6 answers
Halie
Student
Litchfield, New Hampshire
1
Question
Asked
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Should I get my masters in criminology or sociology?
I am graduating with a bachelors in Criminal Justice with concentration in Crime and Criminology this year.... and I am looking on going into my masters. I want to do something within forensic sociology - criminologist, detective, forensics things like that. I am wondering what would be better, a masters in sociology or masters in criminology? I have done research and it said either works but what would be best? I do have a minor in sociology (School wouldn't let me double major). I talked to a few of my professors and they also all said it doesn't really matter. I am also looking into getting a Ph.D but what I get that in will depend on what I get for my masters.
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6 answers
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1698
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Halie !
What a cool question and I am impressed at your ambition and wonderful choice of careers !
To be perfectly honest with you, I believe that you should obtain your Masters in Criminology, Criminal Justice or Administration of Justice. Same with the PhD. I say this because you have already minored in sociology and in addition, you can obtain knowledge about sociology by reading books or doing an online course. As well, you can take a couple of courses post graduate. What you will need to be expert in is Criminology or something connected to that. The best way you will learn more about groups of people (sociology) will be when you do volunteer work or an internship, so it's not too helpful to bypass any time you can focus on criminology. The advice that your college gave you about double majoring is spot on correct and that is not necessary for the career you intend to have. You did a perfect study path so far.
Also keep in mind that while studying for your Masters in Criminology, you could be placed in a great criminology student Internship which is connected to what you want to do. This will greatly help you gain experience and contacts for when you finish your education.
Preparing for your Masters Degree should include reading scholarships now so that you can apply and possibly receive some financial assistance for your studies. Contact you local police department also to inquire about any scholarships as some police departments do offer scholarships for students. Also explore and visit your Chamber of Commerce for information about grants or scholarships.
It is awesome that you intend to continue straight through for a PhD. You would even be able to teach at colleges and universities once you have that.
From now until then, you will probably obtain a lot of advice, but what you can do to review the job market is go to employment websites and see what is listed for the type of career you are seeking. The employment notices usually indicate which degree in which subject they require and this may be a way to determine what the predominant requirement is.
I hope this is helpful and I wish you all the best !
CRIMINOLGY SCHOLARSHIPS https://www.scholarships.com/financial-aid/college-scholarships/scholarships-by-major/criminal-justice-scholarships/
CRIMINOGY SCHOLARSHIPS https://www.collegeraptor.com/paying-for-college/articles/scholarships/scholarships-criminology-majors/
LITCHFIELD, NH POLICE DEPARTMENT https://litchfieldnh.gov/
What a cool question and I am impressed at your ambition and wonderful choice of careers !
To be perfectly honest with you, I believe that you should obtain your Masters in Criminology, Criminal Justice or Administration of Justice. Same with the PhD. I say this because you have already minored in sociology and in addition, you can obtain knowledge about sociology by reading books or doing an online course. As well, you can take a couple of courses post graduate. What you will need to be expert in is Criminology or something connected to that. The best way you will learn more about groups of people (sociology) will be when you do volunteer work or an internship, so it's not too helpful to bypass any time you can focus on criminology. The advice that your college gave you about double majoring is spot on correct and that is not necessary for the career you intend to have. You did a perfect study path so far.
Also keep in mind that while studying for your Masters in Criminology, you could be placed in a great criminology student Internship which is connected to what you want to do. This will greatly help you gain experience and contacts for when you finish your education.
Preparing for your Masters Degree should include reading scholarships now so that you can apply and possibly receive some financial assistance for your studies. Contact you local police department also to inquire about any scholarships as some police departments do offer scholarships for students. Also explore and visit your Chamber of Commerce for information about grants or scholarships.
It is awesome that you intend to continue straight through for a PhD. You would even be able to teach at colleges and universities once you have that.
From now until then, you will probably obtain a lot of advice, but what you can do to review the job market is go to employment websites and see what is listed for the type of career you are seeking. The employment notices usually indicate which degree in which subject they require and this may be a way to determine what the predominant requirement is.
I hope this is helpful and I wish you all the best !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Jessica Cochran
Intellectual Property/Masters Student
9
Answers
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
Hi Halie!
