Criminology vs. criminal justice degrees and career paths

Criminal justice and criminology are two related fields, and many universities offer degree programs in both subjects. Though both can prepare you for security, public administration, corrections and legal careers, they focus on different topics. 

Criminology is a social science that concentrates on criminal behavior, the factors surrounding crimes and the steps necessary for effective enforcement and prevention. Criminal justice involves the hands-on application of criminology. It focuses more on implementing enforcement and prevention. 

These two degrees can put you on course for a career in security, corrections, investigations or the courts. However, a criminology or criminal justice degree will put you on a different path within the larger fields. It’s important to understand the similarities and differences between these two subjects so that you can choose the one that best fits your overall career goals. 

Here's a closer look at the fields of criminal justice and criminology. 

Criminal justice is the “interdisciplinary academic study of the police, criminal courts, correctional institutions (e.g., prisons) and juvenile justice agencies, as well as of the agents who operate within these institutions,” according to Britannica.  

If you pursue a career in this field, you will likely work to prevent crimes, enforce the law or punish those who break it. You usually pursue these goals in law enforcement agencies, the courts or corrections. 

Criminal justice degrees are available at all postsecondary levels. Depending on your educational achievements, you could use a degree to pursue a career as a police captain or detective sergeant. Corrections and probation officers can also have a criminal justice education, as can people who work for other law enforcement agencies like the FBI or Department of Homeland Security. 

Finally, a criminal justice degree can prepare you for further education to become a lawyer or public administrator.

Professionals in criminal justice careers earn different salaries depending on their area of focus. Here are some of the most common careers and the average salary for each. 

• Police officers and detectives work to enforce laws and investigate crimes. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), police officers and detectives make $39,130 to more than $113,860. Federal agencies typically pay more than state and local employers. 
• Corrections officers and bailiffs work in prisons and the court system. BLS puts the salary range at $25,680 to $81,360, with salary impacted by such factors as whether you work at the local or federal level.
• Probation officers and corrections specialists ensure that criminals meet the conditions of their sentence and release. They earn $36,990 to $98,510, according to BLS.
• If you choose a legal occupation, you will work within the court system. The salary ranges for most legal occupations are $61,490 to $208,000. This number is contingent on continuing your education at law school after earning a criminal justice degree, and whether you work at the state or federal level.

Salary ranges are not specific to students or graduates of University of Phoenix. Actual outcomes vary based on multiple factors, including prior work experience, geographic location and other factors specific to the individual. University of Phoenix does not guarantee employment, salary level or career advancement. BLS data is geographically based. Information for a specific state/city can be researched on the BLS website.

Related fields, such as forensic investigation, also require knowledge of criminal justice, but such specialties require additional training. 

The educational requirements for criminal justice careers vary depending on your career plans. 

• A high school diploma is necessary for some law enforcement training programs (police academies). However, other agencies require some college coursework. 
• An associate degree in criminal justice can prepare you for jobs that require college coursework or specialized positions, such as a bailiff, game warden or investigator. Associate programs take two years to complete.
• A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice is a four-year program. According to the BLS, federal law enforcement agencies often require a bachelor’s degree, and graduating from a four-year program can help you if you apply for senior or administrative positions within an agency. 
• A master’s degree in criminal justice can help you qualify for senior positions in a law enforcement agency or fields like private security.  

Even if not required, a degree can help you pursue your career goals. 

Criminologists can work in some of the same law enforcement careers as criminal justice majors. 

• Criminology bachelor’s degree holders can work as police officers or detectives, earning between $39,103 and $113,860, annually. In some agencies, investigators first gain experience as patrol officers before moving to their desired position. 
• Federal investigators and detectives typically need at least a bachelor’s degree. According to BLS, the salary range estimates for detectives and criminal investigators was $48,040 to $146,830, and the median salary for those in the federal executive branch was $114,040.
• Clinical social workers earn a salary range of $33,020 to $85,820 per year, according to BLS. These professionals may be employed in child welfare or human services positions and require at least a bachelor’s degree, while some employers require a master’s degree or state license.

Salary ranges are not specific to students or graduates of University of Phoenix. Actual outcomes vary based on multiple factors, including prior work experience, geographic location and other factors specific to the individual. University of Phoenix does not guarantee employment, salary level or career advancement. BLS data is geographically based. Information for a specific state/city can be researched on the BLS website.

Criminologists may also find work in fields like corporate security or loss prevention. 

Criminology careers typically require a bachelor’s degree or postgraduate studies. 

• A bachelor’s degree in criminology may be required by an agency for a career as an investigator, detective or analyst. 
• A master’s degree in criminology or a related field could be necessary for administrative positions. 
• Postgraduate studies are necessary if you wish to work as a forensic psychologist or lawyer or in an academic position.

Law enforcement careers require attending a police academy or other training program, regardless of your degree achievements. 

Criminal justice and criminology both focus on law enforcement, prevention and rehabilitation. However, degrees in these two specialties offer different career directions. 

If you want a job that focuses on hands-on law enforcement, a criminal justice degree is the better option. 

Both criminal justice and criminology majors can qualify for investigative and analyst positions. These positions are for people who want more analytical challenges. Though these professionals can work “in the field,” they are not usually on the front lines of law enforcement. 

Investigative jobs may require being on call and working anytime a crime is committed. Therefore, detectives may have more challenges with their work-life balance than patrol officers or analysts, who typically work scheduled shifts. 

Administrative positions in either criminal justice or criminology usually require a postgraduate degree, so you need to be prepared for a lengthy academic effort to reach these senior roles.

Interested in other criminal justice career paths? Then learn more about public administration roles that work to improve local communities!