Criminology Subjects List 2026: Check Semester-wise Subjects & Syllabus

Fundamentals of Criminology

The subject covers the basic understanding of the definition, principles, and scope of Criminology. It also discusses various theories and techniques as well as an analysis of various types and concepts of crime prevention, like environmental design and police methods.

Some parts of the syllabus are:

? Historical perspectives of Criminology

? Nature, origin, and scope of Criminology

? Schools of Criminology: Meaning and its importance in the explanation of crime

? Three schools of Criminology: Classical, Neoclassical, and Positivist.

? Differential association, differential opportunity, and multi-factor approach

Penology

The subject focuses on the development of punishment, types and forms of punishment, and the classification of various penalties.

Some parts of the syllabus are:

? Theories of punishment

? History of the penal system

? Probation and parole

? Power and jurisdiction of police

Medical Jurisprudence and Forensic Science

The subject details the analysis of basic forensic science. It discusses the identification of evidence at a crime scene with the application of medical facts.

Some parts of the syllabus are:

? Death: Definition, modes, and changes in eye and skin

? Identification of individuals, examination of blood, semen, saliva, and hair

? Common poisons and their medico-legal aspects and causes modifying the actions of poison

Typology of Crimes and Contemporary Crimes

The subject discusses the basic understanding of the forms of crimes. It also includes crime typology and contemporary crimes.

Some parts of the syllabus are:

? Forms of crime

? Contemporary crimes: the concept of white-collar crimes

? Crime and youth

? Crime prevention

Elements of Forensic Science

The subject looks into the definition, nature, scope of forensic sciences. It describes branches of forensic science and includes the Frye case and Daubert standards. There is a deep analysis of the hierarchical setup of Central Forensic Laboratories.

Police Organisation

The subject closely discusses the concept and purpose of the police organisation in India, covering the historical development of the police system, organisation, structure and function. There is also a detailed analysis, Police Organisation: Concept and Brief Historical Background.

Social Problems and Crime

The subject explains the different social problems and their causes, which lead to criminality and social disorder. There is an extensive explanation of various forms of women and child-related issues, crimes, and their related laws.

Fingerprint Science

The subject covers the biological formation of fingerprints, fundamental principles, and their types. The focus of the subject is on the development of latent fingerprints and their value in the court of law.

1

Forensic Science and Law

Introduction to Forensic Science and Law

The subject discusses the basic elements, different branches, and principles of forensic science. It includes a critical analysis of National Crime Record Bureaus, BPRD, and DTI. There is a discussion of a hierarchical setup of Central Forensic Laboratories.

1

Criminalistics

Criminalistics

The subject details the application of criminal investigation, with a discussion on forensic tools and techniques and Crime Scene Management. The teaching looks into the significance of physical evidence and Lockard’s principle and the critical analysis of preservation of evidence, chain of custody, footprints, and bite marks.

1

Concept of Criminology

Criminology and Forensic Psychology

The subject outlines Criminology and its relation to social sciences. There is a detailed discussion on Criminology’s etymology, meaning, characteristics, definitions and more. There is also an explanation of various schools of Criminology.

1

Introduction to Psychology

Psychology

The subject prepares the students with a broad base to study Criminology by outlining the mental or behavioural characteristics of the individual or group.

2

Quantitative Methods and Scientific Writing

Quantitative Methods

The subject emphasises the objective measurement and the statistical, mathematical, or numerical analysis of the data done through polls, questionnaires, surveys, etc. There is a detailed analysis of pre-existing statistical data via various computational techniques.

2

Behavioural Assessment

Behavioural Assessment

The subject is a structured study and analysis of the person's behaviour through direct supervision and self-observation. It involves a discussion on various phases of the behavioural assessment; screening, defining, quantifying problems or goals, pinpointing the target behaviour to be treated, monitoring process, and follow-up.

3

Penology

Penology and Correctional Institutions

The subject outlines the history of the penal system in India. In the course of study, the students also discuss various theories of punishment: Retributive, Expiation, Reprobation, Probation, Classical, and Utilitarian. There is a discussion and critical analysis of the provision of criminal laws descriptively.

3

Victimology

Victimology and Victim Assistance

The subject is a subset of Criminology and discusses the study of crime victims, involving various theories: victimisation theory, the victim precipitation theory, the lifestyle theory, the deviant place theory, and the routine activities theory.

4

Welfare Laws

Welfare Laws for the Disadvantaged

The subject aims to teach the students various provisions related to the disabled as per the constitution. It also discusses education laws, succession laws, labour laws, and similar important details.

Digital Skills for Crime Data Analysis

? Digital Skills

? Crime Analyst Skills

The students are taught to use various digital skills, communication, analytical skills, and writing skills. They are also introduced to crime data analysis and its meaning and taught to use data and resources. Students develop strong communication and analytical skills. They also have the opportunity to learn and regularly practise crime news analysis.

Forensic Psychology

? Concept of Criminology and Forensic Psychology

? Forensic Psychological Investigate Techniques

The subject discusses the application of forensic science in Criminology. It details the professional psychology characterising the primarily intended expertise in the judicial and legal system.

Elements of Forensic Science

Introduction to Forensic Science and Criminalistics

Robert E Gaensslen, Dr Howard Harris, and Henry C Lee

The book features comprehensive details of the forensic work conducted on criminal cases.

Fundamentals of Criminology

Criminology

J E Conklin

The book incorporates the meaning and historical perspectives of Criminology. The author also discusses the origin and scope of Criminology in detail.

Police Organisation and Crime

Police Community Relations

Howard H Earle & William M Conroy

The author gives an expansion of organisational factors. There is also a discussion of the sociology of PCR. The chapters are divided into community crime prevention and the futuristic Z-Cop model. There are numerous situations and problems listed to give students a detailed analysis of approaches. There will be the disclosure of field-tested and proven successful changes in methods of Criminology.

Fingerprint Science

Fingerprint Analysis Laboratory Workbook

Hillary Moses Daluz

The book addresses all the fingerprint theories. There are discussions of fingerprints in an investigation, processing, comparison, and research. There are laboratory exercises which students can use to practise at the labs. The exercises can be completed at home or in a laboratory setting.

Criminal Psychology

Criminal and Forensic Psychology

Helen Gavin

The book discusses various case studies. It gives the full context of criminal cases and also defines psychological theories using real-life crimes. It contains detailed and fascinating courtroom processing. There is also detail on the infusion of psychology knowledge in forensic contexts.

Victimology

Introduction to Victimology: Contemporary Theory, Research, and Practice

Bradford W. Reyns, John J. Sloan and Bonnie S. Fisher

The book discusses an integrated approach to theory, practice, research, and practice. It discusses the various emerging issues such as victim decision making, fear of crime, and preventing victimisation.

Penology

Criminology & Penology with Victimology

Prof. N.V. Paranjape

The book closely explains the history and development of punishment. The author closely analyses power and jurisdiction. There is a critical analysis of punishment for crimes in ancient, mediaeval, and modern India.

Police Organisation

Police Community Relations

Dr Ron Hunter, Thomas “Tom” Barker, Melchor C. de Guzman

The book discusses the concept and purpose of the police organisation. The author provides knowledge on the historical development of the police system, structure, and functions. There is information on the auxiliary units and their functions.