If you are an international student who dreams of making the world more just or safe, the United States has some of the best criminology and criminal justice programs available. But what’s the difference between the two areas of study, and which has better career options for you? Let’s take a closer look at criminology and criminal justice programs to better understand how they compare — and learn which option aligns best with your future goals.
How Are Criminology and Criminal Justice Programs Similar at US Universities?
Criminology and criminal justice programs overlap and influence each other at many universities, and afterward on the job market. Many programs at universities and colleges across the United States combine criminology and criminal justice into a single degree option, especially at the undergraduate level. For instance, the University of South Carolina (UofSC) offers a BA in Criminology and Criminal Justice.
Perhaps the best question before choosing either criminology or criminal justice is whether you prefer thinking or doing. Of course, there is a fair share of both in each degree option, but criminology focuses more on the study of crime and may lead to a research-focused career (e.g., academics, professors, etc.). In contrast, criminal justice majors become hands-on participants within the criminal justice system (e.g., law enforcement officers, social workers, etc.).
Why Study Criminology or Criminal Justice in the United States?
Students choosing criminal justice and criminology majors in the United States have a variety of opportunities to apply their degrees in research-based and real-world careers. As mentioned above, many become police or federal law officers, and others become forensic psychologists, victim advocates, data scientists, lawyers, and even college professors. There are several ways to use a degree in either study area, with job options beginning in academia and ending on the streets fighting crime face-to-face.
Beyond career options and work environments, criminal justice and criminology degrees may appeal to students for altruistic reasons, such as a sense of civic duty or a desire to make the world safer. Many criminology and criminal justice majors work in youth services, nonprofit programs, and community organizations, while others work as detectives, anti-terrorism officers, and forensics specialists.
Criminology and Criminal Justice Curriculum at US Universities
Criminology and criminal justice students are interested in problem solving, critical thinking, scientific methodology, and social science areas such as legislative policy, social theory, and civil justice. Students in US programs take classes that reflect these aptitudes and help strengthen them, while also taking niche courses covering technology, public affairs, law, and other specialized areas, especially at the graduate level.
Many programs weave emerging crime-fighting technologies into the curriculum, such as the Bachelor of Science in Data Sciences for Justice, Law, and Criminology at American University (AU). Other programs include unique internship and work-study opportunities, such as the Law Enforcement Apprenticeship Program (LEAP) at Florida International University (FIU). LEAP combines classroom instruction with specialized police training and workplace experience to produce successful law enforcement professionals and future leaders in the field.
American University
American University’s undergraduate criminal justice program is ranked #17 by Niche, and the graduate criminology program is ranked #21 by U.S. News & World Report. AU offers two degrees that touch on criminology and criminal justice: a BS in Data Science and a BA in Justice and Law. Students may also pursue a combined Data Sciences for Justice, Law and Criminology (BS) and Justice, Law and Criminology (MS). Here are some examples of courses in each undergraduate focus:
The following classes are among those required for the BA in Justice and Law:
The BS in Data Science requires the same courses listed above, in addition to computer science-related ones including:
Florida International University
Florida International University’s undergraduate criminal justice program is ranked #38 by Niche, and the graduate program is ranked #32 by U.S. News & World Report for criminology. FIU offers two undergraduate programs, a BS in Crime Science and a BS in Criminal Justice. The crime science track combines forensics, analytics, and computer science with the research and application of traditional criminology and criminal justice courses.
Here are some examples of courses in the criminal justice BS:
Introduction to Criminal Justice
Criminological Theory
Research Methods and Analysis
Professional Development in Criminal Justice
Criminal Justice and the Constitution
Senior Capstone in Criminal Justice
And here are some of the additional courses for the crime science BS:
GIS and Crime Mapping
Security and Crime Science
Survey of Forensic Science
Terrorism and Homeland Security
Cyber Crime
Fundamentals of Cybersecurity
University of South Carolina
The University of South Carolina’s undergraduate criminal justice program is ranked #35 by Niche, and the graduate criminology program is ranked #23 by U.S. News & World Report. UofSC offers a Criminology and Criminal Justice major, minor, and accelerated course of study at the undergraduate level.
Here are some examples of courses in the BA program at UofSC:
Criminal Procedure
Research Methods in Criminology & Criminal Justice
Policing
Corrections
Sociology of Crime
Ethics in Criminal Justice
Juvenile Delinquency
Careers for Criminology and Criminal Justice Majors
We’ve mentioned several career options for criminologists and criminal justice majors. Now, let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular professional fields, including starting salaries in the US, India, Brazil, and China. Graduates with either criminology or criminal justice degrees are eligible for most of these positions. With this in mind, we have noted the degree option best suited for the role.
Law enforcement officer
Degree
Criminal Justice
Starting salary in the US
$71,000
Starting salary in China
¥178,720
Starting salary in India
₹6,60,917
Starting salary in Brazil
R$85.340
Forensic science technician
Degree
Criminology
Starting salary in the US
$74,316
Starting salary in China
¥213,612
Starting salary in India
₹8,40,916
Starting salary in Brazil
R$101.647
Juvenile probation officer
Degree
Criminal Justice
Starting salary in the US
$62,372
Starting salary in China
¥179,282
Starting salary in India
₹7,05,769
Starting salary in Brazil
R$85.311
Criminology professor
Degree
Criminology
Starting salary in the US
$66,765
Starting salary in China
¥187,603
Starting salary in India
₹7,48,144
Starting salary in Brazil
R$94.362
Corrections officer
Degree
Criminal Justice
Starting salary in the US
$46,771
Starting salary in China
¥117,855
Starting salary in India
₹4,35,835
Starting salary in Brazil
R$56.277
Cyber security specialist
Degree
Criminology
Starting salary in the US
$111,474
Starting salary in China
¥463,186
Starting salary in India
₹15,57,022
Starting salary in Brazil
R$167.867
Source: Salary Expert, 2022
With a criminology degree, you may research socioeconomic factors that contribute to crime or decide you’d rather apprehend criminals in person. With a criminal justice degree, you are more likely to focus on one or more aspects of the criminal justice system, which includes law enforcement, courts, and corrections. Criminology may have more research opportunities and be academically oriented, whereas criminal justice is more focused and career-oriented. Don’t worry if you cannot decide — there are many combination programs at the undergraduate level in the United States.
Shorelight advisors can help you find the right degree program for your goals >