Criminology Classes in High School

Have you ever found yourself completely absorbed in a true-crime documentary, trying to piece together the clues before the detectives do? 

Or maybe you enjoy dissecting arguments in a debate, or figuring out the motivations behind people's actions. If any of this sounds at all like you, then criminology classes in high school might be the perfect fit to feed your intellectual curiosity.

These courses offer much more than just a peek behind the yellow tape. When you take criminology classes in high school, you’ll learn why crime happens, how our justice system responds, and what all this means on a larger scale for our society. 

But what are the best classes to take in high school for criminology? What kind of skills will you build, and what can you expect? Let’s explore.

Why Criminology Is Offered in High School

Schools offer criminology classes to expose you to the fascinating worlds of law, sociology, and psychology early on. These courses aren’t just for aspiring detectives, either.

Instead, they’re designed to help you think critically about the world around you. While criminology classes are ideal for students interested in careers in criminal justice, they really benefit anyone, since understanding the principles of justice and the roots of criminal behavior helps you become a more informed and engaged citizen as a whole.

If you’re still on the fence about what you want to do as a career, these classes may be able to help, too. The justice field is vast,  including careers in law, law enforcement, social work, policy analysis, and forensic science (that’s right: it’s not just about becoming a detective or police officer). 

When you choose to take classes in high school for criminology, you’ll get a bird's-eye view of all these different professions, with the early exposure helping you decide whether a path in the criminal justice system is right for you. With that knowledge under your belt, you’ll save time and have a clearer focus when it’s time to fill out your college applications.

Common Topics in High School Criminology Classes

While the curriculum can vary between schools (and, indeed, not all schools offer criminology classes), most will cover a core set of fascinating topics. You'll move beyond the dramatized versions of crime you see on TV and really dig deep into the core principles that shape our understanding of justice. 

Here’s an overview of some topics you might tackle in your coursework:

History of Criminology and Criminal Justice

You’ll start by traveling back in time to understand how societies have defined and punished crime throughout history, with an emphasis on how it affects our modern systems. You’ll learn about early legal codes and the thinkers who first proposed that criminal behavior could be studied scientifically. 

Law and Legal Systems

This part of the coursework is a great potential primer for law school. You'll examine the structure of the U.S. legal system, from local police departments to the Supreme Court. 

Crime Theory and Investigation Basics

Here’s where you get to put on your analyst hat and study major criminological theories that attempt to explain why people commit crimes. Is it due to social environment, psychological factors, or rational choice? You’ll weigh the evidence for each. 

You may also learn the fundamentals of a criminal investigation, from securing a crime scene and collecting evidence to the logic of interviewing witnesses.

Ethics and Public Policy

Criminology is full of complex ethical questions, which this topic encourages you to debate. You’ll discuss the goals of punishment, the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs, and the role of bias in the justice system. 

Skills Developed in Criminology Classes

Taking criminology classes in high school actively builds a set of powerful skills that are valuable in any field you choose to pursue:

Critical Thinking and Analysis

You'll constantly be challenged to look at situations from multiple perspectives. When you analyze a case study, you'll learn to separate fact from assumption, identify potential biases, and evaluate the strength of evidence. 

For instance, you might be given the details of a cold case and asked to develop a new theory by re-examining the original evidence. 

Communication and Debate

Criminology is all about constructing sound arguments. You’ll participate in classroom discussions and debates about controversial topics like sentencing reform or crime prevention strategies. 

These activities teach you how to articulate your ideas clearly, support your claims with evidence, and respectfully challenge the viewpoints of others. You'll learn how to build a persuasive case, a skill useful for everything from writing essays to negotiating in your future career.

Research and Writing

Many criminology classes involve research projects where you get to explore a topic that fascinates you. You might research the psychological profiles of certain types of offenders or analyze crime rate data in different cities. This process hones your ability to find credible sources, synthesize complex information, and present your findings in a well-structured paper. 

Benefits of Taking Criminology in High School

The advantages of studying criminology extend far beyond the classroom. The knowledge and skills you gain can give you a significant head start on your academic and professional journey.

One of the biggest benefits is early exposure to a wide array of career paths. You might discover a passion for forensic psychology, constitutional law, or federal law enforcement. 

You may find that this insight helps you choose the right college major and seek out relevant internships. It can give voice to your college applications, or even help you discover a major you want to pursue (for example, knowing you're interested in policy can lead you to major in public administration).

These classes also prepare you for the demands of college-level coursework. You’ll already be familiar with foundational theories and terminology used in sociology, political science, and law programs. This background allows you to tackle more advanced subjects with confidence right from your freshman year.

Finally, studying criminology helps you better understand pressing social issues to become a more thoughtful, informed member of society. You’ll gain a more nuanced perspective on topics that appear in the news every day, from debates about policing to the challenges of prison reform. 

Career and College Pathways

Criminology can be the foundation for a wide variety of future careers. For students interested in law, it provides an early understanding of how legal systems operate. For those drawn to psychology or sociology, it offers insight into human behavior and social influence.

Common career and college paths for students who start with criminology include:

• Law and Legal Studies – future attorneys, paralegals, or policymakers

• Forensic Psychology or Social Work – helping communities through counseling or rehabilitation

• Public Policy and Government – analyzing and improving laws and justice programs

• Forensic Science and Investigation – applying science to real-world cases

Even if you don’t plan to work in criminal justice, the research, communication, and reasoning skills you develop will strengthen any college major or career you pursue.

Extending Learning Beyond the Classroom

Your interest in criminology doesn’t have to end when the class does. You can deepen what you’ve learned through activities outside the classroom.

Consider joining a mock trial or debate club, volunteering with community organizations that support victims or rehabilitation programs, or interning at a local courthouse or law office.

Students who want to take their learning even further can pursue research or mentorship programs that allow them to design original projects. At Polygence, for instance, students have worked on topics like media influence on public perception of crime, the psychology of eyewitness testimony, and the ethics of restorative justice. These kinds of experiences turn classroom curiosity into real-world understanding.

How to Make the Most of Criminology Classes

To get the most out of your high school criminology classes, you should actively engage with the material. Go beyond just memorizing facts for the test. Go deeper.

Participate in every discussion, even if you’re not totally sure what your true opinion is yet. Ask questions, challenge assumptions, and listen to your classmates' perspectives. Many classes will include group projects, such as mock trials or policy proposals. These are fantastic opportunities to collaborate and apply what you’ve learned in a practical way.

Take your interest outside the classroom! Join a debate club or a mock trial team to sharpen your argumentation skills. Look for community activities or volunteer opportunities related to the justice system. Some students find mentorship opportunities with local lawyers, law enforcement officers, or social workers, which can provide invaluable real-world insight.

Ready to start preparing for your future? Whether you’re considering a career in criminal justice or aren’t really sure where your passions might lie, taking criminology classes in high school is a smart move.

And if you want to take your aspirations one step further, check out Polygence. From Pods to our classic Research Mentorship Program and even within our newest offering, Work Lab, we have everything you need to get your career off the ground.