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.
You might also like:
- In Law Enforcement, What Does LEO Mean?
- What Can I Do With an Online Criminal Justice Degree?
- How Do You Become an Investigator or a Detective?
- AA or AS Criminal Justice Degree – What’s the Difference?
- What’s the Difference Between Criminal Justice and Criminal Law?
- Difference Between a Detective and a Crime Scene Investigator (CSI)
- 10 Criminal Justice Careers Without Carrying a Gun
{ 6 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.