Criminology
What Criminology Graduates Do
Your criminology degree can lead to management roles, especially within government or community services. Your day could involve supervising staff at a correctional facility, managing budgets for a victim advocacy program, or analyzing data to report on a new policy's effectiveness. Another common path starts as a social science research technician, where you'll assist senior researchers by conducting interviews, coding survey data, and using statistical software to identify crime trends.
Career progression often moves from these hands-on entry points toward leadership. A research technician can become a senior data analyst, while a program coordinator can advance to a director-level management position. The greatest demand and earning potential are in these management tracks, where experienced leaders can earn well into six figures. While AI tools may assist with data analysis and report generation, the core of the work—managing teams, building community trust, and making nuanced judgments—remains fundamentally human-driven.
Registered Apprenticeship Pathways
The U.S. Department of Labor recognizes 2 registered apprenticeship occupations related to Criminology. Apprenticeships let you earn while you learn — most have zero tuition costs and pay wages from day one.
| Apprenticeship | Training Hours | Type | Salary RangeSalary | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Health Information Management Privacy And Security Officer
RAPIDS 2073CB |
Competency | Competency | $100K – $136,550 – $179K | 4.5% |
|
Weather Observer-Metero Tech
RAPIDS 1 |
4000 hrs
~2.0 yrs |
Time | $46K – $60,130 – $78K | 3.5% |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship Partners Information Database (RAPIDS). Wages and job growth from Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024–2034 projections.
Best Schools for Criminology
2 schools ranked by TradeSchoolOutlook Score. Click any row for full earnings projections and AI-proof analysis.
| # | School | Score | EarningsEarn | ROI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Central New Mexico Community College Albuquerque, NM |
60 51–63 |
$28,987/yr | 127.5x |
| 2 | Purdue University Global West Lafayette, IN |
47 42–50 |
$36,766/yr | 17.2x |
Highest Earning Criminology Programs
Schools where Criminology graduates earn the most in their first year after graduation.
| School | 1-Year Earnings | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Purdue University Global | $36,766/yr | 47 |
| Central New Mexico Community College | $28,987/yr | 60 |
Best ROI for Criminology
Schools with the highest earnings-to-tuition ratio for Criminology.
| School | ROI Multiple | Earnings | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central New Mexico Community College | 127.5x | $28,987/yr | 60 |
| Purdue University Global | 17.2x | $36,766/yr | 47 |
Related Majors
Explore similar fields of study.
Considering a 4-Year Degree?
Compare the trade route with a bachelor's degree. See how Criminology degree programs stack up on earnings, AI disruption risk, and ROI.