What compels someone to commit a violent crime—or repeatedly break the law? Is it a mental illness, unresolved childhood trauma, or something else entirely?
The FBI reported that in 2017, violent crimes occurred every 24.6 seconds in the United States, including a murder every 30.5 minutes, a rape every 3.9 minutes, and a robbery every 1.7 minutes. Meanwhile, property crimes were happening at an astonishingly rapid rate—every 4.1 seconds.
To truly understand what motivates this kind of behavior, we have to go beyond the surface. Instead of just asking why people commit crimes, psychology encourages us to ask what’s happening inside the mind of the offender.
Psychology is the study of the human mind: how we think, feel, and behave. It also plays a critical role in criminology. Whether it’s through profiling offenders, conducting forensic assessments, or supporting rehabilitation efforts, psychology professionals play an essential role in understanding and addressing the root causes of crime.
Psychology graduates can explore various career paths related to criminal behavior, including roles in forensic psychology, correctional counseling, and victim advocacy. And for those who want to take it a step further, a psychology degree can be a strong foundation for a graduate program in social work, opening the door to licensed counseling or therapy careers.
When someone commits a crime, there are often one or more psychological factors contributing to their negative behavior. Below, we’ll explore some common psychological elements associated with criminal offenders:
In 2017, researchers conducted a study involving a random sampling of 228 prisoners, composed of 114 women and 114 men. Among the test subjects, 87.3% of the women and 83.3% of the men had a personality disorder at the time they committed their crime.
While numerous personality disorders can impact a person’s likelihood of committing a crime, the following disorders are most often seen in convicted criminals:
These conditions can alter how individuals perceive consequences, relate to others, and manage emotions, all of which may influence criminal behavior.
Is there a direct correlation between childhood trauma and criminal behavior? Studies show that when a child undergoes a life-altering experience, such as physical abuse, neglect, or witnessing the death of a friend or family member at the hands of another, the repercussions can be long-lasting.
Sometimes, symptoms of trauma such as hostility and paranoid thoughts persist into adulthood and can lead victims to engage in criminal activities. The likelihood increases with continued traumas, such as when an adolescent experiences repeated violence in their community.
The National Institute of Justice states that individuals are more likely to become repeat criminal offenders if they’ve experienced prolonged trauma and have adopted emotional detachment as a coping mechanism. By disconnecting from their emotions, they may be able to intentionally disconnect from the emotional impact of past traumas as well as the feelings associated with committing a crime.
In 2015, there were approximately 1.3 million individuals behind bars in the United States. A significant proportion of that number were serving sentences primarily for non-violent crimes and drug-related offenses.
So, why are so many people with substance abuse issues getting incarcerated?
Addiction affects the brain and changes its functionality, causing people to change how they think, perceive the world, and behave. Sometimes a person’s addiction leads them to committing harmful and illegal actions, such as domestic violence and theft.
Psychology provides critical insight into the behaviors and motivations that drive criminal acts. And if you’re fascinated by the connection between mental health and criminal justice, a psychology degree can help you turn that curiosity into a meaningful career.
At The University of Texas Permian Basin, our online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program allows you to:
Want to work more directly with individuals as a counselor or therapist someday? Many students use their psychology degree as a launchpad into a Master of Social Work (MSW)* or a related graduate program in counseling or clinical psychology.
Whether you’re drawn to understanding what drives criminal behavior or passionate about helping others heal and find purpose, psychology is a powerful place to begin.
Ready to explore your path? Learn more about UTPB’s online psychology program—and when you’re ready, your application is only a click away.
*Currently engaged in the accreditation process.
Sources:
https://ucr.fbi.gov/crime-in-the-u.s/2017/crime-in-the-u.s.-2017/topic-pages/crime-clock
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-41488081
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5742412
https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/examining-relationship-between-childhood-trauma-and-involvement-justice-system
https://www.addictionhelp.com/addiction/crime/#
What compels someone to commit a violent crime—or repeatedly break the law? Is it a mental illness, unresolved childhood trauma, or something else entirely? The FBI reported that in 2017, violent crimes occurred every 24.6 seconds in the United States, including a murder every 30.5 minutes, a rape every 3.9 minutes, and a robbery every…
Have you ever woken from a dream that felt a little too real? Maybe it was one you desperately wanted to fall back into—or one so intense that you splashed water on your face just to avoid drifting back to sleep. Dreams have a way of pulling emotions to the surface: nostalgia, love, regret, fear. …
You open a social app and start scrolling. Before you realize it, you’ve watched a few videos, commented on a friend’s photo, checked the weather, clicked on a tornado warning, and asked ChatGPT about safe travel destinations (preferably with good weather)—all while on break from work. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. While digital multitasking can…
Statistically speaking, most social work graduates pursue social work careers. But what if you’re not like most people? We’re here to tell you that you can absolutely transform your passion for helping others and hard-earned expertise into another type of career.
