An undergraduate criminology major can lead to a career as a police officer, probation officer, corrections officer, forensic science technician or loss prevention specialist. The student can also gain work as a security specialist, private investigator or an insurance fraud investigator after graduation. With a master’s degree or doctorate in criminology, a job seeker can pursue a career as a criminologist.
A bachelor’s degree in criminology is not necessary for most non-academic pursuits in the field, but the degree is often required for advanced positions. Those starting a career as a criminologist can work as a professor of criminology, or they can work as advisers for legislators, or they can help to develop crime prevention programs by working with police departments.