10 Best Criminal Justice Schools in California

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Updated April 6, 2023

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California criminal justice programs prepare graduates for in-demand jobs. Learn more about the best criminal justice schools in California.

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Want to work as a police officer, lawyer, detective, or corrections officer? Attending one of the best criminal justice schools in California can get you started on your career.

You'll learn about criminal law, courtroom procedures, and the legal system, or study forensic science and the psychology of crime. You can even earn a criminal justice degree online.

With a degree from a top criminal justice program in California, you'll enter an in-demand and growing field in the Golden State. We ranked the best criminal justice schools in California based on criteria like student outcomes, curricula, and affordability.

Check Out Our Featured Criminal Justice Programs

Top 10 Criminal Justice Schools in California

Read About Our Methodology Here

#1 10 Best Criminal Justice Schools in California

California State University-Long Beach

  • Long Beach, CA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Avg. Cost per Credit:

In-State | $462

Out-of-State | $858

Credits to Graduate: 36

Available both online and on campus, CSULB's MS in criminology and criminal justice balances theory and practical application. You'll develop the knowledge and skills you need to be eligible for administrative positions in law enforcement, corrections, parole, probation, and courtrooms.

To graduate, you must pass a qualifying exam and complete a capstone experience. You'll take core courses such as criminological theory, advanced criminal justice research methods, and justice policy. You can also pursue a concentration in crime and intelligence analysis.

Application requirements include transcripts, a resume, a letter of intent, and two letters of recommendation.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$5,742
Out-of-state
$17,622
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,176
Out-of-state
$16,680
Retention Rate
89%
Admission Rate
42%
Students Enrolled
40,069
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
100% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

#2 10 Best Criminal Justice Schools in California

San Diego State University

  • San Diego, CA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Avg. Cost per Credit:

In-State | $345

Out-of-State | $840

Credits to Graduate: 60 transfer credits + 36 major requirements

SDSU's BS in criminal justice explores the ways criminal justice systems either provide justice or fail to do so. Major requirements include electives and coursework in criminal justice and public administration. You'll take classes like law in society, investigation and report, and crime and behavior.

You must complete a minimum of 45 units (60 for transfer students) before declaring a criminal justice major. There are four prerequisites: introduction to American/Californian government and politics, introduction to sociology, introduction to social problems, and elementary social statistics.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$5,742
Out-of-state
$17,622
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,176
Out-of-state
$16,680
Retention Rate
89%
Admission Rate
37%
Students Enrolled
36,334
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
99% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

#3 10 Best Criminal Justice Schools in California

California State University-Fullerton

  • Fullerton, CA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Avg. Cost per Credit:

In-State | $239

Out-of-State | $635

Credits to Graduate: 120

Cal State Fullerton's BA in criminal justice program requires 21 core credits and 15 elective credits. Major courses include crime, law, and justice; the enforcement function; and crime and delinquency. Available electives include criminal courts, juvenile justice administration, and victims and the criminal justice system.

To apply, you must submit high school transcripts and fill out an online application. SAT and ACT scores are not required for admission.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$5,742
Out-of-state
$17,622
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,176
Out-of-state
$16,680
Retention Rate
89%
Admission Rate
68%
Students Enrolled
42,051
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
100% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

#4 10 Best Criminal Justice Schools in California

California State University-Northridge

  • Northridge, CA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Avg. Cost per Credit:

In-State | $294

Out-of-State | $690

Credits to Graduate: 120

CSUN's bachelor's in criminology and justice studies helps you gain a practical, analytical, and theoretical understanding of the criminal justice system. In this program, you'll take six credits of basic requirements, 21 credits of criminal justice foundations, three credits of applied research and field experience, and 18 credits in area studies in criminology and justice.

To apply, you'll need to create a Cal State Apply account and fill out the online application. The program will let you know if you need to submit transcripts, test scores, or any other supporting materials.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$5,742
Out-of-state
$17,622
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,176
Out-of-state
$16,680
Retention Rate
83%
Admission Rate
66%
Students Enrolled
40,381
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
98% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

#5 10 Best Criminal Justice Schools in California

San Jose State University

  • San Jose, CA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Avg. Cost per Credit:

In-State | $519

Out-of-State | $915

Credits to Graduate: 33

SJSU's MS in justice studies covers criminal justice, criminology, political science, sociology, and psychology. You'll study human rights, punishment in society, forensic science, juvenile justice, and more. This degree can prepare you to work for community organizations, public institutions, and nonprofits.