I just wanted to let you know that you don't have to get a Ph.D in the same subject as what you get your Masters in. There is no rule that you need to be in the same field all the way to PhD. In my opinion, your degrees should be similar so you can pick up the topic easier but even so, if you have the knowledge and background to go into graduate level courses in your new concentration, you'll be good to go.
I just wanted to let you know that you don't have to get a Ph.D in the same subject as what you get your Masters in. There is no rule that you need to be in the same field all the way to PhD. In my opinion, your degrees should be similar so you can pick up the topic easier but even so, if you have the knowledge and background to go into graduate level courses in your new concentration, you'll be good to go.
Thank you! Some of the schools I am looking into have the fast track Ph.D. So I will get my masters and go straight into my Ph.D with that school, tuition free for the masters part. That is why I added it in.
Halie
Karissa Helton
Teacher
184
Answers
Miami, Florida
Updated
Karissa’s Answer
Criminology will help you get a job. Sociology is vague and employers won't believe you have any skill set they need. I love Sociology and taught it at the high school level. I'd really like to see you graduate college and have a degree that is in need in our country. Unfortunately, we do not need Sociologists.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
5667
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hi Halie,
When you're weighing up whether to go for a master’s degree in criminology or sociology with a view to a career in forensic sociology, it's crucial to keep your specific career focus and objectives in mind.
Both criminology and sociology offer a wealth of knowledge and skills that are useful in roles such as criminologist, detective, or forensic specialist. Here are some important factors to ponder when deciding between a master’s in criminology or sociology:
1. Master’s Degree in Criminology:
Focus: This degree delves deeply into the study of crime, criminal behavior, and the criminal justice system. It's geared towards understanding why crime happens, the patterns of criminal behavior, and how effective various crime prevention strategies are.
Relevance: If you're keen on careers closely tied to criminal justice, law enforcement, or working within the criminal justice system, a master’s in criminology might offer more specialized knowledge and skills suited to these areas.
Skills: This program could arm you with the analytical skills needed to evaluate crime data, research methodologies for studying crime trends, and theoretical frameworks to comprehend criminal behavior.
2. Master’s Degree in Sociology:
Focus: This degree centers on studying society, social interactions, institutions, and societal structures. It delves into wider social issues like inequality, social change, and cultural dynamics.
Relevance: If you're more interested in understanding the social aspects related to crime, such as how societal factors influence criminal behavior or how communities react to crime, a master’s in sociology might offer a wider perspective that's useful in roles within forensic sociology.
Skills: This program could give you skills in qualitative research methods, applying sociological theory, and understanding how social factors influence individual behaviors.
Points to Consider in Your Decision:
Career Goals: Be clear about your specific career goals within forensic sociology to figure out which field aligns better with your aspirations.
Research Interests: Think about whether you're more drawn to studying crime itself (criminology) or the societal context around crime (sociology).
Skill Development: Decide which set of skills - specialized knowledge in criminology or wider sociological perspectives - would best serve your career goals.
In the end, both paths can lead to rewarding careers in forensic sociology, but your decision should be driven by your personal interests and career ambitions.
Top 3 Reliable Sources Used:
American Society of Criminology (ASC): The ASC is a prominent professional organization committed to promoting research on criminology and evidence-based practices in the field.
American Sociological Association (ASA): The ASA is a respected association that offers resources and information on sociology research, education, and careers.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS provides valuable insights into various careers in criminology and sociology, including job prospects, salary details, and educational requirements.
These sources were used to ensure the information about the fields of criminology and sociology is accurate and current, helping you make an informed decision about pursuing a master’s degree in either discipline for a career in forensic sociology.
Best Wishes,
JC.
When you're weighing up whether to go for a master’s degree in criminology or sociology with a view to a career in forensic sociology, it's crucial to keep your specific career focus and objectives in mind.
Both criminology and sociology offer a wealth of knowledge and skills that are useful in roles such as criminologist, detective, or forensic specialist. Here are some important factors to ponder when deciding between a master’s in criminology or sociology:
1. Master’s Degree in Criminology:
Focus: This degree delves deeply into the study of crime, criminal behavior, and the criminal justice system. It's geared towards understanding why crime happens, the patterns of criminal behavior, and how effective various crime prevention strategies are.
