Comparing Online Criminal Justice Degree Programs in California

Associate Degrees in Criminal Justice

A criminal justice associate degree gives foundational knowledge about criminal justice. Courses cover topics like crime scene investigation, ethics, and constitutional law to provide a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system. Online criminal justice associate degrees typically take 18 to 24 months and lead to careers as investigators and probation, corrections, and police officers.

A Look Into Criminal Justice Bachelor’s Degrees

Typically taking four years of full-time study, bachelor’s programs provide in-depth exploration of criminal justice topics. Classes cover criminology, crime prevention, governmental policy, and corrections. Graduates of criminal justice bachelor’s programs often find employment as government agents in homeland security, the FBI, or drug enforcement. They also work as investigators, corrections officers, crime lab analysts, police officers, and more.

Online Master’s Degrees in Criminal Justice

Criminal justice master’s programs are for individuals with bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice or a related field and relevant work experience. They offer specialties in areas like cybersecurity, forensic science, and strategic management to prepare for mid- and high-level positions. Graduates pursue careers as computer forensics investigators, correctional officer supervisors, and more.

Doctorates and Graduate Certificates in Criminal Justice

Criminal justice doctorate degrees are for those interested in research, theory, and education (PhD) or who want to focus on real-world application (doctoral). Graduate certificates focus on specialty areas. While California schools don’t offer any online doctoral-level criminal justice programs, several in-person programs are available in California, and out-of-state online doctoral programs are an option. Out-of-state programs may not meet California requirements, though, so check details before enrolling.

Student Support: Criminal Justice FAQs Answered

What type of financial aid is available for criminal justice students in California?

California criminal justice students have access to multiple financial aid opportunities. Federal options include Pell Grants, work-study programs, and student loans through FAFSA. State-specific programs like the Law Enforcement Personnel Dependents Grant support dependents of first responders. Professional organizations, including the California Association of Criminalists and Western Society of Criminology, offer scholarships. Individual schools also provide merit and need-based aid, while national organizations like the American Criminal Justice Association offer competitive awards. Students should work with their school’s financial aid office to explore all options.

How do I find the right online criminal justice program for me in California?

The right program is highly dependent on your individual preferences and needs. So finding the right one involves researching schools with the emphasis you want, making sure they align with your career goals, and more. Each program offers a slightly different focus. For example, the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice at Sacramento State opens up career opportunities in courts, corrections, law enforcement, and parole and probation systems and cultivates real-life skills for professionals already in the field. You’ll also want to consider costs and begin your search with some of the most affordable online criminal justice degrees. In the end, the right school also offers the flexibility needed for success in the program and the ability to keep up with life’s other commitments.

What can you do after you graduate with a criminal justice degree in California?

A criminal justice degree in California leads to a variety of career options, including those in law enforcement and investigation. Specific positions include as probation officers, correctional officers, police officers, private investigators, detectives, and crime scene investigators. Related occupations include paralegals, forensic scientists, technicians, and victim advocates.

Is obtaining a criminal justice degree difficult?

A program’s level of difficulty is highly subjective. Many programs include a mix of legal concepts, social science theories, and practical application. Thus, essential skills for criminal justice students include strong analytical skills and critical thinking. Being meticulous and passionate about the criminal justice field are also important.

Why are online criminal justice programs a good option for California residents?

Flexible online programs are often the perfect solution for busy working professional and part-time learners juggling multiple responsibilities. Not only do they save time, but they also save money. By studying remotely, you avoid costly commutes and enjoy the convenience of studying from the comfort of your own home. Plus, when you enroll in an accredited program, you earn the same credentials and skills as those who study on campus.

California Salary & Career Insights for Criminal Justice Graduates

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Resources for Criminal Justice Students & Professionals in CA

From professional memberships with a slew of benefits to scholarly resources and study assistance, a variety of resources exist for criminal justice students and professionals in California. These come from nonprofit organizations, schools offering criminal justice programs, and others who collectively support and encourage those in the field.

• Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS): The ACJS is an international association that fosters professional and scholarly activities in the criminal justice field. It provides a forum for dissemination of issues in research, policy, education, and practice within criminal justice.
• California Correctional Peace Officers Association (CCPOA): The CCPOA strives to benefit criminal justice workers through the improvement of wages and benefits for workers and the enhancement of training and education for correctional officers in California.
• California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation: This site offers information, laws, and guidelines for correctional facilities across California. It provides an active job board and includes guidelines for applying for a state job in criminal justice.
• California State University, Northridge University Library: The purpose of this library page is to help students and researchers study criminology. It has research tips, resource recommendations, citations, and more. The library offers limited access to nonstudents.
• Center on Juvenile and Criminal Justice (CJCJ): The CJCJ helps criminal justice students and professionals keep up with the latest news and criminal justice information in the juvenile sector, find volunteer opportunities, and apply for additional training.
• The Civil Rights Project: This UCLA research institute studies civil rights issues and racial equality, especially as related to education and opportunity for racial and ethnic groups. It has many resources helpful to criminal justice students in California.
• Criminal Justice Resume Examples and Tips: This Indeed article not only offers resume examples and tips but also provides a template anyone can follow to prepare a resume for a job in the criminal justice field.
• DSST Criminal Justice Practice Test: Many criminal justice programs in California offer credit for work experience, and the DSST assesses that experience. Powerhouse Prep offers this free study guide, practice test, and study tools to help prepare for the DSST.
• Mt. San Jacinto College Open Education Resources (OER): This OER offers free online teaching and learning criminal justice materials. Content includes course modules, lectures, homework assignments, and more in addition to videos, journals, and tutorials.
• Western Society of Criminology (WSC): Located at California State University Long Beach, the WSC hosts an annual conference and offers exclusive publications for members. It also provides scholarships and has student chapters to help learners build professional networks.

Ranking California’s Online Criminal Justice Schools

Thanks to our thorough survey of the many online criminal justice programs available in California, Steps has prepared the following ranking. To be included, all schools must be accredited, have at least one subject area offered partially or fully online, and offer ample career placement and academic counseling services. Online learning metrics had the heaviest weight in determining the listings. Additional metrics include affordability, and student outcomes.