To qualify for enrollment, you must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited university and demonstrate advanced writing skills. You must also have taken a research methods course and a statistics course.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$5,742
Out-of-state
$17,622
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,176
Out-of-state
$16,680
Retention Rate
86%
Admission Rate
67%
Students Enrolled
36,208
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
99% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

#6 10 Best Criminal Justice Schools in California

California State University-San Bernardino

  • San Bernardino, CA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Avg. Cost per Credit:

In-State | $765

Out-of-State | $1161

Credits to Graduate: 34

CSUSB's MA in criminal justice program requires a culminating experience, which can be either a thesis or a comprehensive exam. Required courses include advanced techniques of basic and applied research in criminal justice, statistical analysis in criminal justice, and planning and evaluation in criminal justice.

Applicants must have a bachelor's degree in criminology, criminal justice, sociology, or a related field and a minimum 3.0 GPA. You must also provide three letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$5,742
Out-of-state
$17,622
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,176
Out-of-state
$16,680
Retention Rate
85%
Admission Rate
78%
Students Enrolled
19,689
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
100% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

#7 10 Best Criminal Justice Schools in California

California State University-Stanislaus

  • Turlock, CA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Avg. Cost per Credit:

In-State | $514

Out-of-State | $910

Credits to Graduate: 33

In Stanislaus State's master's in criminal justice program, you can choose a concentration in criminal legal studies, corrections, juvenile justice, forensics, or law enforcement. This program prepares students for careers in criminal justice administration, public service, and higher education.

To apply, go to Cal State Apply and fill out the online application. You must have a bachelor's degree and at least a 2.5 GPA in the last 60 credits of undergraduate coursework.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$5,742
Out-of-state
$17,622
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,176
Out-of-state
$16,680
Retention Rate
87%
Admission Rate
89%
Students Enrolled
11,163
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
100% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

#8 10 Best Criminal Justice Schools in California

California State University-Sacramento

  • Sacramento, CA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Avg. Cost per Credit:

In-State | $495

Out-of-State | $891

Credits to Graduate: 30

Sacramento State's MS in criminal justice covers administration of justice, corrections, criminological theory, law adjudication, law enforcement, and research and analytic methods. In this program, you'll learn about juvenile justice, policing, corrections, and research methods.

Applicants must register at Cal State Apply. You need to write a letter outlining your goals, interests, and expectations. You must also submit three letters of recommendation and GRE scores.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$5,742
Out-of-state
$17,622
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,176
Out-of-state
$16,680
Retention Rate
84%
Admission Rate
83%
Students Enrolled
32,293
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
98% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

#9 10 Best Criminal Justice Schools in California

Point Loma Nazarene University

  • San Diego, CA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Avg. Cost per Credit: $515

Credits to Graduate: 120

With start dates in the fall and spring, PLNU's BA in criminal justice targets working adults and can be completed in as few as 15 months. Both hybrid and online options are available. In the hybrid program, you'll meet once a week at a local community college in San Diego County and take the rest of your classes online.

PLNU's career advisors offer professional support to criminal justice students. The program also requires an 80-hour internship in the final semester.

To apply, you must submit an online application and official transcripts.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$37,600
Out-of-state
$37,600
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,880
Out-of-state
$11,880
Retention Rate
84%
Admission Rate
84%
Students Enrolled
4,616
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
35% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

#10 10 Best Criminal Justice Schools in California

California State University-Dominguez Hills

  • Carson, CA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Avg. Cost per Credit:

In-State | $294

Out-of-State | $690

Credits to Graduate: 120

CSUDH's BS in criminal justice administration prepares you to work in intelligence analysis, homeland security, juvenile justice, corrections, and local law enforcement. Required courses include foundations of public administration, criminal justice and community, and theories of crime and criminal justice policy.

