<p>I recently decided to pick criminology as my major since my adviser said that it would be a good one to choose if I wanted to go into law enforcement in the future and maybe work for the FBI or CIA in the long run. However, people have recently been telling me that a major like criminology or criminal justice is basically useless and that I could pick anything else and still do what I would like to do. They have also told me if I didn't want to go into law enforcement, I would have other job opportunities with a more career oriented degree which does sound appealing. I'm just curious if anyone has majored in criminology and was able to get a decent job. Otherwise, I might have to consider switching my major even though I just picked this one.</p>
<p>I would recommend researching some of the job titles that interest you and review the qualifications desired by those positions. If they don’t specify majors like criminal justice and criminology, then you can major in practically anything and still qualify for those jobs. </p>
<p>I’m not familiar with either criminology or criminal justice, but I presume that when one is hired for law enforcement type jobs, training is mandatory for all, so as to make sure that every employee hired for those positions have the same type of education. I don’t think law enforcement agencies could rely or risk that X school taught its students well, while Y school did not. I’m guessing it’s similar to why there isn’t “army” or “military” majors at campus accross the country. The training is either done in military school/academy or through the official military camps(?)-I don’t know.</p>
<p>Also look at the classes a degree in criminology or criminal justice consist of. If you aren’t learning any direct practical skills, like say skills learned in nursing/engineering/etc. then the major could easily be a “history” major or a “sociology” major, or even a “science” major. I’m sure crime labs, etc. use people who have educations in the sciences.</p>
<p>I’m a Criminal Justice major @ Cal State Fullerton. This is my Senior year and I’ve already completed all the core classes for the major. My academic experience has been incredible and I highly recommend Criminal Justice! The next two semesters are reserved on my plan for completion of a double minor. Political Science and Law, Politics, & Society. Currently I work for the government and I will begin law school next year. Don’t let anyone dissuade you. If you are considering a career in law enforcement then stick with Criminology or a Criminal Justice Major. The knowledge you gain will give you a very broad understanding of our legal system, not to mention constitutional rights.</p>
@MavEryck what kind of job is it that you have with government? ?