What's the Difference Between Criminology and Criminal Justice?
Key Takeaways
Criminology and criminal justice are distinct fields: criminology investigates the causes and patterns of criminal behavior through research and analysis, while criminal justice focuses on the practical application of law enforcement, prosecution, and corrections systems. Career choices depend on whether you prefer theoretical research or direct involvement in the justice system.
- Criminology is a behavioral science examining why crime occurs, analyzing human behavior patterns and motivational factors
- Criminal justice is an applied field managing law enforcement, court systems, and correctional institutions
- Criminology careers emphasize data analysis and research roles like crime analyst, policy researcher, and forensic interviewer
- Criminal justice careers focus on direct action roles including police officer, probation officer, and FBI agent
- Criminology graduate programs require strong analytical and writing skills for policy and research positions
- Criminal justice positions prioritize community protection, legal enforcement, and offender management
A group of students enrolled in a Criminal Justice program were touring a nearby courthouse. The tour guide explained that the lawyers, judge, stenographers, the jury, bailiff, and the court clerk were just a few of the professionals who contributed to the criminal justice process. “You can see that there are a lot of different people who make this system work,” said the tour guide.
A prisoner, shackled and cuffed, was being escorted past the group and overheard the guide’s comment. “They may be the ones who make it work,” he called out, “But I’m the one who makes it happen!”
Everyone, it seems, finds criminology fascinating; that’s why we watch television series like “Law and Order” or “Criminal Minds.” The psychology of crime and criminology are intriguing and it’s just our nature to want the bad guys to be punished. If we were to simplify it, we might say that criminology is studying how law enforcement and the criminal justice system work to seek justice for victims of crime. The word “criminology” itself is from the Latin crimen (accusation) and the Greek logia (the study of). Criminology and Criminal Justice are interwoven but they’re actually not the same thing. Criminal Justice is the actual system of day-to-day processes investigating crimes and criminals, participating at some professional level in their trial and punishment.
Criminology is interesting enough that perhaps you are thinking of pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice. Some top roles in criminal justice are:
- Corrections Facility Management or Officer
- Court/Law Consultant or Paralegal
- Federal Officer and/or Investigator for FBI, CIA, DEA or TSA
- Insurance or Fraud Investigator
- Park Ranger
- Police Officer
- Private Security Investigator
- Probation and Parole Officer
- State Trooper
- U.S. Customs/Border Patrol Officer
The qualities and skills you need for a future in criminal justice include:
- Above-average ethics
- Leadership qualities
- Physical fitness
- Technological know-how
- The ability to respond to crisis in a calm, reassuring manner
Getting a Criminal Justice Education
A great start for an aspiring criminal justice crusader could be pursuing a degree in criminal justice. Perhaps the biggest benefit of a criminal justice degree is knowing that you could make someone’s life better, every day. And you may even save a life someday. With an accelerated degree program, you could earn a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice in a shorter period of time, allowing you to enter the workforce sooner. Upon completion, you should have an understanding of:
- Law enforcement policies and procedures
- Legal system and court structure
- Security and surveillance principles and processes
- Technology used to deter, investigate, track and solve crime
If I would have gone straight to ECPI from high school I would have had my bachelors in Criminal Justice at the age of 19
— Emily Cabrera (@__emmagiselle) June 5, 2015
ECPI University classes are available online, during the day or even at night to work with your schedule and your lifestyle, so contact us today to learn more about earning a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. The real crime would be if you waited another day, so let’s get started! It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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