Become a Criminologist

Are you ready to start your dream career? In this course, you will receive a comprehensive introduction to the world of criminology, and learn about the skills and knowledge you will need to succeed in this career.

What Happens in the Criminology Certificate Course

The Criminology Certificate Course is an online learning program with suggested readings from the textbook (IAP Career College Guide to Become a Criminologist). This course is self directed, which means you may study and complete assignments at times that are most convenient for you from the comfort of your own home.

This part-time Criminology Certificate Course has a recommended completion date of 6 weeks from the start of the program, however, you may choose to complete the course in as little as 2 weeks or as long as 12 weeks, depending on your schedule.

The Criminology Certificate Course has been created to allow you to complete it without any teaching assistance. However, if you have questions or need assistance, you can receive help from a Faculty Member throughout the 6 weeks of the course. Your Faculty Member is a valuable resource person who can provide you with personal teaching assistance to help you succeed in the course and advice to help you succeed in the career.

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Course Topics

The Criminology Certificate Course has been developed to meet high academic standards, ensuring that as a graduate you can display with pride the Criminology Certificate you will earn from the International Association of Professions Career College (IAP Career College).

Introduction to Criminology

  • What is a Criminologist?
  • Criminology as a Profession
  • The Past and Present of Criminology
  • Benefits of Being a Criminologist

Criminology in Practice

  • Research and Analysis
  • Data Collection
  • Fieldwork and Observation
  • Communicating Your Findings
  • Programming, Policy, and Advocacy
  • Expert Testimony
  • Ethics in Criminal Justice

Resources and Relationships

  • Criminology Tools and Technologies
  • Legal Instruments
  • Proposals and Contracts
  • Collaborations and Partnerships
  • Criminology Specializations

Getting Ready

  • Skills and Knowledge You Will Need
  • Learn by Doing
  • Learn from Other Criminologists
  • Educational Programs
  • Resources for Self-Study

Getting Hired

  • How to Find Job Openings
  • Types of Employers
  • Job Hunting Materials
  • Job Interviews
  • The Job Offer

Starting Your Own Business

  • Getting Started
  • Financial Matters
  • Working with Support Staff

Building Your Reputation

  • Your Brand
  • Proactive Outreach
  • Promotional Tools
  • Promotional Strategies
  • Networking
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What Is Included in the Criminology Certificate Course

This all-inclusive Criminology Certificate Course package includes:

  • Registration for the Criminology Certificate Course
  • Lifetime access to course materials
  • Access to a Faculty Member to provide you with personal teaching assistance and career advice
  • (Optional) 2026 membership in the IAPO International Association of Professional Criminologists for only US$ 2.99 per month
  • Downloadable Criminology Certificate personalized with your name and the seal of the International Association of Professions Career College which you may print
  • (Optional) Opportunity to order official certificates printed on fine linen paper and embossed with the gold seal of the college
  • Textbook: IAP Career College Guide to Become a Criminologist (e-book edition)

 

Register for the Criminology Certificate Course


BACK TO SCHOOL SPECIAL
Easy changes and cancellations
It’s easy to change or cancel your course registration. See our FAQ page for details.

You can have all this for an incredible price. It can cost hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars to take other programs. (We found courses based on old editions of our guides with registration fees of up to $999 and more.) We are able to offer you online courses at a significantly lower cost to you because of our expertise from over 20 years of producing the leading online guides for non-traditional careers.

Our online certificate courses have previously been offered for a registration fee of $297 U.S. and include a textbook and professional membership – a total value of almost $377.

BACK TO SCHOOL SPECIAL: This all-inclusive registration package for the Criminology Certificate Course is priced as only US$ 149.00 for the [October 21, 2024] course.

Associated Courses

Register today for the Criminology Certificate Course. Enrollment is limited and registration is on a first come first served basis, so we recommend that you register early for the Criminology Certificate Course online to avoid disappointment.

If the course is full, please email support@iapcollege.com to be notified when a new course date is scheduled.

To ensure your complete satisfaction all certificate courses are backed by our full 100% money back guarantee.

About a Career in Criminology

Are you seeking a career that combines your analytical skills and passion for exploring human behavior with the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on society? Does the prospect of working in a dynamic field that tackles complex social issues and criminal justice challenges excite you? Are you fascinated by the intricacies of crime patterns, prevention strategies, and the underlying factors that influence criminal behavior?

If you answered “yes” to these questions, then a career in criminology may be perfect for you!

As a criminologist, you’ll have the chance to:

  • Analyze crime data and trends to develop evidence-based prevention strategies
  • Collaborate with law enforcement, community organizations, and policymakers
  • Conduct research on critical issues like rehabilitation, recidivism, and criminal justice reform
  • Provide expert testimony and insights to support fair and effective legal outcomes
  • Contribute to the development of policies and programs that enhance public safety

According to several industry reports, there has never been a better time to break into criminology. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment in life, physical, and social science occupations will grow over the next decade—sometimes much faster than average when compared with other occupations. Salaries for jobs in this field often exceed $100,000 annually.

This is a career that requires extensive higher education. Criminologists typically need at least a bachelor’s degree, although some entry-level jobs in criminology may be available to those with an associate’s degree or relevant work experience.

Before spending your valuable time and money on advanced degrees, an introductory course such as this can give you the opportunity to learn core concepts and gain insight into the world of criminology to help you decide if this is a profession you want to pursue.

Whether you are looking to start a new career, pursue a degree, or enhance your skills in an existing role, this course will provide you with a strong foundation in criminology that will help you excel no matter what is next. If self-employment is a dream of yours, this course will even provide you with information about transitioning to criminology as an independent contractor or criminology consultant.

