Friday, February 22, 2008

Schools Of Criminology

Criminology is the study of criminal behavior. It is a complex study that will consider the impact of various laws and the way that humans behave to them. It is also the study of crime, why it happens, how it happens and how to stop it from happening again. In criminology, the study is not on the police and corrections systems but more on the scientific understanding of why these things happen.
For those who are considering a degree in this area, it is essential that there be a love of science. An understanding of why is the main research of this study. There are many different fields in which those who study this field will eventually go into. In choosing a college or university in which to attend, students should consider several factors. For example, they should insure that their overall goals in study are available. They should also look at the course of study that is covered to insure that what they want to learn is available and provides the necessary degree to further find employment.
There are a variety of different degrees available to those that are interested including undergraduate and postgraduate criminology studies. There is a large surge in the number of people that are interested in pursuing investigation studies. This is due in part to the wide television coverage of such careers. These television shows have gained acclaim for their ability to portray criminology in its finest which is in that of uncovering crime and understanding it.
Although there are many who enter this field to become something more such as a criminologist or even work in crime scene investigation teams for local, county and federal investigation, most of the study of criminology is that in which individuals will study the behavior of those that break the law and those that have various laws applied to them. The goal is to try and understand just why people act the way that they do is one of the main focuses.

For more information please see http://www.criminology-info.co.uk/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Leon_Chaddock

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Degree in Criminology or Criminal Justice

If you’re interested in crime and public policy, then a college major in criminal justice or criminology could be right up your alley.

Perhaps you’ve already envisioned yourself at the scene of an unsolved crime, uncovering the one piece of evidence that puts the puzzle in place. (Did you ever notice how quickly that occurs on TV?) Of course, that could happen, but it’s wise to consider that crime scene investigation and forensics are just two of the many, many paths available to you when you earn your degree in criminal justice.

Benefits of a Criminal Justice Degree

Did you know that criminal justice programs are popular for pre-law students? Law schools like to admit students from diverse educational backgrounds, and degrees in criminal justice prepare students to appreciate the importance of the legal system. So, if you aim to practice criminal law, a criminal justice major is a logical first step.

In fact, a good criminal justice program at a reputable college will prepare you for any number of careers. For that reason, most criminal justice programs emphasize the development of logical reasoning, problem-solving ability, and solid communication skills, all of which translate into any number of professional environments. A school for criminal justice also cover the basics of law, crime, public policy, and social systems.

Focusing Your Criminal Justice Degree

Your school for criminal justice or criminology program may offer concentrations that will allow you to delve deeper into the area of criminal justice that really catches your interest. Such options might include corrections, juvenile justice, security, law enforcement—and yes, crime scene investigation and forensics!

Be aware that some colleges have a criminal justice program administered through a distinct criminal justice department, while others offer criminal justice majors within related fields, such as anthropology, sociology, or political science. By nature, criminal justice and criminology are multidisciplinary. If you’re planning to apply to grad school, you might also consider a double major or a complementary minor. Whether it’s a foreign language, a hard science, or a minor in public affairs, such additional training will help to enhance your application.

Consider an Associates Degree

If you are not interested in completing a four-year criminal justice program, career-oriented two-year programs in criminal justice are offered by many community colleges, with specializations including forensics and security. Whatever schools make it to your list, be sure to research the accreditation status of each. Recognized accrediting agencies can be found at the U.S. Department of Education Web site.

The desire for excitement and intrigue leads many a student to major in criminal justice. As you will learn, the rewards of entering a field where you can truly help others and make a difference are plentiful as well.

Sunday, January 27, 2008

The Basics of a Criminal Justice Degree

Following the tragic events of 9/11 there is today a much greater awareness throughout society about such issues as homeland security, airport security, public safety and management, international terrorism, criminology and criminal psychology and many other related subjects. Interestingly these are all subjects you can major in or obtain specializations in through degrees in criminal justice/criminology. And more interestingly, such a degree in criminal justice/criminology can get you a job a lot more easily than a degree in a number of other subjects. This is because the US Bureau of Labor Statistics has identified careers in criminal justice as one of the top five careers in the coming years in terms of future job opportunities.

You can get degrees in criminal justice/criminology from both traditional schools as well as online schools. If you are a working adult, online courses will suit you a lot more than a traditional program since to complete an online program you do not have to give up your job or relocate or disrupt your life in anyway.

