Updated on May 26, 2025 05:46 IST

MA Criminology career options in India are endless and this sector offers employment opportunities to a vast segment of the population. Students pursuing MA Criminology courses are given a chance to work with experienced professionals which helps them gain relevant exposure to this industry and diversify their skillset.

Police Officer, Detective, Lawyer, Prison Officer, Digital Forensic Analyst, Crime Analyst, Forensic Psychologist, etc., are some of the widely opted MA Criminology jobs by the graduates. Top recruiters in the field of MA Criminology include National Investigation Agency, National Crime Records Bureau, Central Bureau of Investigation, Police Department, Forensic Departments, etc.

University of Lucknow, Dr. Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya, Patna University, Karnataka University, Kumaun University, etc., are the popular MA Criminology colleges in India offering high placements. The average MA Criminology salary in India is INR 3-5 LPA for entry level positions, INR 6-10 LPA for mid level positions, and INR 12-20 LPA for senior level positions.

Interested candidates can continue reading the article for more details regarding MA Criminology career scope.

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MA Criminology Career Scope: Job Profiles

Graduates can find work in both government and private sectors through numerous job profiles in the field of criminology. Each and every job profile in this industry has a vast career scope and is known to offer handsome packages to the candidates who opt for these job opportunities.

Some popular MA Criminology jobs along with their average salaries have been mentioned in the table given below:

MA Criminology Job Profiles

Job Description

Average Annual Salary

Police Officer

They are government employees who are responsible for maintaining, enforcing, preventing, and investigating crime in the country.

INR 5 LPA

Detective

A detective investigates and solves reported crimes to bring justice to the victims.

INR 4.6 LPA

Prison Officer

A Prison officer is responsible for maintaining rules and regulations in the prison. They also assist prisoners in rehabilitation and overcoming obstacles through counseling.

INR 8.2 LPA

Forensic Expert

These individuals use their knowledge to study criminal psychology. Their contributions can be noted in the investigation, detention, and rehabilitation processes and strategies for convicted criminals. 

INR 3.5 LPA

Lawyer

Lawyers provide legal services and counseling to individuals and organizations and protect their rights in the court of law.

INR 5.1 LPA

Journalist

Journalists collect information, carry out research, analyze the data, and present it in the form of captivating narratives. 

INR 4.1 LPA

Social Worker

A social worker helps individuals cope with their monetary, emotional, or social needs.

INR 2.9 LPA

Note: The salaries given above have been taken from ambitionbox.com and may vary.

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MA Criminology Career Scope: Top Recruiters

There are numerous recruiting companies and sectors who continuously seek for skilled candidates to offer them correct guidance and mentorship which can help them gain relevant exposure and upgrade their skill set and establish themselves successfully in the field of criminology.

Interested candidates can refer to some of the top recruiters of this field:

MA Criminology Courses Top Recruiters

National Investigation Agency

Enforcement Directorate (ED)

National Crime Records Bureau

Central Bureau of Investigation

Central and State Police Departments

Narcotic Control Bureau

Forensic Department 

Research and Analysis Wing (RAW)

The Intelligence Bureau

Disclaimer: The information provided above is taken from external sources and may vary.

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MA Criminology Career Scope: Core Industries

Candidates who wish to pursue MA Criminology courses must take a look at some of the core industries of this field where they can find the perfect job opportunities to help them set their foots in this area of criminology and work with skilled professionals. 

For detailed information, refer to the table given below:

MA Criminology Core sectors

Law Enforcement

Criminal Justice

Forensic Science

Social Work

NGO’s

Academia

Consulting

Psychology

Note: The information is taken from external sites and may vary.

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MA Criminology Career Scope: Best Colleges in India for Placements

There are both government and private colleges in India which are majorly recognized for their specialized MA Criminology programs. Candidates can choose either of the two colleges as per what suits them the most. These colleges will offer proper guidance and mentorship to the candidates to kickstart their careers in their desired field and job profile.

Here are a few top colleges in India known for their high placement records:

MA Criminology Colleges in India

Average Package

University of Lucknow Placements

INR 7.46 LPA

Dr. Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya

INR 5.11 LPA

Patna University Placements

INR 3.6 LPA

Karnataka University Placements

INR 3.6 LPA

Kumaun University Placements

INR 1.8 LPA

Sardar Patel University of Police, Security and Criminal Justice Placements

INR 1.8 LPA

Note: The information is taken from the official body and may vary.

