B.A. Criminology is a three-year undergraduate professional course based on annual examination system. The course is taught both in full time and distance learning mode. Criminology is a challenging discipline and its practice and application are directly linked to the occurrence of crime. Candidates seeking admissions to the course must have passed their class 12th examination in Arts or Science stream by securing good percentage.

The course is being run as regular and distance learning course in many colleges; however being a highly specialized course, aspirants won’t find many options. Some of the college running the course are listed below:

• Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Chennai
• School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya, University of Mangalore, Mangalore
• Institute of Distance Education, University of Madras, Chennai
• Directorate of Distance and Continuing Education, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tamil Nadu

The selection to B.A. Criminology course in most of the colleges/universities is sought on the basis of merit. There are no entrances as such for admission to the course and candidates scoring high in the class 12th examination are likely to get the college of their choice. B.A. Criminology course gives employment opportunities on completion of the course owing to its job oriented course structure.

B.A. Criminology prepares graduates who can understand criminal behavior, the cause of crime and its impact on the victim and society. It fosters in its students sociological, psychological and analytical skills required in this field to do good. By the end of the course, students usually obtain excellent observational and research skills, clarity of verbal and written expression.

B.A. Criminology students can explore career options as crime investigator, crime scene analyst, medical investigation officer, private detectives, crime laboratory analyst, social worker, prison manager and crime researcher. To begin with, a graduate can start at INR 15,000 a month. Students may even get their first break by fetching an annual package of INR 3 to 4 Lacs.

B.A. Criminology: Course Highlights Table

B.A. Criminology: What it is About?

Due to increase in the rate of crime in India, a career in Criminology can be both promising and challenging. As a subject Criminology is interdisciplinary in nature primarily dealing in the scientific study of crime and criminal behavior including legal aspects, manifestations, causes, control, and restoration. Criminologists are passionate about creating an impact and fighting crime. B.A. Criminology course is meant for students who have good analytical skills, research skills and sense for justice. Students pursuing the course are advised to pursue a master’s degree in criminology in order to increase their job employability.

The subjects covered during three-year B.A. Criminology course include:

• Fundamentals of Criminology, Police Science & Forensic Science, Forensic Science in Crime Detection and Criminal Psychology and Forensic Medicine.
• Police Administration and Procedural Law, Laws of Crime & Minor Acts, Security System, Vigilance and Cyber Forensic and Victimology and Correctional Administration.

B.A. Criminology curriculum includes subjects on Criminal Laws, Human Behaviour and Criminality, Contemporary Crimes, NGOs and Criminal Justice Administration and Vigilance and Security Management which aim at developing strategic perspective in students on the criminal justice system.

The course aims at providing skills required to compete in the current scenario where there are increasing instances of corruption from a political and economic aspect. Although there are no official statistics on hiring and job opportunities in this field but as per subject experts around 65% of fresh graduate and postgraduates are required under various job profiles in the field of criminology.  

B.A. Criminology: Top Institutes 

B.A. Criminology: Eligibility Criteria

Most of the institutes require a pass in class 12th examination in Arts or Science stream to get admission to B.A. Criminology course. However, certain institutes like Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences grant admission to students who have passed 10+2/ PUC or any equivalent course from a recognized Institute/ University with minimum 50% marks.

B.A. Criminology: Admission Process

Candidates are not required to appear in any kind of entrance exams as admissions are solely conducted on the basis of marks secured by candidates in class 12th. In case of Distance Learning institutions, candidates are given admission on first come first serve basis to B.A. Criminology course. 

B.A. Criminology: Syllabus and Course Description

The course is based annual examination system with around 10 core subjects on concepts of criminology. In School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya the course is taught as an optional subject with B.A degree. B.A. Criminology syllabus as provided by many institutes offering the course is provided in the table below:

Being a B.A course, students shall also study two optional subjects both in first year and second year.

B.A. Criminology: Career Prospects

Criminology is a new-age career, if not highly rewarding. From crime investigator, crime researcher, counselor, medical investigation, law enforcement, prison management to social work there are ample of opportunities to make a decent career in the discipline. Interested aspirants may even practice with organisations like Central Bureau of Investigation, Research and Analysis Wing, Bureau of Police Research and Development, National Institute of Social Defence and Intelligence Bureau to get hands on experience.
B.A. Criminology graduates can explore career opportunities in:

• Police Establishments
• Prison department
• Vigilance and security departments of Banking and financial Institutions
• Private detective agencies
• Government and Private Forensic Science Laboratories

B.A. Criminology is a rewarding career, especially when students pursue a suitable master’s degree course or continue studies abroad. One of the best ways to have a rewarding career is by clearing entrance exams conducted by CBI, RAW, IB and other Intelligence agencies. Students may even plan a career in civil services by preparing for UPSC exams.

Related B.A. Criminology courses are:

• Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
• B.A. Political Science
• B.A. Sociology

Read about more Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) courses