So what are you waiting for? Invest in your future and enroll in this course today to take the first step toward a career in criminology.

My experience with IAP Career College was exceptional! I loved how the courses get right to the main points and you learn so much in a short period of time.
Kari Miller, Ohsweken, Ontario

Why Get a Certificate?

How can you benefit with a certificate from the International Association of Professions Career College (IAP Career College)?

A certificate from the International Association of Professions Career College may give you:

  • Respect as a professional
  • A competitive advantage when marketing your services
  • A sense of achievement and confidence
  • A credential for your resume when applying for jobs
  • Assurance to clients of your professionalism
  • Evidence of your expertise
  • Higher earnings (according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in Certificates: A fast track to careers)

With the International Association of Professions Career College, you can earn a certificate online more quickly and affordably than many other educational options.

Student Spotlight: A Graduate's Success Story

Bella Simoni

“I feel more prepared, more focused, and more driven than ever.”

Bella enrolled at IAP Career College to go beyond classroom learning and get ready for the real world. From the start, the course exceeded her expectations—it opened her mind, boosted her confidence, and gave her practical skills she could use right away.

Most importantly, the program helped Bella believe in herself. With greater confidence, she now approaches new opportunities with courage and clarity.

“IAP Career College didn’t just teach me—it transformed how I see my future.”

Why Choose IAP Career College?

The International Association of Professions Career College (also known as IAP Career College) aims to offer the finest in affordable online certificate programs for dream careers.

The textbooks for most of our courses were developed by our parent company, the leading online publisher of career guide books on how to get started in a dream career, with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Our guides have been used as textbooks for more than a decade, and you can find them in the career centers and library collections of many famed colleges and universities – from the University of Texas to the Fashion Institute of Technology – as well as in numerous public libraries in cities from Vancouver to New York.

It can cost hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars to take other certificate programs. When we discovered online courses based on old editions of our career guides costing over US$ 1,000.00, we knew it was time to offer our own online certificate programs.

Now, the leader in online career guides for dream careers, along with a team of respected academics, have created online certificate programs through IAP Career College, allowing you to study and earn a certificate from the comfort of your own home.

Established online in 1999, the parent company of IAP Career College (known as FabJob) is an award-winning organization named “the #1 place to get published online” by Writer’s Digest. Our company and career guides have been featured in media ranging from ABC to Oprah’s newsletter and respected news sites ranging from CNN to the Wall Street Journal online.

We continue this tradition of excellence in online career education with the International Association of Professions Career College. Each of our career certificate programs has been developed to meet high academic standards, ensuring that as a graduate you can display with pride the certificate you will earn from the International Association of Professions Career College.

We invite you to learn more about the online certificate courses we offer you by visiting our Certificate Courses page. We are also happy to answer any of your questions to help you decide whether an online certificate course from the International Association of Professions Career College is right for you.

Have questions or need help?

Contact an Academic Advisor at International Association of Professions Career College:

support@iapcollege.com

Student Service Center
(For registered students only)
1-844-204-7982

If you are not a student you can email support@iapcollege.com or use live chat for inquiries.

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Click on “Ask Us a Question” at the bottom of this screen.

About IAP Career College

IAP Career College, also known as the International Association of Professions Career College, is a private online career college affiliated with FabJob Inc, the leading online publisher of guide books on how to get started in a dream career, serving hundreds of thousands of career changers on six continents since 1999. Learn more about us.

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  • What does a criminology professional do?
    Criminology professionals study the causes and impact of crime using sociological and psychological approaches. They may analyze crime patterns, inform public policy, or support criminal justice research.
  • What will I learn in the Criminology Certificate Course?
    You will learn about the key aspects of criminology, including research and analysis, data collection, fieldwork and observation, communication and collaboration, ethics in criminal justice, programming, policy development, advocacy, and more.
  • How long does the Criminology Certificate Course take to complete?
    The Criminology Certificate Course is designed to be self‑paced, with a recommended completion time of 6 weeks. However, you have the flexibility to complete it in as little as 2 weeks or extend it up to 12 weeks, depending on your schedule.

    Need more time? No problem. All of IAP’s Courses include lifetime access.
  • Who is the course for?
    This course is ideal for those interested in criminal justice, sociology, or psychology—especially individuals seeking a foundational understanding of criminology prior to pursuing further education.
  • Do I need prior background in law or social sciences?
    No. It’s designed to be beginner-friendly, presenting complex systems and theories in a clear and accessible way.
  • How much can criminology professionals earn?
    In the U.S., criminology-related roles typically earn $62,000–$94,500/year, with an average of around $81,200/year (~$39/hour). Pay can vary depending on job title, education level, and location.
  • Can I take the Criminology Certificate Course from outside of North America?
    Yes. The course is 100% online and self‑paced, accessible globally with materials available 24/7.
  • Will I receive a certificate when I finish the course?
    Yes! Upon completing the course, you will receive a Criminology Certificate from IAP Career College—demonstrating your understanding of foundational criminal justice and behavioral science concepts.
  • What is IAP Career College?
    The International Association of Professions Career College (IAP Career College) is a leading online career college offering online certificate courses and professional certifications for non‑traditional and “dream” careers.

    Since 1999, we’ve helped over 500,000 students across six continents get started in dream careers—from life coaching to event planning to end‑of‑life care. Our courses are flexible, beginner‑friendly, and designed for adult learners looking for practical, self‑paced options.

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