More importantly, if you are a working adult already working in the field of criminal justice, an online degree will get you that much coveted promotion or switch to a more well paying job. You can also get a degree much quicker than through the traditional route as most online criminal justice/criminology programs allow you to take credit for your working experience or any on-the-job training that you may have gone through.

A degree in criminal justice/criminology will open up many different careers for you at the local, state or federal government level as well as in the private sector. You can also get teaching jobs in various colleges and universities if you have a master’s or a PhD degree in criminal justice/criminology.

Within the broad field of criminal justice/criminology you can specialize in different fields such as criminal justice administration, criminology, criminal and business law, court procedures, policing, corrections, juvenile justice, domestic violence, court report writing, private security, homeland security, public safety and management, economic crime and fraud management, cyber crime, paralegal studies, forensic science, crime scene investigation etc.

Depending on your major or specialization, a criminal justice/criminology degree in any of these areas will make you eligible for jobs in local, state or federal law enforcement, law firms, agencies such as the FBI, banks and insurance companies, corrections facilities, law courts, organizations responsible for public safety and a host of similar organizations. The salaries in these careers are also quite attractive with median salaries for such careers being around $40,000 a year.

Jim Greenberg recommends you visit the Online Criminal Justice Degree Guide for more information on criminal justice careers and salaries.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Greenberg

Criminology and its Significance Today!

What is Criminology!

Criminology is the scientific study of crime, criminals, criminal behavior and corrections. This includes examination of evidence, hereditary and psychological causes of crime, different modes of investigation and conviction and efficiency of punishment and corrections.

What is the role of Criminologist?

A criminologist studies normal social behaviors and deviations from the norm. The criminologist is often an academic who studies crime and the law. They provide theoretical explanations of delinquent and criminal behavior, analyze criminal law and criminal behavior. A criminologist studies crime by analyzing criminal behavior and methods of criminals. Criminologists work with and for law enforcement agencies developing profiles of particular types of crimes as well as gathering statistics on crime rates. The criminologist not only studies or investigates the crimes they analyze the entire criminal justice system and its processes.

Who can become a good Criminologist?

A criminologist needs an interest in human well-being and behavior A good criminologist is also a good communicator and listener. A criminologist needs to demonstrate responsibility, creativity, analytical thinking and problem-solving.Criminologists need research and computer skills, integrity and an interest in socially disadvantaged individuals. Criminologists need a degree in the criminal justice field, preferably with a minor in psychology or sociology

What does the Criminology Courses contain?

Undergraduate courses include government, sociology, psychology, juvenile delinquency, criminal law, constitutional law and criminal theory. Additional coursework includes forensics, abnormal psychology, corrections and statistics. Coursework should include statistics, writing, computer science, and logic, .Advanced degrees are necessary for those who choose to teach or conduct professional research or for professional advancement.

What type of work Criminologist do?

Entry-level criminologists conduct data collection, report proofing, and computer work, catalogue information about the possible causes of crime and the crimes committed, compile crime statistics and propose improvements for the use of resources. Criminologists also analyze and develop crime prevention strategies.Criminologists analyze the causes of crime and how the community relates to crime. Criminologists may be involved in crime scene investigations, or attend autopsies seeking evidence and information to analyze the crime.

Are there different specializations available for a criminologist to choose from?

Criminologists may focus on specific age groups, or specific types of crimes. A criminologist may focus on crime prevention, the process of crime scene investigation, the process of criminal litigation or the process of criminal corrections. A criminologist may become a profiler who develops profiles of particular criminal activity by reviewing patterns of behavior among certain groups who commit particular crimes. Criminologists may specialize in organizational research, victimology, corporate crime or juvenile justice. Some criminologists work with community initiatives, evaluation and policy projects with federal, state and local criminal justice agencies.

Who employ Criminologists?

Universities and government agencies employ professional criminologists for advanced teaching and research and policy assessment.Most Criminologists become police officers, FBI agents, or state medical examiners. Criminologists may work in universities teaching criminology, legal studies, law and sociology Federal and state justice agencies employ criminologists as research officers and policy advisers. Criminologists are found in many different settings: airport security, corrections systems, probation or parole officers, drug enforcement agencies, FBI, US customs and other law enforcement agencies. Corporations or financial institutions, major department stores and law firms employ security officers, private investigators or social workers. Some work as consultants in the role of private investigators or security.