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MA Criminology Career Scope 2025: FAQs

Q. What are the job opportunities after pursuing M.A Criminology?

A. Candidates can see the jobs in the following sectors:

Police

Forensic Psychology

Criminal Law

Government Officer

Q. What is the average salary package for MA Criminology course?

A. MA Criminology course provides students various career opprtunities in the field of crime and investigation and many other branches. The salary package depnds upon the job profile, can didate's expertise, knowledge and availability.

The following table shows various career options through MA Criminology course along with their average salary package in India.

MA Criminology Career Options Average Salary Package in India
Prison Officer INR 8.2 LPA
Lawyer INR 5.2 LPA
Detective  INR 5 LPA
Police Officer  INR 5 LPA

Disclaimer: The information provided in the above table is taken from external resources and may change.

Q. Which college offers the highest placement package in MA Criminology?

A. Candidates can see best colleges with high placements:

MA Criminology Colleges Avg Salary
University of Lucknow INR 7.46 LPA
Dr. Harisingh Gour Viswavidyalaya INR 5.11 LPA
Patna University INR 3.6 LPA
Karnataka University INR 3.6 LPA

 

Q. What salary package is offered to Criminologists?

A. According to Naukri.com the salary for criminology professionals in India is around approx INR 3.5 Lacs per year with the potential to climb to INR 25 Lacs per year as job experience increases.  

Candidates can see the details below:

Job Profiles

Avg Salary

Criminologist

INR 5 lakh

Detective

INR 4 lakh

Forensic Science Technician

INR 6 lakh

Criminal Lawyer

INR 3.5 lakh

Lecturer

INR 4 lakh

Social Worker

INR 2.5 lakh

Crime Investigator

INR 3 lakh

Q. What are the different theories of crime in Criminology course?

A. Candidates can see the theories below:

  • Social disorganization theory 
  • Labeling theory
  • Biological and psychological theories of crime
  • Rational choice theory
  • Classical criminology
  • Social learning theory
  • Developmental criminology
  • Social control theory

Q. What kind of research methods are used in Criminology?

A. Candidates can see the kind of method below:

Quantitative methods

Case studies

Mixed methods research 

Experimental methods

Table of content
  • Popular MA Criminology Colleges in India
  • Popular Private MA Criminology Colleges in India
  • Popular MA Criminology Specializations

Popular MA Criminology Colleges in India

Following are the most popular MA Criminology Colleges in India. Learn more about these MA Criminology colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
35 Courses
432 - 18.5 K
8.4 LPA

#3 NIRF

22 Courses
55.95 K - 86.01 K
9.24 - 9.5 LPA

#1 NIRF

13 Courses
20 K - 1.84 L
6.23 - 6.89 LPA

#89 NIRF

19 Courses
1.63 K - 83.52 K
9.2 - 10.2 LPA

#17 NIRF

1.07 L - 16 L
3.4

#81 India Today

Humanities & Social Sciences Applications open. Apply Now

56.16 K - 62.91 K
3 - 3.5 LPA

#16 NIRF

Popular Private MA Criminology Colleges in India

1.58 L - 5.1 L

Humanities & Social Sciences Applications open. Apply Now

25 K - 1.1 L
2.5 - 3 LPA
40 K - 5.6 L
7.25 LPA

Humanities & Social Sciences Applications open. Apply Now

75 K - 12.8 L
2.75 - 4.8 LPA
10 K - 5.2 L
3.8
9 Courses
1.38 L - 4.12 L

Popular MA Criminology Specializations

Following are the most popular MA Criminology Specializations . You can explore the top Colleges offering these Specializations by clicking the links below.

Popular Specializations

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Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 2 months ago

Of course, around 20 universities in different countries offer Diploma in Criminology programs:

Diploma in Criminology Colleges AbroadTuition Fee
The University of SydneyINR 12 Lakh
Cardiff UniversityINR 20 Lakh
University of CanterburyINR 16 Lakh
Western Sydney UniversityINR 16 Lakh
Maynooth UniversityINR 15 Lakh

Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling body of the institute/exam.

N

Nikita Chauhan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months ago

Here are some top MA in Criminology college options abroad:

MA in Criminology college abroadTuition Fee
University of OxfordINR 38 Lakh
University of TorontoINR 20 Lakh
The University of MelbourneINR 25 Lakh
The University of SydneyINR 28 - 29 Lakh

Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling body of the institute/exam.

A

Atul Arora

Contributor-Level 9

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