A social work degree is a broadly marketable credential offering highly transferrable skills to its holder. What kinds of careers can you pursue with this degree? Let’s look at a few options outside traditional social work.
A social work degree and the skills it helps you develop, coupled with your existing professional experience, can benefit you in all these professions, whether you’re already working in one of them or plan to.
These professionals work at different stages of the criminal justice process: Probation officers generally supervise offenders whose crimes are minor and don’t involve prison time, while parole officers supervise offenders after their release from prison. Both jobs require empathy and the interpersonal, problem-solving, and communication skills that social work majors develop.
Tasked with ensuring organizations have qualified staff to meet their needs, human resource specialists also resolve conflicts, administer employee benefits, and field various questions and concerns from personnel at different levels of their organization. Like social workers, they interface directly with people, often in personal or difficult conversations.
College admissions counselors work with individuals who are about to take a very important step in their lives, often feel uncertain, and require significant guidance. These professionals must be good listeners with solid interpersonal and communication skills and a strong understanding of diverse backgrounds. Social work graduates have all these qualities, and this career is well-suited to those aspiring to a supporting role in education.
A strong connection to the community, particularly those members in need or at risk, links social work graduates to the role of social or community service manager. These individuals often work for nonprofit, government, or for-profit social service organizations, identifying where programs and services are needed, securing funding and other sources of support, and managing related duties.
People who plan to go into business for themselves must be passionate problem solvers and expert communicators that can engage with diverse audiences. Whether they plan to use these attributes to develop a profitable business or, as many social work graduates prefer, become social entrepreneurs who focus on a cause to create positive change in society, their degree gives them a distinct advantage.
Social work graduates can leverage their understanding of social systems and advocacy skills to craft sought-after policies. Their social work experience provides them with profound insight into community needs that they can help meet through policy. Some individuals advocate for social change by representing their cause at the government level as a lobbyist, often seeking specific legislation.
While we’ve detailed some career options that don’t strictly fit the “social worker” title, it’s important to remember that you can find those working in that role in a diverse range of settings and fields: healthcare facilities, educational institutions, domestic violence shelters, correctional facilities, senior communities, and inpatient treatment centers, to name a few.
So, if after completing your degree you ultimately decide to become a traditional social worker, there will be many employers looking for a candidate like you.
Whatever kind of career you seek with a social work degree, you’ll be helping people. The University of Texas Permian Basin—part of the acclaimed UT System—has the program you need to get started on your mission.
Our online Master of Social Work (MSW)* equips you for clinical social work in healthcare and behavioral healthcare environments in rural areas and a variety of other professional settings. See more potential careers here.
Named among the “Top 10 Most Affordable MSW* Programs in Texas” by Texas Social Work EDU, this UTPB online program offers many advantages:
Become a social work graduate and see where your degree can take you! Apply now.
*Currently engaged in the accreditation process.
Sources:
https://www.socialworkguide.org/careers/alternative-jobs-with-a-social-work-degree
https://www.socialworkers.org/News/Facts/Types-of-Social-Work
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-workers.htm
https://www.cswe.org/students/prepare-for-your-education/social-work-at-a-glance
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/00208728221149283
https://www.brainzmagazine.com/post/from-social-work-to-entrepreneurship-leveraging-skills-for-independent-business-development
A social work degree is your gateway to a world of possibilities, all rooted in the shared mission of helping others tackle life’s toughest challenges. In fact, there are so many career options that narrowing down the perfect fit can feel a bit overwhelming.
Don’t let that hold you back. People drawn to social work are looking to make a difference. Not to say there aren’t perks: High-earning social workers can make over $94,910 annually. But no matter which role you choose, you’ll find a rewarding career unlike any other.
In the world of social work, optimism and determination are a great start, but you’ll need more to land the job of your dreams. To carve out a successful career in the field, you’ll need a solid education. Most social work careers require at least a bachelor’s degree.
A social work degree will be more than a bullet point on your resume. It denotes in-depth knowledge of ethical practices and strategies to empower and uplift individuals, families, and entire communities. This foundational knowledge will prepare you for a wide range of roles within and beyond social work, including:
Want to level up your career? An advanced degree is the key. A Master of Social Work (MSW) doesn’t just open doors. It opens up entirely new career paths, often in leadership or clinical practice. Demanding more than a degree, these roles require high-level training and likely state licensure.
They say, “Nothing worth doing is easy,” and earning an MSW is no exception. With this degree, you can look forward to higher earning potential, greater job security, and expanded opportunities in education, healthcare, government, human resources, and nonprofit organizations.
Here are four rewarding career paths for MSW graduates:
1. Medical Social Worker
Medical social workers are a bridge between patients, their families, and the complex world of healthcare. They help families navigate the emotional, financial, and social challenges that often come with hospitalization. You’ll also find them in outpatient centers, hospice care centers, rehabilitation facilities, and nursing homes, collaborating with other healthcare professionals to ensure that patients receive the best care possible.
