Jeremy Kaplan
Before pursuing any degree, you’ll likely be taking the time to consider the pros and cons while comparing it to other educational options. Understandably, you don’t want to spend years of your life earning an education only to find out that you probably would’ve enjoyed another path more. Thus, preliminary research is essential when selecting a degree type that will set you up for the most fulfilling and advantageous career possible based on your personal preferences. With that said, here are the five most notable benefits of having a degree in criminology:
1. Range of Career Options
With a criminal justice degree, you’ll be in a position to apply for jobs as a criminologist, field investigator, forensic psychologist, correctional counselor, paralegal, intelligence analyst, probation/parole officer, and a variety of other positions within the realm of law enforcement, academia, psychology, and sociology. Best of all, you can earn your criminal justice degree online using a distance learning institution like Portland State University.
2. Exciting and Fulfilling Job Positions
Of course, many of the jobs available to graduates with a degree in criminology are exciting positions that will keep you engaged and interested in your craft. Most people working in these sectors find that there’s never a dull workday. The endless entertainment and enjoyment are heavily influential factors that sway many in the direction of this field of study.
3. Stable Employment
Criminology majors also enjoy a relatively low unemployment rate, being that they’re eligible to be hired in so many job positions. Furthermore, since these jobs are typically based within government or law enforcement agencies, they’re easy to find in just about any region in the country, so there’s the freedom to relocate and still have a high chance of finding employment.
4. Above Average Salaries
Although the annual salary for someone with a degree in criminology will vary greatly, many criminology careers pay $50,000 + $70,000 per year, especially law enforcement. With the average salary for someone with a degree in the U.S. being around $50,000, you’ll have the chance to land a job that will put you in the above-average range of the income spectrum.
5. Opportunity to Improve Your Community
Finally, jobs in criminal justice aren’t just entertaining and lucrative; they’re also honorable positions to have because they allow you to make a positive difference within your community. You’ll be able to help catch and prosecute criminals, bring justice to hurting families, counsel people through tough times, participate in pivotal investigations, and help protect society from the direct and indirect effects of criminal activity.
Study Online and Start Within a Couple Years
In closing, criminology has become such a popular career choice because of how easy it is to earn your criminology degree online. In as little as two years, you could be entering into professions that carry high job demand in specialties like community and social services.
