10 Criminology Skills for High School Students

Lots of kids dream of becoming superheroes when they grow up and fighting crime. But what if you could find a career that helped you prevent crime from happening in the first place? That’s what criminologists do — help prevent crime. By collecting and analyzing relevant data and research, criminologists explore the origins of crime. Is it societal? Psychological? What factors contribute to someone becoming a repeat offender?

While criminal justice responds to crimes that have already happened, criminologists use data and research to explore crime as a cultural phenomena. Through their research efforts, criminologists are able to provide valuable insights and give recommendations to a variety of professionals, including social workers, police officers, detectives, and more. 

Since criminology is such an interdisciplinary field, the sooner you can start preparing, the better. In this article, we will review 10 criminology skills you can start developing in high school. We’ll also discuss practical ways you can start fostering these skills, as well as why these skills matter. 

Why Criminology Skills Matter

Criminology is a complex and evolving field, one that relies on a wide range of perspectives and academic disciplines. Students interested in pursuing criminology should try to dive in as soon as possible. After all, there is a lot to focus on! From psychology and sociology, to statistics and computer science, focusing on even one of these subjects is bound to pay off. 

That being said, pursuing a more intentional exploration of criminology is also a worthwhile endeavor — whether that be through internships, pre-college summer programs, or extracurricular activities. While it’s true that many college students end up changing majors, or even transferring schools, students who take the time to explore potential careers in high school are much less likely to do so. 

Knowing exactly what you want to study in college can be a great advantage. Not only will your passion and determination impress college admissions officers, but with a college major already in mind, you’ll be able to focus on applying to colleges who specialize in criminology. After all, not all colleges offer criminology degree programs. 

10 Essential Criminology Skills

Criminology is an incredibly interdisciplinary field. In fact, it combines biology, psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, mathematics, statics, data analysis, and history. Needless to say, prospective criminology students must be well-rounded and motivated to take a wide-range of academic courses. 

Due to the interdisciplinary nature of criminology, there is actually a lot you can do to prepare for a criminology program — even while you’re still in high school. To get started, review the 10 essential criminology skills listed below:

1. Critical Thinking

One of the primary objectives of criminology is to eliminate biases and introduce greater equity into the criminal justice system. This is why developing strong critical thinking skills is so crucial. After all, developing critical thinking skills means learning to question assumptions, evaluate evidence, and consider multiple perspectives before reaching a conclusion. In other words, critical thinking skills help prevent bias. Overall, strong critical thinking skills can lead to more thoughtful, accurate conclusions, which in turn, can lead to increased fairness and equity. 

2. Research and Data Analysis

Whether it’s crime statistics, survey responses, or historical records, criminology relies heavily on gathering and interpreting data. In fact, being able to recognize patterns, identify trends, and draw conclusions from data is at the center of this field. While criminal justice focuses on what to do in the aftermath of a crime, criminology uses research and data to explore why crime happens in the first place. Criminologists also study how social reform can help prevent crime from happening in the first place. Since criminology focuses on prevention, it relies on research and data to make predictions.  

3. Ethical Decision-Making

How are families affected by incarceration? What socioeconomic biases routinely impact court rulings? How can law enforcement ensure that victims are treated with fairness, compassion, and dignity? These are all questions that criminologists consider, which is why ethical decision-making is so important in this field. Not only does criminology affect criminals, but it also impacts victims, families, and society at large. Depending on the situation, the stakes can be incredibly high and criminologists can have a lot of influence. This is why ethical decision-making is such an important criminology skill. 

4. Communication Skills

Criminologists are often tasked with explaining complex situations to a wide range of individuals, including police officers, detectives, lawyers, social workers, judges, and more. That means that having excellent written and verbal communication skills are a must. It’s also worth noting that since criminology uses the scientific method to question cultural assumptions and biases, criminologists will often need to present persuasive arguments. Challenging cultural norms can be a huge undertaking, and if criminologists are trying to advocate for reform or receive research funding, they'll need to rely on their powers of persuasion. 

5. Interviewing 

Gathering firsthand information from witnesses, suspects, or experts requires strong interviewing skills. A well-structured interview can reveal critical insights, while a poorly conducted one can lead to misinformation or bias. Since criminology works hard to eliminate biases from the criminal justice system, fostering strong interviewing skills is crucial. In criminology, effective interviewing demands objectivity, sensitivity, and precision. 

6. Active Listening 

Listening carefully is just as important as asking the right questions. Active listening ensures that criminologists fully understand testimonies, detect inconsistencies, and catch subtle details that might otherwise be missed. Since criminologists work in such an emotionally heavy field, being able to empathize with others goes a long way. After all, if people feel heard and respected, they’ll be much more likely to trust you with sensitive information. 

7. Observation

Chances are, if you’re interested in studying criminology, you probably like watching crime shows. And what is one of the most important skills for a detective to have? Observational skills! In other words, unless the detective spots the clue, the crime doesn’t get solved. Criminologists need to have impeccable observational skills in order to spot clues, detect discrepancies, and identify trends. In fact, without strong observational skills, nothing much gets done when it comes to criminology.

8. Collaboration 

From police officers and detectives, to criminals and victims, to social workers and parole officers, criminologists work alongside a wide range of individuals. This means that knowing how to collaborate with others is crucial when it comes to criminology. Since criminology is such an interdisciplinary field, it makes sense that it affects a lot of different people, both personally and professionally. 

