How to Become a Penologist?

If you are driven by the motive to seek redressal for crimes being committed around you and want to establish a method to ensure justice is imparted and punishments are correctly rewarded, then this field of a penologist might interest you. Here is a blog that aims to elucidate various courses, universities, and career of a Penologist.

What is Penology?

Students often find it difficult to differentiate between penology and criminology. While criminology is known to be the scientific analysis and observations of criminals and crimes committed by them, penology is more about the punishment of the punishment and treatment of those who commit crimes. One may call penology, a sub-component of criminology, that deals with the philosophy and practice to seek redressal; for criminal activities. Penology is based on four principles – 

1. Retribution
2. Incapacitation
3. Deterrence
4. Rehabilitation 

What does a Penologist do?

Now that you’re aware of what Penology means, you can understand the job duties of a penologist better. Since penology deals with the prevention of crimes, a Penologist has certain essential duties that include being in contact with the prisoner to ensure they become law-abiding citizens. A Penologist performs the function of rehabilitation of the prisoners. Penologists are also endowed with the task of ensuring the smooth conduct of prison affairs. 

In addition to this, penologists work in close association with law enforcement officers and have to keep them informed about behavioural changes of the prisoners. Hence, they must keep accurate observation always. 

Courses to become a Penologist

There are a number of courses available in this domain. Below mentioned are some of the top-notch courses which you can pursue to become a penologist :

1. Diploma in Criminology and Penology
2. Certificate Course (Forensic Science)
3. Bachelor Degree Course (Forensic Science and Criminology)
4. Diploma Course (Cyber Crime)
5. Master of Arts (MA) in Anti Terrorism Law
6. Post Graduate Diploma Course (Forensic Science and Criminology)
7. Diploma Course (Forensic Science and Criminology)
8. Diploma in Criminal Law (D.Crin)
9. Master of Legislative Law (LLM) in Criminal Law & Criminology
10. Master of Legislative Law (LLM) in Crimes & Torts
11. Master of Legislative Law (LLM) in Criminal Law
12. Masters Degree Course (Forensic Science and Criminology Research)
13. Master of Science  in Criminology
14. Masters Degree Course (Forensic Science and Criminology)
15. Master of Arts  in Criminology & Criminal Justice

How to Become a Penologist

The eligibility criteria and top universities to become a penologist are mentioned below.

Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria vary depending upon the course chosen. Here is the basic eligibility criteria for becoming a Penologist –

• Candidates should have an aggregate of 50% marks in their 12th class or equivalent.
• Candidates from Science or Arts stream for their higher secondary education are preferred.
• Candidates must also appear for entrance exams through which they can get admission in a UG & PG programme.

Top Universities

One of the most crucial steps in your academic journey is to decide the best university that suits your course requirements. Listed below are some of the top universities offering courses in criminology and penology for students who wish to become a penologist –

1. University of Toronto
2. University of Greenwich
3. University of Windsor
4. University of Ottawa
5. The University of Melbourne
6. Teesside University
7. The University of Texas, Dallas
8. University of Cambridge
9. University of Leeds

Penology Colleges – India

Listed below are the top colleges offering penology courses in India –

• Osmania University
• Gujarat University
• University of Pune
• University of Madras
• Bundelkhand University
• Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU)
• Vinayaka Institute of Management & Technology
• Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Narayan National Institute of Criminology and Forensic Science

Job and Career Prospects

Penology courses offer a promising career with multiple opportunities. Mostly, penologists work at advocacy and consulting firms, law enforcement agencies, private investigation firms, universities, etc. Listed below are the job profiles available after obtaining a degree in Penology: 

• Crime Scene Analyst
• Prison Officer
• Probation Officer
• Detective
• Police Officer
• Criminal Intelligence Analyst
• Community Development Worker

Salary

The salary of a Penologist in India can range anywhere between INR 4,50,000 to INR 8,00,000 annually.

In USA, the salary ranges between $36,200 to $145,250 (INR 30 lakh to 1 crore).

FAQs

Thus, we hope that this blog has familiarized you with the key essentials of a career as an Penologist. Are you clueless about which course to pursue in this field? Take the assistance of Leverage Edu experts! Call us immediately at 1800 57 2000 for a free 30-minute counselling session.