First-year applicants must have a 2.5 GPA or higher if they're California residents or a 3.0 if they're from out of state. Transfer students must have at least 30 transferable semester credits and a minimum 2.0 GPA.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$5,742
Out-of-state
$17,622
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,176
Out-of-state
$16,680
Retention Rate
78%
Admission Rate
81%
Students Enrolled
18,687
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
100% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

Reasons to Study Criminal Justice in California

  • You can learn about law enforcement, the court system, and the correctional system from experienced instructors.
  • California's criminal justice field employs hundreds of thousands of people — many career paths report strong projected growth.
  • Several of the highest-paying criminal justice careers report six-figure median salaries in California.
  • California's public colleges offer some of the most affordable tuition rates in the country, especially for community colleges.
  • You can qualify for criminal justice scholarships offered at accredited criminal justice schools in California.
  • With so many options, California is a great state for college — and its strong economy makes it a great place to work.

Did You Know?



How Accreditation Works for Criminal Justice Colleges in California

Accredited criminal justice schools in California meet high standards for educating students. Independent, nonprofit accrediting agencies grant accreditation to schools and programs in California and around the country.

When researching programs, make sure to check the school's accreditation status. By attending an accredited college, you can apply for federal financial aid.

You'll also qualify for more transfer credits and meet graduate school and employer requirements.

The best colleges in California will hold accreditation from one of the following agencies:

WSCUC accredits four-year institutions, whereas ACCJC accredits two-year colleges.

Most Popular Criminal Justice Careers in California

Many people study criminal justice to work in law enforcement, in corrections, or for the legal system.

Criminal justice colleges in California prepare graduates for careers as detectives, correctional officers, patrol officers, and probation officers.

Some criminal justice careers require a graduate degree. For example, after earning a bachelor's in criminal justice, you could apply to law school to become a lawyer or judge.

The following table shows the highest-paying criminal justice jobs in California, as well as their projected job growth rates and education requirements.

10 High-Paying Criminal Justice Jobs in California
Job Median Annual CA Salary (May 2021) CA Job Growth Rate (2020-2030) Minimum Education Required
Lawyers $162,700 13% First-professional
First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives $161,720 3% High school diploma
Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers $134,870 0% First-professional
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary $130,910 10% Doctorate
First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers $106,500 -4% High school diploma
Detectives and Criminal Investigators $104,060 2% High school diploma
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers $100,330 5% High school diploma
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists $99,090 4% Bachelor's
Correctional Officers and Jailers $81,890 -7% High school diploma
Compliance Officers $80,330 10% Bachelor's

Sources: BLS, Projections Central

Q&A With a Real Criminal Justice Professor in California


Katharine Tellis, Ph.D., is an associate professor in the School of Criminal Justice and Criminalistics at California State University, Los Angeles. She holds a Ph.D. in criminal justice from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Dr. Tellis also holds a master of social work and a BA in gender studies from UCLA.

Her areas of interest include race, class, gender, violence prevention, and criminal justice policy.



Q: What should students look for when researching criminal justice programs?


“Students should look for diversity in class offerings, as well as in the instructors who teach them. Courses should cover everything from law enforcement to the courts and corrections to reentry and community-based issues that often intersect with criminal justice. It is also helpful to have real-world opportunities for students, such as service-learning placements.”

Q: How can students determine the quality of criminal justice program faculty?


“Faculty should have both academic credentials (graduate degrees) and practical or research experience — all three are a plus. It is critical that faculty reflect the diversity of the student body they serve to ensure the best educational environment that will translate to professional success, especially given the social issues we face.”

Q: What are some of the most important skills you'll gain in a criminal justice program?


“The most important skills students should learn include critical thinking, professional writing, and emotional intelligence (empathy in particular), as well as other interpersonal skills to assist when interacting with the diverse populations who work within and interface with the criminal justice system.”

Q: How can these skills help students in their criminal justice careers?


“These skills translate into success in the workplace because students are then better able to identify, evaluate, and problem-solve the ethical, logistical, and technical issues that inevitably emerge as a criminal justice professional in California.”

Professional Resources for Criminal Justice Students in California

Business Compliance Resources

California Chamber of Commerce

This organization focuses on helping businesses in the state of California thrive through business compliance practices. The CalChamber tackles many issues facing companies today, from political action to worker compensation.

California Secretary of State

The Secretary of State provides tons of business-related regulatory information for the state of California, from e-file forms to tax information.

