Ever wondered what motivates criminals? Or how detectives crack hard cases? That's where criminology comes in! It's the science of understanding crime, solving mysteries, and keeping us safe.
In India, criminology is on the rise with thrilling career prospects in law and order, forensic science, and cybercrime investigation. Be it your goal to work along with the CBI or crack brains, a course in criminology can be the steppingstone to your thrilling career.
Let's jump right into all you need to know about criminology courses, jobs, and salaries in India!
What is criminology?
Criminology is the field of study of crime, criminal behaviour, and the system. It focuses on how crime has happened, and when it has happened. It helps to give clues to catch the criminal. It is the study of crime's causes and effects, how to prevent it, who does it, why people participate in criminal activity, and what makes someone vulnerable to becoming a crime victim. Many academic disciplines are closely related to criminology, such as psychology, anthropology, and political science. If you have a passion for this field, studying this blog is perfect for you.
Courses and degrees in Criminology
Undergrad courses
- Bachelor's in Arts (BA) in criminology.
- Bachelor of science (BSc) in Criminology.
- BA in criminology and criminal justice.
Postgraduate Program
- Master's in Arts (MA) in Criminology in India.
- Master's in Science (MSc) in Criminology.
- Master's in Criminal Justice Course.
PhD Programs
- PhD in Criminology in India.
- MPhil in criminology.
Best criminology colleges in India
Best colleges for criminology courses in India
- National Institute of Criminology and Forensic Science (NICFS), Delhi.
- Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Narayan National Institute of Criminology and Forensic Science.
- University of Madras, Chennai.
- Tata Institute of Social science (TISS), Mumbai.
- Osmania University, Hyderabad.
- Dr. Harishchandra Gour University, Sagar.
Eligibility Criteria for Criminology Courses
- Undergraduate courses - must have completed 10 + 12 in anything, preferably with psychology or sociology.
- Postgraduate - A bachelor's degree in Criminology, Sociology.
- Doctoral programs - A master's degree in criminology or related studies is compulsory.
Career Opportunities in Criminology
Criminology provides varied career options in government departments, private institutions, and research centers. Some of the in-demand roles are:
Government Criminology Jobs
- Crime Investigator – Collaborates with law enforcement departments to solve crimes.
- Forensic Scientist – Analyzes physical evidence for courts of law.
- Intelligence Analyst – Provides intelligence to security departments on criminal threats.
- Probation Officer – Rehabilitates offenders and prevents recidivism.
- Cybercrime Investigator – Deals with digital forensics and cyber law enforcement.
- Government Criminology Jobs – Different opportunities in organizations such as CBI, IB, and NIA.
Private Sector & Research Jobs
- Professor of Criminology – Educates in criminology at colleges and universities.
- Research Analyst – Analyzes crime patterns and provides findings to law enforcement agencies.
- Private Detective – Conducts private cases involving fraud and security.
- Risk Analyst – Operates in corporate companies, evaluating security risks.
- Criminologist Investigation Agency – Numerous private investigation agencies employ criminologists.
Criminology Salary in India
Salaries in criminology are determined by the job description and experience. The following is an approximate breakdown of earnings:
- Initial Level Criminologists: ₹3-5 LPA (Lakhs Per Annum)
- Mid-level Professionals: ₹6-10 LPA
- Senior-Level Professionals: ₹12-20 LPA
- Forensic Experts & Cybercrime Specialists: ₹8-15 LPA
- Criminologist Salary – Varies with specialization and where they work.
Criminology course fees
The price of criminology in India is different per school and course level. On average:
Undergraduate courses: ₹50,000 - ₹3,00,000
Postgraduate courses: ₹1,00,000 - ₹5,00,000
Doctoral programs: ₹2,00,000 - ₹6,00,000
Modes of Studying Criminology
- Theoretical Studies: Study of criminology theories and criminal behavior analysis.
- Fieldwork & Internships: Acquiring hands-on experience with law enforcement agencies and forensic laboratories.
- Research & Case Studies: Examining crime patterns and legal case histories.
