Hey! Trying to dig a little deeper into criminology. I would appreciate it if someone could tell me which textbook is popular in the majority of criminology courses across US colleges and universities.
Based on feedback from several students and faculty in criminology programs across the nation, one textbook that commonly comes up is "Criminology: Theories, Patterns, and Typologies" by Larry J. Siegel. This comprehensive book seems to be widely adopted because it provides a strong blend of theory and practical application. It covers a wide array of topics within criminology including a range of theories, types of crimes, and real-world examples to help students understand and apply the material.
It's in-depth, yet written in a way that's easy to grasp even for those new to the subject. The examples are also really useful in making the theories and concepts concrete. But remember, each university or college might use different resources depending on the course structure, focus, and professor's preference. So, if you are prepping for a specific course, it's always best to check the syllabus or reach out to the instructor for their recommended/preferred materials.
Remember that while textbooks do offer a wealth of information, supplementary resources like peer-reviewed journal articles, case studies, and library resources can often provide the most up-to-date and in-depth exploration of a topic. So, you might also want to look at these resources while studying criminology.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.