The Criminology program will help prepare you for a diverse range of future employment opportunities in criminal justice, but it isn’t the only key to finding a job after graduation.
The graph above shows the employment sectors of some of the Criminology and Criminal Justice graduates we followed. Some students in this sample will have also completed other degrees, including at more advanced levels. Individual experiences and outcomes can differ from those represented here. Learn more at admissions.carleton.ca.
Graduates of this program can secure careers in corrections, probation and parole; crime prevention analysis; government and policy; graduate work or professional studies; legal and social policy research; security and law enforcement; harm reduction and support services, and more. Sample job titles could include Community Outreach Worker, Counsellor, Criminal Records Analyst, Emergency Programs Officer, Investigator, Lawyer, Police Officer, Psychologist, and Social Worker.
It is important to start your career planning early. Things like networking, supplemental marketable skills, and building your resume through volunteer work and extracurricular activity will also be key to a successful transition from school to work.
Don’t wait until the fourth year to start building this foundation. With many demands on time, students too often put off their career planning “until tomorrow.” You can begin the process as early as the first year!
Career Resources:
| Criminology Office | The office regularly receives volunteer and job opportunities. Check the ‘News’ on the website, your Carleton email, and our bulletin boards (outside DT 1727 Dunton Tower). For general career advice, you can also contact the field placement coordinator. |
| Career Connection Program | The Alumni Mentor Program pairs motivated upper-year students and recent graduates with an alumni mentor. Mentors are established professionals who help students and recent graduates develop skills for the workplace and expand their professional networks. |
| “What Can I Do With My Degree?” | Explore some career titles related to the Criminology field, typical skills gained from a Criminology degree, and professional occupations and associations. |
| Career Services | Career Services provides Career Advising/Counselling, workshops, networking events, and more. Assistance from Career Services is available to graduates for up to 2 years after graduation. |
| Charity Village | Charity Village is a great place to start looking for volunteer opportunities in your area. You can also do a google search for “Ottawa Volunteer Opportunities” or for your hometown. These are great ways to add experience and skills to your resume if you have a limited employment history. |
| Carleton’s Co-curricular Record (CCR) program | Students can present this official documentation to prospective employers and graduate schools. Your CCR is designed to complement your academic transcript and demonstrate the holistic learning you engaged in during your academic career. |