I got another email today asking for help with a very tricky question. Mark from Minnesota asked me: what’s the difference between Criminal Justice and Criminology? He says he hears it used interchangeably and feels that there is an actual difference. Mark’s right, there sure is.
Criminal Justice vs. Criminology
Conventionally, Criminal Justice refers to the universal and policy aspects of the field, including the exploration of policing, courts, corrections, and other worldly applications. Criminology is regarded more as a behavioral, or social science, that scrutinizes the causes of criminal behavior and the social response to crime.
Many people believe that the two areas of study are one and the same. In essence, they are very related. Frequently, Criminal Justice and Criminology degree programs use courses from each area of study interchangeably. So, you could be striving for a Criminal Justice degree, but you may have a number of Criminology classes incorporated into the program.
Criminal Justice and Criminology Career Options
Criminal Justice and Criminology majors can carry on to an assortment of careers in the Law Enforcement field, including: police officer, detective, criminal investigator, federal agent, corrections officer, corrections counselor, juvenile treatment worker, community correctional worker, probation officer, parole officer, private investigator, and private security. Many of these professions will call for supplemental training and skills specific to the agency or departmental requirements.
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{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
Can you tell me the if there is a difference between Administration of Justice and Criminal Justice? I am getting ready to sign up for the winter courses and I am trying to do the research so I can make a final decision. Thanks
Administration of Justice is basically the same as Criminal Justice, but can be different at some schools. Both program types will focus on criminal justice, law enforcement, and judicial matters.
The word “administration” may mean that you are going to administer justice – for example: as a police officer – usually similar to Criminal Justice.
OR
that you will be looking at the CJ field from an administrative point of view – as in managerial duties of a Sargent or a Captain. I know there may be some schools who will title their program Administration of Justice in reference to Law Enforcement administrative matters – usually these would be Master’s degree programs or above.
My best advice is to visit the departmental site of each college or university you are considering and find out exactly what they mean by Administration of Justice. Even Criminal Justice programs differ in course programming from school to school. Hope this helps. Good luck with everything.
I am thinking of a career as a forensics psychologist but I have read that you need a criminology what is the difference if I take criminal justice?
First off, I think you should strive for a degree in Forensic Psychology as it is really more pertinent. As you may have read, the Criminology option would be better than the Criminal Justice option as you’re studying behavioral, or social science, that scrutinizes the causes of criminal behavior and the social response to crime. I know this has some relevance to the field of Psychology. So yes, in theory, a Criminology degree program is a good alternative to a Forensic Psychology degree program, but does not guarantee that you’ll become a Forensic Psychologist. Hope this makes sense.
Hi, I’m am confused as to what path to take, I would like to be in the F.B.I., and I want to know what would be better, Criminal Justice or Criminology?, and what schools are at a good educational level in California? Thank you very much, I will be waiting for your response.
Both degrees can be useful, but it depends on your preference and FBI’s needs. Be aware that the FBI also likes people from other educational backgrounds. Run a search for “FBI” on my site to see some other articles that may help. For the most part, the University of California and the California State University system are great choices. Some of the best schools in the U.S. are from the family of these public universities. You should utilize usnews.com to help you once you pick a group of schools that are of interest to you. Good luck.
Hi, i could REALLY use some help. I am pursuing in becoming an Animal Cruelty Investigative Officer. (like the cops on animal precinct). My question to you is would a degree in criminal justice or criminology be better?
Certain organizations have different criteria about what course of study they prefer. If you know where it is you would like to work (ie. Houston ASPCA) you can then contact their human resources staff or visit their website for educational requirements and/or preferences. In my opinion, either degree can present you with great opportunities.
I am actually a Forensic Psychology major and found out that in order to be submitted to MS in Forensic Psychology student has a choice of obtaining BS in either Criminal Justice or Psychology. I am in a process of getting my Bachelor Degree in USCSB. You are so very right, USC and UCR have by far the best and most respected quotas of all on-line Universities.
Hello,
I have a B.S in Marketing and did not enjoy business. My daughter is entering K this year so I want to go back to school online for a Master in Criminology. Do you think they hired 40 y/o with no experience? I do live in DC so there are a lot of agencies.
I have narrowed it down to two schools, University of Cincinnati and Boston U, Cincinnati offers a M.S in criminology whereas BU offers a Master in Criminal Justice. Why is BU not a M.S? Does it make a difference, is one better than the other? Do you know what agencies prefer? I personally prefer the BU program because the issues seem current ” terrorism” “Juvenile Youth Crimes” while UC concentrates more on theories, statistics etc..
I know it’s a lot of questions, I really appreciate your time and input.
