10 Top Double Majors With a Criminology Degree

Criminology is the study of criminal behavior. Someone with a criminology degree can work in various fields, especially if they earn a double major in college. Multiple double majors pair well with criminology. Keep reading to learn more about the best double majors for criminology.

Top Criminology Double Majors

Several majors pair well with criminology depending on your career goals. We've listed a few top criminology double majors below.

1. Criminal Justice

The terms 'criminology' and 'criminal justice' are often used interchangeably, but each focuses differently. Criminology refers to the study of criminal behavior, while criminal justice studies the justice system and crime.

Topics in criminal justice programs often include:

• policing
• the criminal justice system
• the correctional system
• criminal justice technology

Criminal justice is a good double major with criminology for those who want to work in crime analysis and crime prevention. This includes roles in law enforcement and corrections but also advocacy and law.

2. Justice Studies

Justice studies, sometimes called social justice, examine the cultural, economic, historical, and sociopolitical forces that impact social justice. These degrees often focus on topics such as:

• citizenship, migration, and human rights
• globalization, sustainability, and economic justice
• law, policy, and social change
• media, technology, and culture

Criminology majors may want to consider a double major in justice studies if they're interested in careers in advocacy or law. It's also a great option to prepare students for law school.

3. Psychology

Psychology is the study of human behavior and the mental processes that affect this behavior. There are many types of psychology, such as:

• behavioral psychology
• child psychology
• forensic psychology
• industrial-organizational psychology

If you're interested in working in the field of forensic psychology, pairing a psychology major with a criminology major is an excellent choice. Forensic psychologists work to understand the driving forces behind criminal behavior.

4. Social Work

Social work majors study public programs and welfare systems to positively change the lives of community members. It includes a lot of crossover with justice studies and often covers topics like:

• advocacy
• human behavior
• social work ethics
• social work research

Like justice studies, a social work double major is excellent for those who want to go into advocacy. It's particularly good for those who want to work in social services.

5. Social and Behavioral Sciences

Students studying social and behavioral sciences focus on analyzing and developing solutions for social issues. These are interdisciplinary programs that often cover facets of:

• anthropology
• political science
• psychology
• sociology

A double major in criminology and social and behavioral sciences is a good choice for those who want to study the intersection of crime and social issues. It's a solid foundation for careers in law enforcement, advocacy, or legal studies.

6. Sociology

Sociology is the study of society and human behavior. It analyzes interactions between individuals, communities, cultures, and societies. These programs include courses on:

• social issues
• social science research
• sociological perspectives
• sociological theories

Sociology is a similar field to social and behavioral sciences. Someone with a double major in criminology and sociology will be prepared for a variety of fields such as:

• advocacy
• corrections
• legal studies
• social services

7. Anthropology

The study of humanity and culture is called anthropology. Anthropology has four primary and distinct subfields:

• archeology
• bioarchaeology
• evolutionary anthropology
• sociocultural anthropology

A double major in anthropology is a great field for criminologists who want to study crime at the cultural and global levels. It's ideal for researchers or those who want to tackle crime in an area culturally different from their own.

8. Women's and Gender Studies

Women's studies is a type of liberal arts degree that examines the impact of gender on the world and women in particular. It's an interdisciplinary program that studies things like:

• feminist theory
• gender and equality
• gender and society
• women's history

This double major can help you understand how gender influences crime and how crime specifically impacts women. Someone who wants to go into advocacy, social services, or certain areas of law may want to consider a second degree in women's and gender studies.

9. Computer Science

Computer science is a math and science-heavy field that studies how computers and other technologies work. Courses often cover topics such as:

• algorithms
• computer programming
• data types
• networks

A double major in criminology and computer science is ideal for those who want to work in computer or digital forensics. Digital forensics is the study and investigation of cybercrime and other types of criminal activity done with technology.

10. Foreign Language

There are multiple foreign languages that students can choose as a double major. Common foreign languages include:

• French
• Mandarin
• Russian
• Spanish

A criminology major may want to double major in a foreign language if they plan to work in an area with a high number of residents that speak a language other than English. For example, many areas in the U.S. have a high population of Spanish speakers.

What Is a Double Major?

A double major is a second major added to your bachelor's degree. It allows you to earn one degree with two majors. Double majors often require students to take on heavy course loads, as they need to fulfill the requirements for two different majors. However, it broadens your studies and helps you find specialized careers.

Double Major vs. Dual Degree

Another option for students wanting to study two subjects is a dual degree. Dual degree programs require students to earn two separate degrees, rather than one degree with two majors, and as a result, takes longer than a double major.

Some programs offer dual degree programs that award bachelor's and master's degrees in the same major instead of two bachelor's degrees. These usually allow students to graduate with both degrees in two years.

FAQs About Double Majoring With Criminology

Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about double majoring with criminology.

Can You Double Major With Criminology?

In most cases, you can double major with criminology. However, it will depend on the particular school and program.

Is a Double Major With Criminology Worth It?

A double major with criminology is worth it for many students, especially those wanting to go into a specific field of criminology. A double major can also help you find careers in niche fields.

What Are the Benefits of Double Majoring With Criminology?

One of the biggest benefits of a double major with criminology is that it increases your knowledge. This allows you to expand your job prospects and find jobs that require specialized skills. A double major can also look good on resumes and applications for graduate school. That can increase your likelihood of landing a job or getting accepted.

Will a Double Major With Criminology Improve My Career Outlook?

Whether or not a double major with criminology will improve your career outlook depends on your career goals, but generally, it can. A double major gives you an increased skillset and knowledge base, allowing you to look for a variety of jobs.