03,January 2025
In order to understand what drives certain people to commit crimes, the area of forensic criminology integrates forensic science with social and psychological sciences. In order to look into crimes and evidence, professionals in this discipline acquire competence in sociology and psychology behavior. They then integrate these concepts with scientific methodologies. The study of criminal law and the legal system is also included in forensic criminology, which enables criminologists to assess and create strategies for catching and prosecuting offenders.
What do forensic criminologists do?
A forensic criminologist is a specialist who investigates and analyzes crimes, crime scenes, and criminal motivations by fusing forensic science with the social science of criminology. Degrees in criminology, the study of criminal conduct, are frequently earned by forensic criminologists. To get a deeper understanding of the connection between the psychology of criminal conduct and the science of crime scene investigations, many forensic criminologists also pursue studies in forensic science. These experts frequently function as a part of broader investigation and forensic teams, where they examine evidence, assess conduct, and make judgments regarding a range of illegal activity. They are capable of carrying out a variety of tasks, such as:
- Identifying and assessing how crimes are responded to and how they affect social environments; using scientific methods to set standards for forensic analysis;
- Investigating forensic applications at every level of the criminal justice system; testifying in court and sharing forensic and criminological evidence obtained from analysis;
- Conducting psychosocial assessments to ascertain the relationship between criminals and victims of crime;
- Examining motivations and behavioral patterns to comprehend criminal history and calculate the likelihood of crime;
- Working together with forensic scientists, technicians, and detectives to evaluate crime scenes and share results with law enforcement, prosecutors, and attorneys
- Speaking with suspects and witnesses to gather psychological and physical proof
How to become a forensic criminologist?
You may get a sense of what it takes to pursue a career in forensic criminology by following these steps:
1. Complete your bachelor's degree
The majority of forensic criminologists start their professions by obtaining undergraduate degrees in disciplines such as psychology, sociology, or criminal justice. Future forensic criminologists may take courses in criminological studies, criminal law, the justice system, and sociological theories of conduct, depending on their educational program. Since many advanced positions demand a master's degree in forensic science or above, these areas of the profession can help you get into entry-level positions and later support your continuing education.
2. Earn your graduate degree
Since forensic criminology is a specialist discipline, job advancement sometimes necessitates a graduate degree. To reach this advanced capacity, aspiring criminologists often get a master's degree in forensic science, forensic psychology, or criminological studies. A graduate degree may cover a number of crucial employment topics, such as victimology, computer forensics, criminal psychology, juvenile law, and profiling.
3. Gain professional experience
Using real-world forensic criminology applications to expand your professional knowledge and expertise is crucial. To hone your abilities and get knowledge from experts in the industry, think about doing an internship with a local, state, or federal law enforcement agency. Bachelor's degree holders may also be eligible for entry-level positions, which will provide you with more chances to get experience as your career progresses.
4. Pursue licensure or certification
It's crucial to comprehend your state's criteria as you gain expertise since certain jurisdictions may demand forensic criminologists to get licenses in order to practice the profession. Professional certificates in forensics and criminology are also available, and these can be useful in proving your proficiency and understanding of the discipline. The American Board of Criminologists (ABC), for example, provides a number of professional certifications that might help you progress in your career, including the following:
- Comprehensive Criminalistics (ABC-CC) certification
- Forensic DNA (ABC-DNA) certification
- Biological Evidence Screening (ABC-BIO) certification
Professionals in the sector can obtain certificates from certain organizations. Psychology-focused forensic criminologists can get the Certified Forensic Behavior Analyst (CFBA) certificate after earning the Certified Forensic Mental Health Evaluator (CFMHE) credential. The National Association of Forensic Counselors offers the Certified Forensic Counselor certificate, which some forensic criminologists may also choose to seek.
5. Consider an advanced degree
A PhD in criminology or forensics is not necessary to improve your career, but it can help you grow in your position and raise your earning potential. A Ph.D. in criminology, for example, encourages theoretical and academic applications, while a Doctor of Criminal Justice (DCJ) or Doctor of Criminology (D.Crim) degree encourages more applied uses of forensic criminology, including crime scene investigation, criminal justice, and criminal psychology.
Difference between Criminology and Forensic Science
It's commonly believed that forensic science and criminology complement one another while preserving their own distinctions. We have discussed the distinctions between forensic science and criminology in this blog.
Criminology
Gaining knowledge of criminological ideas and the impact that crime has had on society both historically and currently is possible via studying criminology.
Among other educational and employment options, obtaining a degree in criminology often gives students the exceptional chance to collaborate with business partners and specialize in fields like cybercrime or the criminal justice system for underrepresented groups. A criminology degree often equips students with the information and abilities needed for research, government agency jobs, client work, and a host of other employment options in a number of public and private organizations once they join the workforce.
Forensic Science
Studying forensic science entails applying scientific principles to the analysis of evidence and the development of analytical abilities that can support criminal justice. Students can opt to pursue the biology or chemistry stream, which will provide them with a foundation of knowledge in the biological or chemical sciences that they can use in a forensic setting.
From the application of scientific knowledge and forensic procedures via evidence analysis and review to witnessing how evidence is presented in court from the viewpoint of a forensic expert, this course introduces students to the steps involved in a criminal investigation.
Criminology or Forensic Science: Which is Best-fit for you?
Given our discussion of the parallels and discrepancies between the two degrees, a student who is unsure which track to pursue between criminology and forensic science may find this section helpful. We have explored the enthusiasm for comprehending crime, the criminal justice system, and the function of forensic science while developing a number of transferable skills that will assist teaching across both degrees.
A degree in criminology can help you better understand how crime occurs in society, while a degree in forensic science can teach you how to examine evidence. Choosing to pursue a dual degree in forensic science and criminology may allow you to pursue both fields.
Conclusion
To sum up, forensic criminology is an essential bridge between the social factors that influence criminal conduct with the science of crime. Professionals in this interdisciplinary discipline get the information and abilities necessary to evaluate evidence, comprehend criminal motivations, and support efficient criminal justice procedures. In order to investigate crimes, assist law enforcement, and promote a safer society, forensic criminologists integrate elements of sociology, psychology, and scientific methodology.
To become a forensic criminologist, one must complete a demanding curriculum, get real-world experience, and, frequently, obtain specific certifications. In addition to providing chances for meaningful employment, this professional path promotes a greater comprehension of the intricacies of crime and its impacts on society. To meet the demands of this demanding career, people in this sector constantly improve their skills, whether they are obtaining a bachelor's degree in criminology, a master's degree in forensic psychology, or a certification in forensic analysis.
When selecting a professional route, it is crucial to comprehend the differences between forensic science and criminology. Forensic science stresses the scientific analysis of evidence, whereas criminology concentrates on the social and psychological elements that contribute to criminal behavior. Both disciplines have special potential, and a dual emphasis might offer a whole approach to combating crime. In the end, forensic science, criminology, or a mix of the two enables experts to make significant contributions to social justice and well-being.