Is Criminology a BA or BS? Degree Types Explained

You’re staring at university course catalogs, trying to figure out which path leads to the career you want. You see criminology listed under both Arts and Sciences. It’s confusing. Does it matter? Absolutely. The type of degree you choose-Bachelor of Arts (BA) versus Bachelor of Science (BS)-shapes your coursework, your skill set, and surprisingly, how employers view your application. This isn’t just about picking a label; it’s about choosing between two distinct academic lenses for understanding crime.

The Core Difference: Theory Versus Data

Think of it this way: a BA in Criminology is an undergraduate degree focusing on the sociological, psychological, and philosophical roots of crime. It leans heavily into theory, policy, and human behavior. On the other hand, a BS in Criminology is a science-focused degree emphasizing statistics, research methods, and biological factors. One asks "why do people commit crimes?" through social structures. The other asks "what patterns exist in crime data?" through empirical analysis.

In New Zealand, where the field is often integrated into broader Social Sciences or Psychology programs, these distinctions can be subtle but significant. A BA might require more essays and qualitative research. A BS will likely demand proficiency in statistical software like SPSS or R, alongside lab-style research projects. If you hate math, the BS route might feel like climbing Everest without gear. If you dread writing 4,000-word theoretical critiques, the BA could be a slog.

Curriculum Breakdown: What Will You Actually Study?

Let’s look at the actual classes. While core subjects overlap-both cover criminal law, police systems, and correctional institutions-the electives diverge sharply. Here is a typical comparison of what you’ll face in your final year.

If you choose the BA, you might spend weeks debating the moral implications of restorative justice. In a BS program, you’d be coding survey data to see if restorative justice actually reduces recidivism rates by a statistically significant margin. Both are valuable. They just use different tools.

Career Paths: Where Each Degree Takes You

Does one degree get you hired faster? Not necessarily. But they open different doors. Employers in policy and community work often prefer the holistic view offered by a BA. Tech-driven law enforcement agencies and research institutes lean toward the analytical rigor of a BS.

Consider these common entry-level roles:

• Probation Officer: Requires empathy and communication skills. A BA helps here, as you deal directly with individuals’ backgrounds and social contexts.
• Crime Analyst: Requires mapping hotspots and predicting trends. A BS is superior because you need to handle large datasets and GIS software.
• Policy Advisor: Needs an understanding of societal impact. The BA’s focus on ethics and political science fits well.
• Research Assistant: Often needs to process survey results. The BS training in methodology makes you immediately useful.

Here’s a reality check: many graduates end up in jobs that don’t strictly care about the letters after their name. However, if you plan to go to law school, the choice matters less than your GPA. Law schools accept both. But if you aim for a PhD in criminology later, a BS gives you a stronger foundation in research methods, which is crucial for doctoral work.

Which One Fits Your Personality?

Be honest with yourself. Do you enjoy looking at spreadsheets? Or do you prefer reading case studies about why someone stole bread? There is no wrong answer, but forcing yourself into the wrong track causes burnout.

A student who loves logic puzzles and numbers will thrive in a BS. They’ll find comfort in the objective answers statistics provide. Crime isn’t always black and white, but data offers clarity. Conversely, a student fascinated by inequality, media representation, and moral philosophy will find the BA engaging. They understand that crime is a social construct influenced by culture and power dynamics.

In Wellington, where universities like Victoria University offer flexible interdisciplinary options, you might even combine them. Some programs allow a "Major" in Criminology within a broader Bachelor of Arts, while others offer a dedicated Bachelor of Science. Check the specific course codes. If the code includes "STAT" or "MATH," it’s likely leaning BS. If it includes "SOC" or "PHIL," it’s BA territory.

Common Myths About Criminology Degrees

Let’s bust a few myths. First, "Criminology is just for future detectives." False. Most detectives come from various backgrounds, including military or general policing academies. Criminology is an academic discipline, not vocational training for CSI. Second, "A BS is harder." Not really. It’s just different difficulty. Writing complex arguments is hard. Solving multivariate regression models is also hard. Don’t assume one is easier; assume one is more natural for you.

Another myth: "You need a BS to work in forensics." Actually, forensic science usually requires a separate degree in Chemistry or Biology. Criminology degrees, whether BA or BS, prepare you for the *social* side of forensics or the *analysis* of forensic data, not necessarily the lab work itself.

How to Choose: A Decision Checklist

Still stuck? Use this quick guide to make your decision.

1. Check your high school strengths: Were you better at essay writing or math exams? Align your degree with your existing aptitude.
2. Look at graduate outcomes: Visit the university’s career services page. See where past graduates went. Did BS grads go into tech-heavy roles? Did BA grads go into NGOs?
3. Talk to current students: Ask them about the workload. Is the BS truly math-heavy, or is it just labeled that way? Sometimes titles are marketing gimmicks.
4. Consider your long-term goal: If you want to be a lawyer, either works. If you want to be a data scientist in policing, pick BS. If you want to work in youth advocacy, pick BA.

Remember, the degree title is just the wrapper. The content inside matters most. Always read the syllabus before enrolling. Don’t let the "Arts" vs "Science" label dictate your entire four years. Look at the actual courses offered. That’s where your real education happens.