Q&A for How to Become a Criminologist

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  • Question
    What subjects do I need to take for criminology?
    Community Answer
    Some subjects include criminal law, psychology or psychology of crime, forensics, political science, and sociology.
  • Question
    How long will it take me to become a criminologist?
    Community Answer
    Your bachelor's degree will probably take you four years; your master's degree, another four. That's at least eight years, then. If you continue on with your education to get an advanced degree, it will take you longer. You will also have to study for and pass a license exam.
  • Question
    Can someone studying criminal law become a criminologist?
    Community Answer
    Yes, having criminal law knowledge is a necessity for becoming a criminologist.
  • Question
    What classes should I focus on if I am a junior in high school and I am interested in becoming a criminologist?
    Community Answer
    You should focus on classes in psychology, biology, and even computer science.
  • Question
    Can I become a criminologist if I am 12 years old?
    Community Answer
    No. To become a criminologist, you need a college degree. But you could start researching now about the things you will need to know.
  • Question
    What is the difference between criminology and criminal justice? What are the requirements to become a homicide detective?
    Community Answer
    Criminology is the study of crime, while criminal justice tackles more of the law-enforcement side of things. To be any sort of detective, you first need to become an officer. Once you're a police officer, then through promotion and higher education, you may be a detective.
  • Question
    Can an arts students take up criminology?
    Community Answer
    Yes, anyone can take up criminology.
  • Question
    What subjects are required to become a criminologist?
    Community Answer
    Undergraduate degrees for criminologists may range from biology and computer science to social work and criminal justice. Individuals studying a related area of criminology for their undergraduate degree should also study sociology and criminal psychology.
  • Question
    If I have a bachelor's in criminology do I still need to become a police officer?
    Community Answer
    To become a criminologist, no. You need to take an exam to get your license.
  • Question
    I'm Malaysian and I want to become a police officer or an FBI agent. What should I do, sit for foundation or do an A level program? What if I don't like science subjects, is it possible to become an FBI agent or any special agent?
    Community Answer
    It is probably best to do the A level program. If you don't like the things that come with becoming an FBI agent maybe you should try something else. I'd advice you to do a job that you are passionate about, and besides, anything is possible if you put your mind to it!
  • Question
    If I want to do criminology studies after my bachelor of law, can I do that?
    Community Answer
    Yes. After you finish your bachelor's, you should pursue a master's degree in sociology, psychology, or criminal law.
  • Question
    Do I have to have worked as a police officer as a requirement to become a criminologist?
    Community Answer
    No, this is not necessary, criminologists have far broader background than policing. You need to complete your high school level and enroll in a degree course in something relevant, like criminology, psychology, law, sociology, etc., then do a masters in criminology to ensure you can work as a criminologist.
  • Question
    What classes should I take in 11th and 12th grade to study criminology?
    Christopher Guglielmana
    Community Answer
    I'm an 11th grader who will be taking psychology, criminal justice (intro), government, biology, criminal investigation, and will be taking forensic science as an elective next year. If your school has a sociology or anthropology class, then I bet you'd need to take those too.
  • Question
    If I have a bachelor's degree in sociology, can I get a masters degree in criminology?
    jadline makena
    Community Answer
    Yes this is because a degree in psychology and sociology are associated with criminology. Therefore, if you already have attained a degree in sociology, you can do a masters in criminology.
  • Question
    Do I need to earn American citizenship to get a job with the FBI? Can I be accepted if I have the qualifications?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you need to be an American citizen to join the FBI. You can be accepted if you have the qualifications and are also an American citizen. If not, surely there is an equivalent in your own country.
  • Question
    What degree do I need to become a criminologist?
    Community Answer
    You need at least a bachelor's or master's degree. A bachelor's degree will take four years and masters another two.
  • Question
    I'm 14 years old. I go to a private school. The subjects are all limited, they have nothing to do with criminology. The have to do with biology. What should I do? What subjects do I take?
    Community Answer
    If your school doesn't offer subjects to do with criminology, study in your free time. In your school, brush up and try to perfect major areas such as basic math and English. Learn to balance your time, remember that you also need to know what you're learning in school. Buy a book about criminology (I recommend Criminology For Dummies), search online how you can improve your skills, and keep working hard.
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