Criminologists are more concerned with why a crime was committed, rather than how the laws that are enforced. Even though there is a strong connection between criminology and criminal justice, they are entirely separate fields of study.
Criminology majors consider the social factors that lead to criminal behavior. They are concerned with what causes criminal behavior and possible ways to prevent it from happening. Criminologists research individual criminal behaviors and the end effect of this behavior on society as a whole. Criminology majors also study psychology, criminal law, and law enforcement statistics.
Schools That Offers Criminology In South Africa
Unisa
UCT
University of Pretoria
IIE MSA
University of Limpopo
UKZN
Lyceum College
UWC
Basic Requirements for a Criminology Career
Anyone considering a career in criminology should express an interest in a wide range of subjects that include sociology, psychology, law, biology, and investigative techniques.
There are many specialized areas associated with criminology. A prospective criminology major will be interested in exploring many other subjects such as criminal behavior analysis. fingerprinting, or ballistics analysis. Prior to enrolling in courses in criminology, a student should have a high school diploma or a GED. Some high schools offer some preliminary classes in criminal justice for students with an interest in the field before they earn their high school diploma.
Once you make the decision to work in public service, it is time to explore the various career paths based on academic requirements. Many criminologist positions require a four-year college degree and some require more advanced education degrees. Many other careers in the criminal justice system require only a two-year college program.
Associate Degree in Criminology
Many colleges require certain prerequisites before a student can be considered for enrollment in an associate program in criminology. You must be a high school graduate or must have passed a GED exam prior to enrollment. The student must profess a desire to study criminology, possess a grade no lower than a C in English in high school, and take and pass an English Proficiency Test. The criminology program also requires a student to pass a physical exam prior to admission.
This undergraduate degree requires two or three years to complete, and qualifies students for an entry level job in criminal justice. Students who want to attend classes on a part-time basis may require longer than two or three years to complete. Opportunities abound for these graduates with careers in private security, law, and police academy as an entry level job in law enforcement
Criminology Positions Requiring a Bachelor’s Degree
An Associate degree is usually sufficient for applying for an entry-level job in law enforcement, but a bachelor’s degree is required to work in corrections or in social work. It also prepares you to pursue more advanced positions in criminology. Most police and sheriff’s departments are now requiring a degree in criminal justice. FBI agents, probation officers, and computer forensic specialists are required to have a degree in criminal justice or criminology.
Courses Required for a Criminology Degree
Anyone considering becoming a criminologist should be prepared to study a broad range of subjects that are designed to help students learn more about the criminal justice system. The objective behind the criminology curriculum to familiarize students with learning how to solve crimes based on the scientific method.
Culture and Crime
Psychology of Criminal Behavior
Crime Analysis
Criminal Procedures and Evidence
Punishment and Corrections
Criminal Investigations
Juvenile Delinquency
Criminal Justice Systems
Social Order Theories
Homeland Security
What can I do with a criminology degree in South Africa?
Bachelor of Arts (BA), Criminology Average by Job
- Job.
- Fraud Investigator.
- Operations Manager.
- Human Resources (HR) Manager.
- Senior Risk Manager.
- Chief Risk Officer (CRO)
- Project Manager, (Unspecified Type / General)
- Account Executive.