Today, more than ever, we have become a society fascinated with criminal behavior and crime. Technology and media have played an important role in bringing this interest to the forefront. The field of Criminology seeks to answer questions such as: Why do people commit crimes? Are they born a criminal? What impact does society have on criminal behavior? Does crime serve an important function in our society? A Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Criminology from Central will help to prepare students for careers in the field of criminal justice.
There are a variety of options that a degree in Criminology offers. Listed are just some of the areas of specialization and the type of work a graduate might pursue.
Social Services
- Correctional counseling, juvenile justice, social work, probation and/or parole, victim and offender advocacy
- State and Federal Correctional Facilities
- Youth Correctional Facilities
- Pre-release Programs
- Domestic Violence Agencies
- Non-Profit Organizations
Law Enforcement
- Patrol, investigations, forensics, security, probation, parole
- Local, State, or Federal Agencies
- Correctional Facilities
- Postal Service
- Crime Laboratories
- Colleges and Universities
Courts
- Court administrator, court reporter, paralegal, legal research, Pre-trial service officer
- Local, State, or Federal Courts
- Corporate Legal Agencies
- Non-profit Legal Organizations
- Law Firms
Corrections
- Counseling, correction officer, probation, parole, case worker, transitional counselor, social work, teacher
- State and Federal Correctional Facilities
- Juvenile Detention and Correctional Facilities
- Pre and Post release Programs
- Treatment Programs
Additional Notes
- Some of the professions mentioned above may require further education in the field of Criminal Justice. A strong background in Criminology will begin to prepare students with the skills they need to find success.
- It is important for students seeking employment in the field of criminal justice to have strong oral and written communication skills and to have a good understanding of technology. The ability to speak a second language is considered desirable as well as good listening skills and working with diverse populations.
- Other programs of interest for Criminology majors include psychology, anthropology, and sociology. Course work related to the hard sciences (biology, chemistry, or biochemistry) is preferred for career opportunities in forensics.
- Students are encouraged to pursue graduate work in disciplines such as criminal justice, forensic science, social work, counseling, or business to obtain employment in their area of expertise.
Career Resources
- Careers in CJ
- CT Police Academy
- Department of Administrative Services
- Police Jobs in CT
- Policeapp
- CHIP Testing Information
- Local Police Opportunities (POSTC)
- State Agency Job Sites
- Statewide Jobs
- CT Judicial Branch Openings
- Wheeler Clinic
- Community Partners in Action
- Community Solutions, Inc.
- The Connection, Inc.
- Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence
- Perception Programs
Professional Affiliations
- Academy of Criminal Justice Science
- American Society of Criminology
- American Psychological Association
- Institute for Criminal Justice Ethics
- International Association for Crime Analysts