We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.

Criminology

Save

Criminology is the study of crime and criminal behavior. It is a multidisciplinary field that draws on sociology, psychology, economics, and other social sciences to understand the causes of crime and the ways to prevent it. Criminology is a fascinating and challenging field that can provide a deep understanding of human behavior and the social problems that plague our communities.

Why Study Criminology?

There are many reasons why someone might want to study criminology. Some people are interested in learning about the causes of crime and the ways to prevent it. Others are interested in working in the criminal justice system, such as law enforcement, corrections, or social work. Still others are interested in the psychological and social aspects of crime, such as the impact of crime on victims and the role of media in shaping public perceptions of crime.

What Will I Learn in a Criminology Course?

Criminology courses cover a wide range of topics, including the following:

Read more

Criminology is the study of crime and criminal behavior. It is a multidisciplinary field that draws on sociology, psychology, economics, and other social sciences to understand the causes of crime and the ways to prevent it. Criminology is a fascinating and challenging field that can provide a deep understanding of human behavior and the social problems that plague our communities.

Why Study Criminology?

There are many reasons why someone might want to study criminology. Some people are interested in learning about the causes of crime and the ways to prevent it. Others are interested in working in the criminal justice system, such as law enforcement, corrections, or social work. Still others are interested in the psychological and social aspects of crime, such as the impact of crime on victims and the role of media in shaping public perceptions of crime.

What Will I Learn in a Criminology Course?

Criminology courses cover a wide range of topics, including the following:

  • Theories of crime: This topic explores the different theories that have been proposed to explain why people commit crimes.
  • Crime measurement and statistics: This topic covers the methods used to measure crime and the statistics that are used to track crime trends.
  • Victimology: This topic explores the characteristics of victims of crime and the impact of crime on victims.
  • Criminal justice system: This topic covers the different components of the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, corrections, and the courts.
  • Juvenile delinquency: This topic explores the causes and consequences of juvenile crime.
  • White-collar crime: This topic explores the causes and consequences of crimes committed by people in positions of power.

How Can I Use Criminology in My Career?

A degree in criminology can open up a wide range of career opportunities. Criminologists work in a variety of settings, including:

  • Law enforcement: Criminologists can work as police officers, detectives, or crime analysts.
  • Corrections: Criminologists can work as probation officers, parole officers, or prison administrators.
  • Social work: Criminologists can work as social workers who specialize in working with crime victims or offenders.
  • Research: Criminologists can work as researchers who study the causes and consequences of crime.
  • Academia: Criminologists can work as professors who teach and conduct research on crime.

Is Criminology Right for Me?

Criminology is a rewarding and challenging field that can provide a deep understanding of human behavior and the social problems that plague our communities. If you are interested in learning about the causes of crime and the ways to prevent it, then criminology may be the right field for you. Criminology may also be a good fit for you if you are interested in working in the criminal justice system or in social work.

How Can Online Courses Help Me Learn about Criminology?

Online courses can be a great way to learn about criminology. Online courses offer a flexible and convenient way to learn about criminology from anywhere in the world. Online courses can also provide a more personalized learning experience than traditional classroom courses.

When choosing an online course, it is important to consider the following factors:

  • The reputation of the institution offering the course: Make sure that the institution offering the course is reputable and has a good track record of providing quality education.
  • The quality of the course content: Make sure that the course content is up-to-date and relevant to the field of criminology.
  • The cost of the course: Make sure that the cost of the course is affordable for you.
  • The flexibility of the course: Make sure that the course offers a flexible schedule that fits your needs.

If you are interested in learning more about criminology, then online courses can be a great option for you.

Are Online Courses Enough to Learn about Criminology?

Online courses can be a great way to learn about criminology, but they are not enough to fully understand the field. In order to fully understand criminology, it is important to supplement online courses with other learning experiences, such as reading books and articles, attending conferences, and volunteering in the field.

Conclusion

Criminology is a fascinating and challenging field that can provide a deep understanding of human behavior and the social problems that plague our communities. If you are interested in learning about the causes of crime and the ways to prevent it, then criminology may be the right field for you. Online courses can be a great way to learn about criminology, but they are not enough to fully understand the field. In order to fully understand criminology, it is important to supplement online courses with other learning experiences, such as reading books and articles, attending conferences, and volunteering in the field.

Share

Help others find this page about Criminology: by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Reading list

We've selected seven books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Criminology.
This comprehensive textbook provides a broad overview of the field of criminology, covering major theories, patterns, and typologies of crime. It is particularly helpful for students seeking a foundational understanding of the causes and consequences of criminal behavior.
Written by leading sociologists, this book examines crime and criminal behavior from a sociological perspective. It explores the social and structural factors that contribute to crime, such as poverty, inequality, and social disorganization.
Examines crime and criminal behavior from a global perspective. It explores the different ways that crime is defined and experienced in different societies and cultures.
This introductory textbook offers a clear and concise overview of the core concepts and theories in criminology. It includes discussions of the research methods used in the field and provides real-world examples of criminal behavior.
This classic work of literature explores the psychological and philosophical implications of crime and punishment. It must-read for anyone interested in the human condition.
Is based on the acclaimed HBO television series The Wire. It provides an insider's look at the Baltimore Police Department and the city's drug trade.
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2024 OpenCourser