Updated
10/05/2023
Are you interested in making a difference in your community through the criminal justice system? Are you passionate about social change and seeking a fulfilling career in criminal investigation, probation, or law enforcement? California criminal justice schools offer a range of options to prepare you for these exciting career paths. While some entry-level positions only require a high school diploma and on-the-job training, advanced roles often require education at the certificate, associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral level. To help you navigate your options, this guide offers insights into the best criminal justice schools in California. Start your search for a quality program today!
Best Schools with Criminal Justice Degree in California for 2024
The school spotlights below give you a detailed look at some of the best criminal justice schools in California. These accredited programs were chosen because of their affordability, high curriculum quality, and excellent student support services. The universities featured below are a preview of our full rankings of schools with criminal justice programs in California, which will be posted later in 2023. For now, see which top criminal justice schools in California stand out this year.
1
California State University Long Beach (CSULB)
Established in 1949, CSULB is a public university with approximately 39,400 students. The school is one of 23 schools in the California State University System and one of the best schools with criminal justice majors in California.
The school offers both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in criminal justice. The 123- or 124-credit, four-year bachelor of science in criminal justice is an on-campus program. Master’s students can choose from a 36-credit, two-year on-campus or online program. Required courses for the bachelor’s degree include statistics for criminal justice, substantive criminal law, policing, and crime analysis. Master’s students must have completed five graduate-level prerequisite courses before admission to the criminal justice program.
Bachelor’s applicants for this criminal justice school in California must have a 3.0 or higher GPA and a history of coursework in sociology, psychology, American government, and introduction to the criminal justice system in society. Master’s criminal justice applicants must submit a statement of purpose, two letters of recommendation, transcripts, and complete Cal State online application. Additionally, master’s applicants may submit a writing sample, GRE scores, or LSAT scores for consideration.
Delivery:
- On-Campus (bachelor’s and master’s)
- Online (master’s option)
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice
Graduate Programs:
- Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice
- Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice Online
- Master of Science in Emergency Services Administration
Specialization Options:
- Minor in Criminal Justice
- Minor in Forensics Studies
2
San Diego State University (SDSU)
Located in its School of Public Affairs, SDSU offers one of the best criminal justice majors in California. The school was established in 1897 and is the third-oldest university in the California State University System. This public institution boasts an enrollment of approximately 35,600 students.
SDSU degree-seekers can choose from a bachelor or master of science in criminal justice. The bachelor’s degree prepares learners to work in several essential areas, including law enforcement, parole and probation, corrections, and a variety of social service agencies. The master’s degree, which combines criminology, criminal justice, and sociology, prepares students for additional graduate-level research or law school. Graduates of schools with criminal justice majors in California also move on to careers in government, nonprofit organizations, consulting firms, and the private sector.
Incoming bachelor’s students should have a 2.8 or higher GPA and at least 60 transferable semester units. In addition to prerequisites and transfer credits, learners complete 36 units in criminal justice, public administration, and electives. Master’s students also need 36 units to graduate, including coursework in research methods, criminal justice and criminological theory, and six units of electives. Like many other criminal justice schools in California, SDSU also requires graduate students to complete a thesis or capstone project.
Delivery:
- On-Campus (bachelor’s and master’s)
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
Graduate Programs:
- Master of Science in Criminal Justice
3
Sacramento State University
Sac State is a public university established in 1947. Located in Sacramento, the school serves approximately 31,500 students and is one of the best criminal justice schools in California. Bachelor’s criminal justice degree-seekers choose from on-campus and online formats, while master’s criminal justice students complete their program on-campus.
Incoming bachelor’s students should have a C or higher in their prerequisites, including introduction to criminal justice in society, law of crimes, general investigative techniques, and the community and the justice system. At this criminal justice school in California, the program requires 60 units of major coursework and 120 units total for graduation. The school offers a widely diverse set of elective courses for criminal justice majors in areas including investigation, corrections, offenses and offenders, and criminal justice administration.
Master’s students need 30 units for graduation. Sac State requires incoming students to have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution and a 3.0 GPA. Applicants for the graduate degree should also have a score of 4 or higher on the analytical writing section of the GRE exam. Applications must include a personal statement outlining interests and goals, as well as three letters of recommendation.
Delivery:
- On-Campus (bachelor’s and master’s)
- Online (bachelor’s)
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
Graduate Programs:
- Master of Science in Criminal Justice
2024’s Top Online Criminal Justice Degree Programs in California
California’s criminal justice schools are using advanced technologies to offer fully online and hybrid programs, making it easier than ever for distance learners to earn their degree. Whether you’re a busy working professional or a part-time learner juggling multiple responsibilities, a flexible online program could be the perfect solution for you.
Not only do online programs save you time, but they can also save you money. By studying remotely, you can 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’ll earn the same credentials and skills as those who study on campus. And if you’re looking to fast-track your degree, an online accelerated program might be just what you need to complete your studies more quickly.
To help you start your search for the online criminal justice degree program that’s right for you, here’s a list of the top programs based on key factors like affordability and academic quality. These are fully-accredited and offer either a fully online program or hybrid format with limited in-person obligations.
College Ranking Methodology