2. School Counselor
School counselors are a steady hand helping students through the ups and downs of school life. Whether a student is struggling with self-esteem, navigating tricky relationships, or just needs someone to listen, a school counselor is there to offer support. Working with teachers, parents, and administrators, they also address a variety of issues like bullying, absenteeism, and behavioral challenges head-on.
3. Child Welfare Social Worker
Child welfare social workers are dedicated to creating safe, supportive environments where children can thrive. To ensure every child’s needs are met, they assess living conditions, evaluate foster homes, counsel parents, and consult with educators and physicians.
Social workers educate people on the resources available to them, helping families find essential services like childcare or food assistance. When a child’s safety is at risk, these professionals step in, coordinating foster care, facilitating adoptions, or working to reunite families: anything to ensure that children have a brighter future.
4. Substance Abuse Counselor
Substance abuse counselors empower clients to break free from addiction, whether it’s related to drugs, alcohol, or eating disorders. Often licensed clinical social workers, these professionals assess clients’ conditions, identify triggers, and create personalized recovery plans to help clients get back on their feet. Their goal is to not only help clients in the short term but also set them up for sustained recovery long after counseling ends.
There’s nothing stopping you from becoming a social worker and dedicating your career to helping others, especially vulnerable groups who need your help the most. That’s as noble a path as any. But as we’ve explored, a social work degree opens doors to all manner of careers. Where will your journey take you? It’s hard to say, but we know it starts here.
The University of Texas Permian Basin offers an online MSW* program designed for professionals passionate about making a difference, especially in clinical social work within rural communities.
Here’s what makes our online social work graduate program stand out:
When you graduate, you won’t just walk away with a prestigious degree. You’ll leave with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to shape your career and future.
Ready to begin? Visit our online MSW* page to learn more about what our program offers. When you’re ready, apply to UT Permian Basin’s online MSW* program. Your next career move is a click away.
*Currently engaged in the accreditation process.
Sources:
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/what-can-i-do-with-a-masters-in-social-work
https://college.mayo.edu/academics/explore-health-care-careers/careers-a-z/medical-social-worker/
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/degree-in-social-work-jobs
Why do you want to become a therapist or counselor? Is it the promise of a stable, high-paying career with room for growth? (Social workers can earn as much as $94,910 per year, while clinical and counseling psychologists earn a median annual salary of $96,100.) Or maybe it’s something more.
Every session with a therapist or counselor offers the chance to brighten someone’s life, often by simply listening and offering guidance. Few roles are as rewarding, but breaking into the field can be tough.
That’s why we created this easy-to-follow guide to help you land your dream career. It’ll take time, effort, and a degree or two, but if you stay the course, there’s no reason why you can’t make it as a counselor or therapist.
With extensive training and advanced degrees, therapists and counselors both work to improve their clients’ mental, emotional, and behavioral health. They’re united in their mission to help people but take different approaches, and the path to becoming one or the other also differs.
Counselors support clients as they overcome everyday challenges, whether it’s managing stress, setting personal goals, or overcoming anxiety. Although they’re in the healthcare field, counselors can’t prescribe medications and typically don’t need advanced degrees to be successful in the field, making this a more accessible career path. If you’re interested in becoming a mental health, substance abuse, or rehabilitation counselor, or one of the numerous other types of counselors, here’s where to start:
Follow These Steps
Therapists are licensed mental health professionals devoted to helping people overcome mental and behavioral challenges. They listen, dig deep, and design personalized treatment plans to help people find clarity. Some therapists, much like certain licensed counselors, can officially diagnose mental health disorders. And depending on their training and specialization, a few can even prescribe medications. If you’re interested in becoming a therapist, you’ll need to check the following off your list:
Follow These Steps
Will you become a counselor or therapist? Either way, you’ll have the chance to make a real difference in people’s lives, bringing years of education and experience to every session. But no matter which path you take, you’ll likely need to start with a bachelor’s degree.
That’s where we come in.
UT Permian Basin offers several online programs that can help you in your journey toward becoming a counselor, therapist, or psychologist, or another empathy-driven helping career. These programs include:
Our online Master of Social Work* program, in particular, will prepare you for careers in clinical social work within healthcare and behavioral health settings. Plus, the program is entirely online, with the exception of the practicum experience that will give you the opportunity to participate in social work in real-world settings.
Ready to take the next step toward a career in counseling or therapy? Explore our online graduate and undergraduate programs. If you find the right fit, hit that apply button. This could be the moment that launches an incredibly fulfilling career.
*Currently engaged in the accreditation process.
Sources:
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-become-a-therapist
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-become-a-counselor-without-a-degree
https://www.usnews.com/education/best-graduate-schools/articles/how-to-become-a-counselor-and-why