9. Legal Knowledge 

Legal knowledge helps criminologists navigate the justice system responsibly. After all, criminologists are often looking for ways to prevent crime and reform the criminal justice system accordingly. So it makes sense that before they can begin working on criminal justice reform, they need to know what their legal baselines are. Legal knowledge also helps criminologists avoid errors that could potentially compromise cases. And finally, having a working knowledge of our legal system helps criminologists provide accurate guidance to policymakers and communities.

10. Computer Skills

Computer skills allow criminologists to process large amounts of information efficiently. Since criminology is such a data-driven field, this saves criminologists a lot of time. It also helps eliminate clerical errors and deliver reliable results. From analyzing databases and crime statistics, to investigating cybercrime and digital forensics, computer skills are a must in criminology.

Practicing and Applying Criminology Skills 

From taking AP Biology and AP Statistics, to joining Mock Trial and Debate Club, there are lots of ways to develop criminology skills while you’re still in high school. Ready for some good news? Since criminology is such an interdisciplinary field, performing well in all of your required high school classes is great preparation as well! So, in short, being a motivated, well-rounded student is the best way to prepare for a career in this field. 

Of course, that’s not all you can do. Here’s a brief list of ways you can work on honing your criminology skills while you’re still in high school:

1. Practice interviewing people. Join the school newspaper as a student reporter, start a podcast, ask your friends about their hobbies, or even just get into the routine of asking a family member about their day. Remember to listen closely and ask thoughtful follow-up questions.

2. Seek out electives in psychology and sociology.

3. Enter a debate competition. This will help you work on your verbal communication skills, as well as your ability to be persuasive.

4. When you’re assigned a group project, try not to grumble. Learning how to collaborate with others is hard work. So rather than resent group members who aren’t doing their fair share of the work, approach your group project as a learning opportunity.

5. Join an extracurricular activity that values teamwork. Whether you’re interested in sports, theater, robotics, or anything in between, learning how to work with others is a valuable skill, one that you’ll need as a criminologist. 

6. Read some philosophy. This will encourage you to think deeply about important issues and the role that ethics should play in society. 

7. Practice your skills of observation. There are lots of different ways you can do this. Maybe you’re an artist; if so, practicing observational drawing is a great way to train your eyes. Maybe birdwatching strikes your interest. Or photography. Or maybe you’ve always loved the game “I Spy.” 

Additionally, you can gain practical, hands-on experience by seeking out relevant internships and pre-college summer programs. You can also reach out to police officers, social workers, lawyers, and psychologists near you. Who knows? You may be able to job shadow them for a couple of days. They may also be open to meeting you for an informational interview, where you can ask them a list of prepared questions about their careers, thoughts on criminal justice, and advice for prospective criminology students. 

Not sure how to get an internship while you’re still in high school? Click here to learn more! 

A Lifelong Path of Growth

Criminology skills are not mastered overnight. They require continuous practice and reflection. Professional criminologists build on their abilities through higher education, internships, networking, and fieldwork. As a high school student, you are laying the foundation. With each project, class, and extracurricular, you strengthen the habits of inquiry, empathy, and resilience that will carry you into a successful career.

Building Integrity and Objectivity

Criminology is not just about research and data; it also requires a strong ethical foundation. Criminologists often deal with sensitive personal information and make recommendations that can impact individuals, families, and entire communities. Integrity means handling confidential data responsibly, being objective in your analyses, and resisting the influence of bias.

Students can start building this skill set by practicing fairness in group work, reflecting on their own assumptions, and reading philosophy or ethics to challenge their perspectives. Over time, this focus on integrity will prepare you for the high stakes of criminology research and reform.

Technical Tools and Data Literacy

Criminologists often use specialized tools such as statistical software (SPSS, R, Python), geographic information systems (GIS) for mapping crime data, and data visualization platforms to present findings. These tools help make sense of complex patterns and support evidence-based decision-making.

Even in high school, students can start building these competencies. Explore free coding platforms, practice using spreadsheets to track and analyze information, or try out beginner-friendly statistics software. Building comfort with data tools now will give you a head start later.

Linking Skills to Real Careers

Each of these skills connects directly to real-world criminology roles. Critical thinking supports policy analysis. Interviewing and active listening are vital for working with witnesses and victims. Observation and attention to detail are crucial for researchers and analysts. Technical skills open doors to careers in cybercrime or forensic data science.

For students, this means that the skills you practice today aren’t just abstract — they are the very same skills used daily by criminologists, investigators, and policy reformers. By seeing the connection between classroom learning and future career paths, you’ll better understand the importance of your preparation.

Moving Forward: How Polygence Can Help You Reach Your Goals

As previously mentioned, conducting research and analyzing data are important skills for criminology students. That’s where we come in. Here at Polygence, we believe that passion projects completed alongside expert research mentors give students the confidence and competence to engage thoughtfully in the world around them. Whether you’re interested in criminal psychology, prison reform, or anything in between, our PhD-level research mentors can help you jumpstart your career in criminology by teaching you relevant criminology skills, such as navigating research databases, utilizing various computer programs, conducting sociological surveys, and much more. You might also be interested in checking out our Work Lab, a program where motivated students gain hands-on work experience by mentoring with a start-up founder.

Interested in learning more about how Polygence can help you reach your goals? Peruse our database of completed student projects to get a better idea of what your passion project could look like. You might also want to take a look at student and parent testimonials, as well as review our college admissions results. Not only will completing a professional research project allow you to explore your career interests and gain relevant skills, it will also boost your confidence and bolster your college resume!