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Are criminal justice classes similar to criminology?

I am interested in becoming a criminal intelligence analyst and currently, I am a sociology major. My university does not offer criminology as a major and so there are not many classes related to the subject. However, there are criminal justice classes. Would taking criminal justice classes be similar to criminology classes?
#criminology #crime-analysis #university #career #major #JULY20

university major july20 criminology crime-analysis
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peter’s Answer

There is a Nexus between Criminology and Criminal justice in that they both focus on crimes. However, though a running line exists between both studies, the hub of both studies differ relatively. Criminology, borders more on the psychological aspect of crimes. Questions such as " why criminals act the way they do?" Or " why do people commit crime?" or " what is the cause of deviant behaviour?" and the panacea to curing such defects are largely resolved. The same cannot be typically said of the criminal justice system itself which focuses on the institutions and mechanisms by and through which crime is prevented. Here, laws which punish crime and the agencies that effect such punishments are put in view. Law as a means to deter offenders from commiting crimes or rehabilitate offenders when crimes are committed are put in perspective. The law here is viewed as a social tool that helps maintain order in the society by preventing crimes.

To this end, classes bordering on criminology would be largely "psychologically- related" classes relating to questions on "why" and "reasons" crimes are committed, unlike classes on criminal justice where you will study "laws" and the "agencies" that punish crimes and the " law as a tool of social engineering".

However, if the goal is to become a criminal intelligence analyst " a proper knowledge of both criminology and the criminal justice system would go a long way in helping you actualize that dream" as you should have a proper understanding of "why"people commit crime and the laws that punish such crimes. You should be able to give proper forensics in criminal investigations with a proper understanding of the laws punishing or deterring members of the society from committing such crimes.

peter recommends the following next steps:

You may choose to major in those classes on criminal justice as they are within your reach for now since, in becoming a criminal intelligence analyst, a sound background in criminology and the criminal justice system is very material
Subsequently, you may begin those classes on criminology as soon as you have put in proper perspective what the criminal justice system entails
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Nick’s Answer

With Criminology being the study of “why” crime occurs, it centers on analysis of factors as a method of identifying solutions. Though “Criminal Justice” focuses more on the system and organizational operations, it is possible to find crime analysis, GIS and hotspot analysis, and other sociology and psychology based courses to take that will satisfy your degree plan. The two are not exactly the same, but they compliment each other.

Nick recommends the following next steps:

Discuss your desires with your counselor or advisor
Study and identify your own criminology sources and complete research assignments and studies for your other CJ classes on a criminology topic.
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