Criminology major question, pursuing Ph.D

College Majors
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<p>I'm a sophomore and I feel like I can never stick to one major, I've switched dozens of times but I keep reverting back to the behavioral sciences. I've been pretty deadset on Psychology as a major, and planned on taking it to the Ph.D level. </p>

<p>What I'm interested in is the criminal aspect of psychology. However, it's daunting realizing that majoring in psychology really provides no fall back plan if I couldn't follow it all the way through, a BA/BS in Psychology is practically useless.</p>

<p>As well, most Ph.Ds in Psychology become professors, I'm not sure I'm interested in that (but who knows down the line).</p>

<p>Criminology on the other hand (again, would be pursued to the Ph.D level) provides better opportunities if for whatever reason I couldn't finish (Right?). As well, my school has a 4+1 accelerated program for a Masters (4 years for BA/BS, 1 year for MA/MS). What I'm concerned about is that Criminology seems to be a synonym for criminal justice, and I'm not interested in becoming a police officer (like not even remotely). I'm interested in more academic work such as research, consulting, studying crime and criminals, writing papers..., more criminologist based work. I mean working with law enforcement is fine, but not enforcing law.</p>

<p>Again, I don't even know if I have my facts straight, and I do understand Ph.D usually means professoring, so maybe ignore that tidbit about me not being interested in that. I might be later.</p>

<p>So pretty much what I'm asking here is, for what I'm interested in, what major would be the safest route? Is a BS in Criminology safer than a BS in Psychology? What exactly does a Ph.D in Criminology do? Is a Ph.D in Psychology more difficult to obtain (cost wise, time wise)?</p>

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<p>Your overthinking everything. Worry about your undergraduate degree first. To get to a PHD program (or masters) you don’t need a certain major from your undergrad. It would certainly help as a foundation, but wouldn’t be necessary. Psychology pHds can work in the fields of criminology phds, but criminology degrees, for the most part, don’t always have the same oppertunities psychology phds have.</p>

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<p>Also: cost/time wise really depends on your research, tenure, and the school your from. If you have a master already, it can take up to 4 years usually. If not, it can take up to 6 years I believe</p>