Small Business California

Dedicated solely to serving small businesses and their employees, SB Cal responds to the unique needs of small businesses. The site provides information on advocacy campaigns and allows users to submit their input so ideas can be easily shared and acted upon.

Correctional Resources

California Correctional Peace Officers Association

Geared toward those who work in California's correctional facilities, this site provides information on prison reform and culture.

California Correctional Supervisors Organization

Serving the supervisors and managers working in the California state corrections system, CCSO protects and represents members' values through legal representation and tackling labor-related issues.

California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

This government site offers services to incarcerated individuals and their families, in addition to career and general information about the California corrections and rehabilitation program.

California Probation, Parole & Correctional Association

CPPCA represents correctional personnel and those interested in how the California correctional system works. It also supports research relevant to the corrections system.

Court and Judicial Resources

California Commission on Judicial Performance

This department of the state of California is dedicated to investigating complaints of judicial misconduct and assigned to disciplining judges. Get information on pending cases and commission membership.

California Court Association

CalCourt was designed to help past and present employees of California's court system train and prepare for leadership roles, keep up with ever-changing laws, and help review and make recommendations on pending legislation.

California Judges Association

A professional group supporting judges and justices across the state of California, CJA holds educational conferences, provides publications for currently serving and retired justices. It also appoints ethics and other committees to ensure the well-being of California-based judges.

Center on Juvenile and Criminal Justice

With a focus on balancing California's justice system and impacting policymaking, CJCJ offers news and educational information on juvenile justice and adult correctional reform.

State of California Department of Justice

The Department of Justice provides information on government careers in the criminal justice field, including fellowships and scholarship programs.

Legal Resources

Association for Criminal Justice Research - California

ACJRca aims to improve criminal justice practices in all sectors through discussion and research. Members have access to conferences and networking opportunities with other criminal justice professionals.

California Attorneys for Criminal Justice

This professional association's goal is to protect and promote people's rights under the Constitution. The website provides information on legislation and internship and career opportunities.

State Bar of California

Students planning to become attorneys in California should visit this website to learn how to become practicing lawyers in the state.

Western Association of Criminal Justice

This association of western states, including California, aims to improve criminal justice practices through academic research. Students are encouraged to become members.

Law Enforcement Resources

California Law Enforcement Association

A nonpolitical organization established to help offer California peace officers the best possible benefits for their service, CLEA provides information on long-term disability plans and scholarships.

California Peace Officers' Association

This site hosts a collection of information for California's police, sheriffs, and highway patrol officers. You can find details on training, community partnership opportunities, and events.

California Police Youth Charities

CPYA aims to foster a relationship between law enforcement and California's youths by providing activities for at-risk youths.

California Statewide Law Enforcement Association

This professional association comprises all types of law enforcement professionals throughout California. Members receive a variety of benefits, while non-members can access news articles, press releases, and more.

Peace Officers Research Association of California

As California's largest public safety organization, PORAC offers information on advocacy programs, training sessions, and labor relations for peace officers across the state. It even maintains a job board for peace officer prospects.

Statewide University Police Association

This site represents police officers working on college and university campuses in California. Read about current events, news, and leadership surveys.

Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Justice in California

Which Cal State school is best for criminal justice?

The best program depends on your unique needs. Many Cal State schools offer criminal justice degrees. Sacramento State, for example, has the largest criminal justice program in the state. Meanwhile, CSU San Bernardino offers the only online criminal justice degree at a Cal State school.

Be sure to compare programs to find the best fit for you.

Which University of California school has the best criminal justice program?

You can study criminal justice at many UC campuses. UC Berkeley offers a top-ranked legal studies major, while UC Santa Cruz also offers a legal studies degree.

You can study criminology as part of a psychology or sociology degree at a UC school. In addition, many UCs rank among the best law schools in the country.

How much do criminal defense lawyers make in California?

Lawyers earned an average annual salary of $176,610 in California in May 2021, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Salaries for criminal defense lawyers vary greatly by location, experience, and specialization.

For more information on your earning potential with a law degree, contact California law schools to ask about starting salaries for recent grads.

What is a judge's salary in California?

California judges reported an average annual salary of $206,790 in May 2021, according to BLS data. In order to work as a judge, you typically need a law degree and several years of work experience as an attorney.


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