Recent reports indicate rising crime rates in Australia (source), increasing the pressure on the country's criminal justice system.
This surge in demand for staff has created opportunities for those with expertise in criminal law, social science, or criminological research.
The good news is that online criminology courses have made this career path accessible to a broader audience. In this article, we explore the roles opened up by online criminology courses and how the acquired knowledge and skills can positively impact society.
The Different Avenues of Criminology
In the field of criminology and crime prevention, there are numerous fulfilling and meaningful roles aimed at protecting everyone, especially the most vulnerable.
Let's explore some of the career paths that completing an online criminology course can open up and how these roles contribute to the well-being of society.
- Criminologists: They work alongside law enforcement, prisons, and outreach programs, using research to shape public policies and crime-fighting methods, ultimately making crime prevention more effective.
- Police/Corrections Officers: These frontline workers in the justice system help maintain societal safety and aid in rehabilitating individuals who have gone astray.
- Probation Officers: Linked closely to social work, probation officers ensure that released individuals don't reoffend, safeguarding law-abiding citizens from crimes like burglary, assault, and mugging.
- Criminal Psychologists: By analysing criminal behaviour and using evidence-based processes, they delve into the root causes of crime and make critical decisions on parole boards, determining if someone should be released from prison or not.
- Cybercrime Operatives: As cybersecurity experts, they combat organised scammers who financially and psychologically harm vulnerable individuals online, such as the young and elderly.
These roles represent only a portion of the vital ongoing work in Australia's criminology and criminal justice system. Their contributions are essential for maintaining the security, law, and order that Australians enjoy today.
The Benefits of a Criminology Course Online
Historically, a career in criminology or criminal justice typically required 3 to 4 years of full-time university education. Although law enforcement positions were somewhat different, they still required completing an apprenticeship before starting in the field.
Fortunately, there are now more affordable and flexible study alternatives available, such as OCA’s Criminology Course Bundle, where you’ll learn:
- Introduction to Criminology and Profiling
- Classification of Crime
- Violent Crimes
- The Crime Scene
- Dealing with Crime
- Understanding Criminal Psychology
- Forensic Science
- Phases of Profiling
- Criminal Profiling: Science, Logic, and Metacognition
- Offender Profiling: Pragmatic Solution and Behavioral Investigative Advice
- Victimology
- Criminal Law 101
Why Study Criminology with OCA
- Flexibility at Your Fingertips: With online learning, you set your own pace. There are no fixed start or end dates, allowing you to tailor your study schedule to your needs.
- Affordable Tuition: Online courses don't require physical classrooms, resulting in lower tuition fees.
- Interactive Simulations and Roleplays: While real-world experience is invaluable, online simulations and roleplays, guided by expert mentors, provide practical learning opportunities. Plus, our mentors help you secure internships to apply your newfound skills.
- No Prerequisites: You don't need prior knowledge of the subject to begin your journey into youth justice, criminal behaviour, and more—all you need is a smartphone.
- Barrier-Free Learning: Whether you're in Australia, New Zealand, or an international student (CRICOS), our online criminology courses are accessible to learners worldwide, transcending geographical boundaries.
Not only do OCA’s online courses open doors in the field of criminal science, but they also allow you to continually update your knowledge.
Plus, with OCA's extensive range of courses, including complementary courses like mental health and interpersonal skills, you’ll have all the skills you need to excel as a criminologist.
Do You Have What It Takes to Work in Criminology?
Before embarking on an online criminology course, it's essential to assess if it aligns with your traits. While it's undoubtedly rewarding, excelling as a criminologist requires certain inherent attributes, such as:
- Meticulousness, i.e. great attention to detail
- Great communication skills, written, digital, and verbal
- Competency & affinity with technology
- Strong critical thinking abilities
- Emotional intelligence & empathy
- An analytical mindset
Start a Rewarding Career With an OCA Criminology Course Online
If you have your sights set on a career in criminology, OCA's video-based, CPD-endorsed training is a fantastic choice.
We offer 1-to-1 expert mentoring, an engaging learning experience, and the flexibility to study at your own pace, making online training like ours incredibly popular.
To get a taste of the OCA learning experience, check out our Student Study Demo—it provides valuable insights. For a comprehensive library covering more than 20 industries, visit us at www.onlinecoursesaustralia.edu.au/online-courses/.
If you're eager to enrol in an OCA criminology course online, don't hesitate to give us a call at 1300 611 404 or shoot us an email at [email protected]. We're here to assist you in any way we can.
- Career Development