Difference between Criminology and Criminalistics

Criminology and Criminalistics are both centered in law enforcement. However, criminology explores the nature of crime and prevention, while criminalistics involves the collection and analysis of evidence.

Criminology is the study of crime and its prevention, as well as the exploration of criminals and their treatment. Criminology students study the criminal justice system and develop new theories for dealing with crime and its causes. Typical course topics in a criminology program include deviance, juvenile delinquency, punishment, criminological theory and social research.

Criminalistics, also known as forensic science, is the application of scientific principles to provide evidence in criminal cases. Students in forensic science programs learn how to collect crime scene evidence, prove the causes of accidents and test crime scene evidence in labs. General course topics include crime scene investigation, drug analysis, genetics, physics and organic chemistry. Additional course topics may include criminal procedures and the U.S. criminal justice system.

Careers in Criminology

Criminology graduates are qualified for positions in government agencies, juvenile courts and police services. On-the-job training may be required for positions in the field. Many careers only require a bachelor’s degree, while others require an advanced degree. Career options include:

• Drug enforcement agent
• Litigation manager
• Probation officer
• Victim services specialist
• CIA agent
• Criminologist

Careers in Criminalistics

Forensic science positions are available in medical examiners’ offices, police departments, crime labs and hospitals. There are several job options in forensic science depending on each person’s education and experience. For example, medical examiners must hold a Doctor of Medicine and complete a fellowship in pathology, whereas forensic science technicians only need a bachelor’s degree in forensic science or natural science to collect and analyze evidence. Job titles may include:

• Crime lab analyst
• Crime scene examiner
• Forensic scientist

Fonte: www.study.com