Criminology vs. Forensic Science: Analysing Crime-Fighting Careers

Forensic science and criminology are two independent fields of study that cover sociological and scientific aspects of crime backed by scientific evidence. Criminology focuses on analysing the nature, causes and prevention of criminal behaviour that can disintegrate the social structure. On the other hand, forensic science deals with understanding scientific principles and techniques to investigate crime from its root. While the former has a sociological approach, the latter is a scientific field of study. In this article, we shall dive deeper into both the fields and explore the differences between these career pathways!

Criminology vs. Forensic Science: Course Duration

The undergraduate (UG) courses offered in the field of criminology include a Bachelor of Arts (B.A) in the same field, with a duration of 3 years, and 6 semesters. Furthermore, individuals can pursue a post-graduate degree by enrolling for a Master of Arts (M.A) in criminology. The duration of this MA programme is 2 years, further split across 4 semesters.
In the case of forensic science, students can opt for a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) in forensic science as an undergraduate programme. The duration of this degree is 3 years, further split across 6 semesters. Just like criminology, students can also pursue a Master of Science (M.Sc) in the same field. The duration of this post-graduate programme is 2 years, further divided into 4 semesters.

Criminology vs. Forensic Science: Course Curriculum

The curriculum of criminology has a focus on social sciences subjects such as sociology, psychology, law and criminal justice. This discipline helps the students to gain domain knowledge on the root cause of a crime, and criminal behaviour patterns. The core subjects included in a criminology curriculum are as follows:

• Criminal Behaviour
• Criminological Theories
• Criminal Justice System
• Crime Prevention
• Criminal Law
• Victimology
• Juvenile Delinquency
• Penology (study of punishment)
• White-Collar Crime
• Cybercrime
• Criminal Profiling

On the other hand, the curriculum in a forensic science programme is a blend of science subjects such as biology, physics, and chemistry. Students tend to learn the application of scientific techniques to solve and interpret crime scenes. The core subjects included in a criminology curriculum are as follows:

• Forensic Biology
• Forensic Chemistry
• Forensic Toxicology
• Forensic Pathology
• Fingerprint Analysis
• DNA Analysis
• Ballistics and Firearms Examination
• Trace Evidence Analysis
• Digital Forensics
• Forensic Anthropology
• Forensic Entomology

Criminology vs. Forensic Science: Career Opportunities

Upon graduation in criminology, individuals can pursue careers in law enforcement, criminal justice, social work, corrections, victim advocacy, and policy analysis. The other job roles can be police officers, probation officers, crime analysts, or criminal investigators. Let us see some of the lucrative career roles in this field:

• Law Enforcement Officer: Law Enforcement Officers execute criminal investigations by gathering evidence, interviewing victims and witnesses, and interrogating suspects.
• Criminal Investigator: Criminal investigators investigate crimes and provide law enforcement bodies with evidence that could lead to an arrest.
• Corrections Officer: Corrections Officers supervise the activities of inmates in detention facilities and provide care and correctional treatment of inmates.
• Parole Officer: Parole Officers contact parolees on a regular basis, monitor the location of parolees, and assess the risk that they pose to the general public.
• Crime Scene Analyst: Crime Scene Analysts are responsible for assisting law enforcement officials by collecting evidence from a crime scene for future analysis.

If an individual wishes to explore a career in forensic science, they can take up roles such as forensic scientists, crime scene investigators, forensic analysts, and forensic pathologists. These individuals can also be recruited by private and public law enforcement agencies, and other firms to solve crimes and decide the evidence. Let us see some of the exciting career opportunities in this domain:

• Forensic Toxicologist: Forensic toxicologists perform scientific tests on bodily fluids and tissue samples to identify any drugs or chemicals present in the body.
• Forensic Odontologist: Forensic odontologists are specialised dentists who help determine the unknown remains and trace bite marks to a specific individual.
• Forensic Anthropologist: Forensic anthropologists gather information from the bones and their recovery context to determine who died, how they died, and how long ago they died.
• Digital Forensic Examiner: Digital Forensic Examiners conduct forensic examination of electronic devices, such as computers, mobile devices, and other digital data storage media.
• Forensic Scientist: Forensic scientists analyse physical evidence collected from crime scenes, to provide expert advice on legal proceedings.
• Forensic Pathologist: Forensic pathologists evaluate and execute autopsies on deceased individuals to identify the cause of death.

Criminology vs. Forensic Science: A Way Forward

To summarise, criminology and forensic science are two district folds of study, despite having a shared connection to crime. A degree in criminology prepares students to become well-versed in the criminal justice system and helps them demonstrate strong research and analytical skills. On the other hand, if one chooses to opt for a career in forensic science, then one will be able to gather, preserve and record evidence related to crimes. Therefore, one must assess their strengths, career aspirations and skills before making the final choice!

FAQs

Q1. Is criminology a good career?

A1. Yes, criminology is a good career choice for students interested in any of the disciplines connected to sociology and psychology. The average annual salary of a criminologist ranges from 3 to 10 LPA. With experience, the salary can increase to up to 30 LPA, depending on the specific job profile.

Q2. What is the highest paying job in criminology?

A2. In criminology, highly paid roles often include forensic psychologists, criminology professors, and senior criminologists. However, salaries vary based on experience, location, and area of expertise.
It's worth noting that roles such as judges and lawyers operate within the legal field rather than criminology itself.
The other high-paying job roles in criminology include the following.

Q3. What is the future of forensic science?

A3. Forensic science will undergo a significant transformation in the future. It will become more advanced and accurate with the help of AI (Artificial Intelligence), DNA analysis, and digital forensics. The digital forensic market experienced high growth rates between 2016 and 2022, with a market value of USD 4.95 billion. The demand for forensic scientists in various government agencies, such as the Intelligence Bureau and the Criminal Investigation Department, continues to grow.

Q4. Which stream is best for criminology?

A4. While a background in social sciences, such as psychology, sociology, or even science with a focus on biology, can be helpful for criminology, there isn't a single "best" stream. Criminology is a multidisciplinary field, and students from diverse backgrounds can pursue it, particularly with a bachelor's degree followed by a master's degree in criminology.

Q5. Can I study forensic science with criminology?

A5. Yes, you can study forensic science with criminology. There are several institutions which offer a BSc in forensic science and criminology. You can also pursue the integrated BSc-MSc programme in criminology and forensic science.

Q6. Does criminology need NEET?

A6. No, NEET is not required for pursuing criminology courses, but students may be required to clear the entrance exam set by the specific institution to which they are applying.

Q7. Do forensic science need NEET?

A7. No, NEET is not required for Forensic Science. The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test, or NEET, is primarily designed for admission to undergraduate Medical and Dental courses (MBBS and BDS) in India. NEET is not typically required for admission to undergraduate forensic science programmes.
Forensic science programmes often have their own entrance exams or admission criteria, such as CUET, CUET PG, JEE Main, GATE, etc.