Statistical and computer applications in criminal justice and research methods in criminal justice are the basic forensic classes required for all criminologists. If these classes spark an interest during freshman and sophomore years, it may be time to consider transforming into a forensics specialist. Many other classes are involved including physics and microbiology to learn the specificities for forensics. Many graduate degrees that involve forensics are offered as well.
The basic classes required for all criminologists that pertain to law enforcement are criminal law, crime and violence in America, psychology of crime, and drugs, alcohol and criminality. Many of these classes come later in the degree program, during the junior and senior years. It is important to understand the vast areas that law enforceability pertains to. From security guard to Department of Defense staff, this part of criminology is perhaps the core of the subject and the majority of degree holders go on to become this form of criminologist.
The basic classes that are required for all criminologists that pertain to crime history are crime, criminology, and justice. These classes are usually offered during the beginning of the program and some programs may require more that 12 credit hours in these subject areas. If these classes spark an interest, it may be time to consider learning more how history works as a profession as well and become the most difficult type of specialist, that of criminal historian. These degrees are offered at the bachelor's level but to enter into the professional field usually requires a master's degree or higher.
The basic classes required for all criminologists that pertain to crime investigation are professionalism in criminology, directed policing and administration of justice. The highest career goals for these individuals are usually that of judge or academic researcher. Although it is not required to get a higher degree, many years in the field as a low- to mid-level professional are expected.