Many thanks
Carole
Be aware that it’s much tougher getting a law enforcement position after the age of 36/37.
Both schools are great and I mean GREAT! University of Cincinnati has a very good program and is very highly regarded in Criminal Justice academia. Having a master’s degree from there, in Criminal Justice or Criminology, is exceptionally good to have. Boston University is one of the best schools in the World (overall). Its Criminal Justice program is awesome and it seems a little bit more current than UCs, but doesn’t have such a high acclaim in the world of Criminal Justice education. And, BU also somewhat focuses on theories and statistics – it’s true : ) … I’ve heard that University of Cincinnati program may seem boring on paper, but it may be far from that in class.
I am pretty sure that employers will love a candidate that is well educated and both of these Criminal Justice colleges are top notch to list on your resume. Both degrees are a Master’s level, even though UC has Master of Science, so no worries there.
Hello,
I am in the process of getting my bachelors degree in interdisciplinary studies. But I want a masters in either forensic psychology or criminology. By reading a little more online I read that it would be best to get a degree in criminology because the pay is higher and the jobs are more open. However, I want to know if it matters what I have my bachelors degree in?? And what can I do NOW that will help me later when trying to get a job in these fields? Also I live in Texas and I heard Sam Houston University was a good school. I want to be able to work as a teacher while I am doing my masters however…….are there any real good online schools? Or would you recommend going to an actual university for me since I do not have a bachelors in this field.
It shouldn’t matter too much what you have your Bachelor’s in, but yes, a Bachelor’s in Psychology or Criminology would have been optimal.
NOW you should really get educated in the topics you would like to take on in grad school. Criminology, as intuitive of a subject it is, is not an easy one. Rent books, read journals, and see if you can get into some sort of internship that deals with crime at a psychological/sociological capacity – this last one can be a deal breaker when applying to top notch schools, but if you can’t do it, you can’t.
It’s hard for me to tell you go on-campus or go online, but when you mention Sam Houston State University – one of the best Criminology universities in the country – you would make my choice easier. If you have to work while in school please try to get into schools I mentioned in my recent article: Top Criminal Justice Schools in America – I think at least half have online programs and out of that half you should find a handful of Criminology programs.
I want to become a CSI (Crime Scene Investigator) and am confused about whether to take/obtain my masters degree in Criminal Justice or Criminology. Could someone please help me out here? The schools haven’t been of much help. Maybe someone with some insight/knowledge would be able to point me in the right direction. Thanks very much to anyone who can help me make this decision ASAP…since I have to attend school almost immediately.
I have a BS and MS in CRIM and an MA in Negotiation, Conflict Resolution, and Peacebuilding. I too am older, having just turned 57. I thought I was going to teach community college, but that may not happen for many reasons e.g., lack of need, budgetary, etc.
Anyway, I chose this discipline (CRIM) because I wanted to “make a difference” after 9/11, and thought I was going to be a “counselor” in corrections or work with juveniles.
The problem is that I do not have experience in any field concerning law enforcement, corrections, or the courts. Zero teaching experience, never been a cop, only one psyche course in college. You need a psychology or counseling degree to “counsel.” You need experience to get hired. I was just turned down as a loss prevention agent in a Macy’s because I didn’t have at least one year of experience (forget that I had an MS in CRIM degree!). Soon after graduation (’08), I applied for fingerprint analyst, intelligence analyst, social scientist, and social worker positions, but was not even granted an interview since I lacked the requisite experience.
As a former business owner (therein lies my “experience”) who turned to academia, what the heck am I expected to do? I am tens of thousands of dollars in debt with student loans. Fortunately, I do not have a mortgage but I do have a car payment. I would also like to mediate but I would have to spend a couple thousand on training, spend a week away from family, plus hotel, food, clothes, etc. Being unemployed, I cannot afford this either.
I want to do something but what?
Hey Michael,
I see you’re in a little bit of a “pickle” — between a rock and a hard place — age vs. current economy
You know very well that nearly all law enforcement positions are out of a question.
But, did you consider applying to online colleges to teach. They are always in need of instructors. The obstacles that may stand in the way is education — you don’t have a terminal degree, like: PhD or JD — and no related job experience. I still would try anyway. But on the other note, you may qualify to teach Business related courses, especially those that are related to your Master’s. Your business experience may play a good role in getting hired. I don’t know if that’s something you would want to do.
You’ve basically covered all angles here yourself. I think that you should dig deeper / elsewhere if you’re open to moving. There are careers out there, but they may not be in your immediate area.
If anyone can help Michael, please leave a reply to his comment.
Good luck, Michael