention.

Criminology also consists of the psychological and hereditary reasons of crime, different modes of investigation and conviction, the styles of punishment, the examination of evidences, rehabilitation and corrections. The job of the criminologist is to find out the reasons behind the people’s tendency to commit illegal acts. With the increase in the rate of crimes along with the rapid diversification in its nature, a career in criminology, with passing time is gaining immense importance in the present world scenario!

Eligibility and Courses

In India, both undergraduate and Post Graduate programs in Criminology are offered. While the minimum eligibility to enroll at the undergraduate course is the passing out of 10+2 level with Science or Arts, for the post graduation programs, one is required to have a graduation degree in Criminology or other relevant disciplines from Science or Arts.

Several types of degree and diploma courses in Criminology are offered to individuals in India. The syllabus includes subjects such as Psychology of Crime, Principles of Criminology, Police Administration, Criminal Law, Juvenile Delinquency, Forensic Science and Medicine, Correctional Management and Rehabilitation of Criminals etc.

Some of the popular Criminology courses are

  • Graduation in Criminology
  • M.A. Criminology
  • M.A Criminology
  • M.A. Criminology and Criminal Justice Administration
  • M.Sc. Criminology
  • P.G. Diploma in Criminology and Penalogy
  • P G Diploma in Criminology and Police Science
  • Ph.D Criminology and Criminal Justice Administration
  • Post Graduate Diploma in Criminology and Forensic Science
  • Diploma in Criminology

Personal Attributes

  • Should be interested in human nature and behavior
  • Should have creativity and the capacity to think analytically
  • Should have the ability to solve problems
  • Must possess good public speaking skill
  • Should be able to convince others
  • Should be capable of expressing concepts and ideas clearly
  • Should be able to read the minds of people and must have an eye for detail
  • Must have research and analysis skills
  • Should be proficient in using computers and internet

Career options

As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment rate for private investigators and detectives is expected to rise by about 22% by the year 2018. With the growth in population, the crime rate will increase. This would create the demand for qualified professional in the field of Criminology. The services provided by the criminologist are unique and important and hence the need for trained professionals in this field is increasing with time.

A career in Criminology opens up scope for the professional to work in private and public sector, educational institutes, government organizations, social welfare organizations, Corporations, financial institutions, department stores, law firms, drug enforcement agencies, Federal Bureau of Investigation, research organizations, NGOs, private security and detective agencies, foreign police departments and many more. The different varieties of work that the criminologist can get into are:

  • Corrections
  • Counseling
  • Diversion programming
  • Criminal Investigation
  • Forensics
  • Financial Fraud Investigation & Prevention
  • Insurance Fraud Investigation & Prevention
  • Judicial / Courts
  • Intervention Programming
  • Law Enforcement
  • Rehabilitation
  • Medical Investigation
  • Research and Policy Studies
  • Psychologist – Psychopathology Specialist
  • Private Investigation
  • Special Agencies
  • Retail Investigation
  • Teaching

Insitutes in India

Narhar Balwant Thakur Law College
Vidyanagar (Satara Dist.) – 422005

University of Madras
University Centenary Building, Chepauk, Triplicane P O , Chennai (Chennai Dist.) – 600005

Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith
Varanasi (Varanasi Dist.) – 221002

University of Pune
Ganeshkhind , Pune (Pune Dist.) – 411007

Dr. Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya,
Gour Nagar,
Sagar, Madhya Pradesh – 470 003

Aligarh Muslim University (AMU),
Aligarh – 202 002 (U.P.)

Andhra University,
Waltair, Visakhapatnam – 530 003 (A.P.)

Gujarat University,
Navrangpura, Ahmedabad – 380 009

Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith,
Varanasi – 221 002 (U.P.)

Punjab University,
Sector – 14, Chandigarh – 160 014

Nagpur University,
Nagpur, Maharashtra

Karnataka University,
Pavate Nagar, Dharwad – 3

Tata Institute of Social Sciences,
Deonar, Mumbai – 400 088

Utkal University,
Vanivihar, Bhubaneshwar – 751 004 (Orissa)

University of Lucknow,
Lucknow – 226 007 (U.P.)

University of Jammu,
Jammu Twai – 180 004

University of Rajasthan,
Jaipur – 302 004