What’s the difference between criminology and criminal justice?
Students considering enrolling in UA Grantham’s fully online associate or bachelor's degree programs in Criminal Justice often ask about the differences between criminology and criminal justice. In this article, UA Grantham professor Tina Freestone, Director of UA Grantham College of Humanities and Social Sciences, discusses core differences in focus, curriculum, and professional development opportunities between these two related fields of study.
What is Criminology?
According to Director Freestone, Criminology is the study of crime as a social phenomenon. It delves into the psychological, sociological, biological, and economic factors that contribute to criminal behavior. A criminology degree is grounded in theory and research. Students explore topics such as the causes of crime, criminal behavior patterns, victimology, and the social impact of crime. Courses might include subjects like sociology, psychology, criminal psychology, and criminological theory.
Criminology, says Freestone, “is more about understanding the “why” behind crime, looking at the systemic factors that influence criminal activity, and developing theories or policies to address these issues.” Graduates with a criminology degree often may be found in positions in research, academia, public policy, or in roles that require a deep understanding of criminal behavior, such as forensic psychology.
What is Criminal Justice?
Criminal Justice, on the other hand, focuses more on the practical aspects of crime and the criminal justice system. The UA Grantham fully online associate and bachelor’s degree programs in Criminal Justice are designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of how the justice system operates, from the initial investigation of a crime to the final adjudication in court and subsequent corrections.
The UA Grantham curricula include foundational courses that cover concepts in criminal law, criminal procedure, policing, and corrections - all of which equip students with the knowledge, skills, and best practices needed to perform effectively within the criminal justice system. While UA Grantham’s degree programs also cover some theories of crime, their primary emphasis is on how to apply these theories in real-world situations.
In addition to the foundational introductory courses, the UA Grantham criminal justice bachelor’s program includes specialized courses that focus on specific areas including criminal justice ethics, criminal law, community corrections, and crime scene techniques. These specialized courses allow students to tailor their education to their specific interests and professional aspirations.
Where do Criminal Justice Professionals Work?
Students in the University of Arkansas Grantham Criminal Justice degree programs are in positions including law enforcement, corrections, probation, and parole. Other fields include private security, cybersecurity, paralegal work, and court administration. The practical focus of the UA Grantham criminal justice degree program makes it an excellent choice for those who want to expand their knowledge of this field and of the criminal justice system. It is also important to note that the criminal justice program may serve as a stepping-stone to more advanced programs in law or public administration.
In summary, concludes Director Freestone, while both degrees deal with crime and the criminal justice system, “criminology is more theoretical and research-focused, aiming to understand the root causes of crime, whereas criminal justice is more practical, preparing students for a wide range of roles within the justice system.”