Criminology

 The main topics included in the curriculum of Criminology include Introduction to Criminology, Types of Crime, Causes of Crime, Firearms and ammunition, Fingerprints, Preparation of Summons and Warrants. Graduates can find employment in non-profit or social organisations that combat crime after gaining knowledge of these topics. They may also work for the government in divisions such as law enforcement, social reform, or the court.

Criminologists are trained to examine the problems in order to understand the thoughts of criminals. Criminologists do not have to work alone to solve crimes.  They contribute significantly to systems of prevention and law- and policy-making that can prevent similar events from occurring in the future and reduce crime at the same time.

Criminology, includes topics like psychology, sociology, law, and anthropology as they are essential for analysing crimes and criminals. Psychology aids in understanding a person's mind, while sociology studies human conduct and interaction. 

It depends on the course level; for instance, a UG-level course duration is 3 to 4 years, while a PG-level course duration is 2 years. Diplomas can be completed in 6 months to 1.6 years, and certification can be pursued from 1 month to 1 year.  

Pune University, Lucknow University, Madras University, and National Forensic Sciences University are some of the renowned universities offering Criminology courses in India. The students can take admission as per their choice and course suitability. Here are the links for some criminology courses as per the state:

• Criminology Courses in Karnataka
• Criminology Courses in Madhya Pradesh
• Criminology Courses in Uttare Pradesh

 The entrance tests that allow admission to students in Criminology courses are:

• Delhi University Entrance Test
• Jawaharlal Nehru University Entrance Exam
• Andhra Pradesh Research Common Entrance Test
• Jamia Millia Islamia Entrance Exam
• Central Universities Common Entrance Test
• Common Post Graduate Entrance Tests
• Banaras Hindu University Undergraduate Entrance Test
• Aligarh Muslim University Entrance Exam

A few areas where Criminology graduates can work are Forensic departments, non-governmental organizations,  Human Rights Agencies, the National Institute of Social Defence, the Intelligence Bureau, the Central Bureau of Investigation, Police departments, and Educational Institutes. Even some mulit-national companies hire fraud analysts, fraud prevention analysts, and cyber crime analysts, and researchers in digital forensics. Click to read the Cyber Crime Course.

A B.Sc. in Criminology can be a great choice for students interested in understanding crime, law enforcement, criminal behavior, and justice systems. It is a multidisciplinary field that combines elements of sociology, law, psychology, and criminal justice. The degree equips students with the skills needed for various roles in law enforcement, forensic analysis, criminology research, and legal consultancy.

The major subjects in Criminology courses are criminal psychology, police administration, forensic medicine, penology, laws of crime and minor acts, and procedural law.