Criminal Justice vs. Criminology: What’s the Difference?
Students considering enrolling in UA Grantham’s fully online associate or bachelor's degree programs in Criminal Justice often ask about the differences between criminology and criminal justice. In this article, UA Grantham professor Tina Freestone, Director of UA Grantham College of Humanities and Social Sciences, discusses core differences in focus, curriculum, and professional development opportunities between these two related fields of study.
What Is Criminal Justice?
In understanding criminal justice vs. criminology, it’s important to know that criminal justice examines the three major elements of the criminal justice system — law enforcement, correctional facilities, and the judiciary.
Topics investigated include the structure, functions and processes designed to respond to crime and how they help governments manage and administer justice.
Criminal Justice education programs usually focus more on the practical aspects of crime and the criminal justice system. The UA Grantham fully-online associate and bachelor’s degree programs in Criminal Justice are designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of how the justice system operates, from the initial investigation of a crime to the final adjudication in court and subsequent corrections.
What is Criminology?
Tina Freestone
Director, College of Humanities & Social Sciences
According to Director Freestone, Criminology is the study of crime as a social phenomenon. It delves into the psychological, sociological, biological, and economic factors that contribute to criminal behavior. A criminology degree is grounded in theory and research. Students explore topics such as the causes of crime, criminal behavior patterns, victimology, and the social impact of crime. Courses might include subjects like sociology, psychology, criminal psychology, and criminological theory.
Criminology, says Freestone, “is more about understanding the “why” behind crime, looking at the systemic factors that influence criminal activity, and developing theories or policies to address these issues.” Graduates with a criminology degree often may be found in positions in research, academia, public policy, or in roles that require a deep understanding of criminal behavior, such as forensic psychology.
Key Differences Between Criminal Justice and Criminology
The key difference between criminal justice vs. criminology is that criminology focuses on the “why” behind criminal acts, while criminal justice focuses more on how government and societal systems address those acts. Here is a glimpse into how these differences show up in an educational and professional context.
Education and College Program Differences
As you compare criminal justice vs. criminology, be aware that a criminology degree program will more narrowly focus on the psychological and sociological drivers and underpinnings of crimes, the people who commit them, and the victims they leave in their wake.
You may encounter coursework covering topics such as forensic psychology, the psychological principles of investigation, the study of social realities for minority groups, crime prevention strategies, crime hotspots and the study of criminal and delinquent behavior.
For those considering going with criminal justice vs. criminology, the coursework included in a criminal justice program will have a much broader scope, focusing on the inner workings of the system rather than the individuals within it. In this program, you will gain an understanding of each component of the criminal justice system and how they work together.
You may also learn about police practices and the challenges of law enforcement, techniques of criminal investigation and procedure, the juvenile justice system, criminal policy development, and criminal statutes and laws.
Professional Differences
Criminal justice and criminology differ in both curriculum and professional outcomes. Criminology students often end up in positions that require a deep understanding of criminal psychology and behavioral analysis. These roles may be researched-based or include analytical work in a federal or local agency.
Those who graduate with a degree in criminal justice often choose to take a different professional route. With a thorough understanding of the systems that help society manage justice, these graduates may land roles within those systems, such as police or parole officers.
This work tends to be much more hands-on and offers opportunities to work directly with people, including offenders and victims.
Skill Differences
In analyzing skill sets in criminal justice vs. criminology, there will be some overlap in the skills students develop in each type of program.
For example, both criminology and criminal justice students will need to know how to think critically, solve problems in high-pressure situations, maintain integrity when handling sensitive information and topics, engage in research, and communicate and collaborate with others.
Still, there will be some skills that are simply unique to the world of criminology, including:
- • Behavioral analysis
- • Criminal profiling
- • Social awareness
- • Ethical reasoning
Criminal justice students may develop the following skills that will help them thrive as they work within the system or advocate for reforms:
- • Criminal investigation methods
- • Quick decision-making
- • Collecting, preserving and documenting evidence
- • Understanding criminal statutes and court procedures
In comparing criminal justice vs. criminology, the skills criminology students gain can often be more analytical. However, criminal justice students need more hard skills that focus on specific laws, procedures and techniques.
What Professional Opportunities Can Graduates Expect in Criminal Justice vs. Criminology?
Criminology graduates are well-suited for positions in which they must use their critical thinking skills and knowledge of psychology and sociology to analyze criminal behavior.
These may include roles working in a major federal agency, such as Homeland Security, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Central Intelligence Agency, the Drug Enforcement Administration, or the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
On a local level, criminology students may become criminal investigators, victim advocates, or diversion and re-entry program directors who work to deter criminal activity and recidivism. They may also choose to develop or engage in research projects related to these roles and programs.
Criminal justice students often take on professional opportunities that allow them to work directly with affected populations.
Some examples may include becoming police or correctional officers. As they move up in rank, these students may also choose to become detectives or wardens. With additional education, they may also become professors, researchers, or criminal defense lawyers.
Which Is Right for Me: Criminology or Criminal Justice?
In deciding between criminal justice or criminology, it’s important to consider your educational and professional goals in light of what you know about each area.
For example, you now know that criminal justice leans more on the practical application of legal and law enforcement principles and techniques. If you’re looking to work in a fast-paced environment where you will have direct interactions with offenders, victims, and the system as a whole, a criminal justice degree may be more suitable for you.
However, those who are analytical thinkers, desire to use psychological principles in the investigative process, or are interested in the world of research may consider going into criminology. Criminology programs are often less fast-paced and hands-on and much more focused on applying principles of psychology and sociology to solve problems.
Ultimately, whether you go with criminal justice or criminology will be a personal choice based on your interests and personality traits. This understanding of your goals and passions will help you make the best decision for your long-term career.
What Will I Learn in a Criminal Justice Degree Program?
The UA Grantham criminal justice curriculum includes foundational courses that cover concepts in criminal law, criminal procedure, policing, and corrections - all of which equip students with the knowledge, skills, and best practices needed to perform effectively within the criminal justice system. While UA Grantham’s degree programs also cover some theories of crime, their primary emphasis is on how to apply these theories in real-world situations.
In addition to the foundational introductory courses, the UA Grantham criminal justice bachelor’s program includes specialized courses that focus on specific areas including criminal justice ethics, criminal law, community corrections, and crime scene techniques. These specialized courses allow students to tailor their education to their specific interests and professional aspirations.
Preparing for the Future With UA Grantham’s Criminal Justice Program
UA Grantham’s online criminal justice programs ensure students are prepared to make a real-world impact in their communities. Whether you pursue an associate or bachelor’s degree, you will learn foundational principles that will help you thrive in your career.
With a low cost per credit hour, complimentary laptop included for all degree students and eight-week terms, our programs are suited for those who want to invest their time and budget wisely. Our programs are military friendly, and we accept military tuition assistance to help active duty military and veterans minimize educational costs.
Weekly assignment due dates ensure you can work at your own pace throughout the week and fit your coursework and assignments around your busy schedule. Get started today with our no-cost application and see how we can help you get a head start in building a robust career in the criminal justice system.
Updated: 04.15.2025