Relevance: If you're keen on careers closely tied to criminal justice, law enforcement, or working within the criminal justice system, a master’s in criminology might offer more specialized knowledge and skills suited to these areas.
Skills: This program could arm you with the analytical skills needed to evaluate crime data, research methodologies for studying crime trends, and theoretical frameworks to comprehend criminal behavior.
2. Master’s Degree in Sociology:
Focus: This degree centers on studying society, social interactions, institutions, and societal structures. It delves into wider social issues like inequality, social change, and cultural dynamics.
Relevance: If you're more interested in understanding the social aspects related to crime, such as how societal factors influence criminal behavior or how communities react to crime, a master’s in sociology might offer a wider perspective that's useful in roles within forensic sociology.
Skills: This program could give you skills in qualitative research methods, applying sociological theory, and understanding how social factors influence individual behaviors.
Points to Consider in Your Decision:
Career Goals: Be clear about your specific career goals within forensic sociology to figure out which field aligns better with your aspirations.
Research Interests: Think about whether you're more drawn to studying crime itself (criminology) or the societal context around crime (sociology).
Skill Development: Decide which set of skills - specialized knowledge in criminology or wider sociological perspectives - would best serve your career goals.
In the end, both paths can lead to rewarding careers in forensic sociology, but your decision should be driven by your personal interests and career ambitions.
Top 3 Reliable Sources Used:
American Society of Criminology (ASC): The ASC is a prominent professional organization committed to promoting research on criminology and evidence-based practices in the field.
American Sociological Association (ASA): The ASA is a respected association that offers resources and information on sociology research, education, and careers.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS provides valuable insights into various careers in criminology and sociology, including job prospects, salary details, and educational requirements.
These sources were used to ensure the information about the fields of criminology and sociology is accurate and current, helping you make an informed decision about pursuing a master’s degree in either discipline for a career in forensic sociology.
Best Wishes,
JC.
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1712
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Halie,
I am not going to directly answer your question. Just offering a few observations -
1. Sometimes we have a better idea of where we are going after we get some work experience under our belt.
2. If a person is "over-qualified" for a job, they are often passed over for fear they won't stick around or won't be satisfied with the compensation. It's difficult to get entry-level positions if you are over-qualified.
3. I've seen too many people go straight through to Masters and then realize they made a mistake.
4. Let's say you get a job as a crime analyst in the police department. They will likely have tuition assistance programs. Use that free money to help pay for your Masters.
5. Whatever you do, make sure you have a strong mastery of technology. Almost everything requires using technological tools and data analytics.
I hope this is of some help.
Kim
I am not going to directly answer your question. Just offering a few observations -
1. Sometimes we have a better idea of where we are going after we get some work experience under our belt.
2. If a person is "over-qualified" for a job, they are often passed over for fear they won't stick around or won't be satisfied with the compensation. It's difficult to get entry-level positions if you are over-qualified.
3. I've seen too many people go straight through to Masters and then realize they made a mistake.
4. Let's say you get a job as a crime analyst in the police department. They will likely have tuition assistance programs. Use that free money to help pay for your Masters.
5. Whatever you do, make sure you have a strong mastery of technology. Almost everything requires using technological tools and data analytics.
I hope this is of some help.
Kim
Thank you! Most jobs in CJ you need to be 21 and I will only be 19 at the time I graduate so I want to work full time after but do my masters online at the same time. I did an internship in the CJ field last year and loved it which is when I knew its definitely something I wanted to do. The part that I am most stuck on is the "what if" part, meaning if I can't do forensic sociology or that job market is just really challenging I feel like a sociology degree offers a wider-range. But thank you!!!
Halie
Camille Tyree
9
Answers
Temecula, California
Updated
Camille’s Answer
As someone that recently completed a master's in Sociology I feel confident in saying it is not what you are looking for. If I were you I would continue with a master's degree in Criminology. A master's in Sociology will teach you more about society, theories behind how it functions, and how different aspects of identity (race, gender, socioeconomic class, etc.) intersect to create advantages, disadvantages, obstacles, and compounded challenges that influence how people live their lives. My program did not delve into criminology for more than a few modules, there might be other programs that can have a specialization in criminology however, I believe it would be better to go for the master's degree in Criminology rather than just a specialization.