Best Criminal Justice Schools in California
Do you aspire to work in emergency services performing investigations and arresting suspects? A criminal justice job may be right for you.
With its dense population and high pay rate, California offers some of the nation’s most engaging and lucrative justice positions. However, becoming a police officer or correctional officer may require postsecondary education at a criminal justice school in California.
A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice usually takes four years to complete. Earning your degree at a top school may help you secure employment or advance your criminal justice career.
Top 10 Criminal Justice Schools in California
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $431-$450
Out-of-State | $431-$450
Credits to Graduate: 120
SDSU offers a campus-based BS in criminal justice that includes core courses in public administration alongside electives in law and society, crime and behavior, and justice systems. The program applies a social justice perspective to consider the effects of systemic racism in the American carceral system.
If you have 60 or more transferable credits, you can qualify for SDSU's online degree-completion program to finish your criminal justice degree in as little as 15 months. The curriculum includes courses like issues in public administration, corrections, law enforcement, and juvenile justice.
These degree options can help you learn to protect your community in social services or law enforcement careers.
- In-State$5,742
- Out-of-state$17,622
- In-State$7,176
- Out-of-state$16,680
- Retention Rate90%
- Acceptance Rate38%
- Students Enrolled36,484
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment64%
- AccreditationYes
California State University, Los Angeles
- Los Angeles, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Cost per Year:
In-State | $6,814
Out-of-State | $16,318
Credits to Graduate: 120
Cal State LA's criminal justice BS degree from the School of Criminal Justice & Criminalistics explores criminal law, criminal justice theory, and data analysis and research methodology. The on-campus, multidisciplinary program draws from the behavioral, social, and natural sciences.
Required core courses include ethics and professional responsibility, statistics in criminal justice, California criminal justice policy, and applied criminal justice practice and policy. Electives focus on issues like hate crimes, women and crime, crime scene management, and forensic mental health.
- In-State$5,742
- Out-of-state$17,622
- In-State$7,176
- Out-of-state$16,680
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance Rate91%
- Students Enrolled27,513
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment91%
- AccreditationYes
California State University, Bakersfield
- Bakersfield, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Cost per Semester:
In-State | $2,871
Out-of-State | $2,871 + $396 non-resident tuition fee per unit
Credits to Graduate: 120
CSUB's bachelor of arts in criminal justice develops an understanding of crime's causes and prepares you to pursue professional roles in the field. The campus-based program includes classes like comparative criminal justice, crime and the media, research methods, and theoretical perspectives in criminal justice.
Electives explore white-collar crime, victims' rights, terrorism, and criminal justice ethics. Criminal justice majors can complete an internship or cooperative education experience and apply for credit for prior experiential learning.
- In-State$5,742
- Out-of-state$17,622
- In-State$7,176
- Out-of-state$16,680
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate85%
- Students Enrolled10,972
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment91%
- AccreditationYes
California State University, Stanislaus
- Turlock, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Cost per Semester:
In-State | $1,665
Out-of-State | $1,665 plus $396/unit
Credits to Graduate: 120
Stanislaus State's on-campus bachelor of arts in criminal justice offers concentrations in corrections, law enforcement, forensic science, and juvenile justice. Career opportunities for graduates may include roles in community agencies, crime scene investigation, and probation or rehabilitation.
Major courses include criminal justice research methods, criminal procedure I and II, and sex crimes and gender issues in criminal justice. You can choose from electives in criminal justice and social movements, applied legal skills, and social deviance.
- In-State$5,742
- Out-of-state$17,622
- In-State$7,176
- Out-of-state$16,680
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate95%
- Students Enrolled10,481
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment92%
- AccreditationYes
Woodbury University
- Burbank, CA
- 4 year
- Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,484
Out-of-State | $1,484
Credits to Graduate: 120
Woodbury University's on-campus BS in public safety administration degree from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences takes an interdisciplinary view of human behavior and criminal justice. The program's experienced instructors include criminal law attorneys, forensic criminalists, and police administrators.
The curriculum explores juvenile justice, policing and criminal investigations, forensics, and community relations. Required courses include data analysis for public safety, ethics and justice, and courts and the law. You can get hands-on experience by completing an internship and making connections through networking opportunities.
- In-State$41,924
- Out-of-state$41,924
- In-State$41,924
- Out-of-state$41,924
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate63%
- Students Enrolled1,036
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment41%
- AccreditationYes
California State University, Dominguez Hills
- Carson, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Cost per Year:
In-State | $5,742
Out-of-State | $5,742 plus $396 per unit
Credits to Graduate: 120
CSUDH's on-campus BS in criminal justice administration program, offered through its College of Business Administration and Public Policy, can prepare you to pursue leadership roles in law enforcement, corrections, and homeland security. Graduation requires you to complete a capstone course.
Other major requirements include statistics in criminal justice administration, theories of crime and criminal justice policy, and corrections administration and policy. You can add an optional homeland security concentration covering terrorism and national security.
- In-State$5,742
- Out-of-state$17,622
- In-State$7,176
- Out-of-state$16,680
- Retention Rate70%
- Acceptance Rate90%
- Students Enrolled17,837
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment94%
- AccreditationYes
Sonoma State University
- Rohnert Park, CA
- 4 year
- Campus
Cost per Semester:
In-State | $4,095
Out-of-State | $4,095 plus $396 per unit
Credits to Graduate: 120
Sonoma State University's BA in criminology and criminal justice studies program from the School of Social Sciences explores crime and society. The on-campus degree requires 40 units of major core courses, including research methods, punishments and corrections, and criminal justice and public policy.
Electives explore deviant behavior, women and crime, white-collar crime, and current issues in criminology and criminal justice studies. The program requires an internship, but this can be waived if you have professional experience in criminal justice or a related field.
- In-State$5,742
- Out-of-state$17,622
- In-State$7,176
- Out-of-state$16,680
- Retention Rate83%
- Acceptance Rate94%
- Students Enrolled7,371
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment93%
- AccreditationYes
California State University, Northridge
- Northridge, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Cost per Semester:
In-State | $1,665
Out-of-State | $1,665 plus $420 per unit
Credits to Graduate: 120
CSUN's on-campus criminology and justice studies BA program from the College of Social and Behavioral Studies explores the criminal justice system and crime through a social science lens. You can learn about the foundations of criminological theory and research, professional ethics in criminal justice, and communication skills.
The BA requires courses like critical justice systems, juvenile justice, introduction to criminal law and legal analysis, and diversity and crime. At the end of the program, you must take an applied research and field experience class.
- In-State$5,742
- Out-of-state$17,622
- In-State$7,176
- Out-of-state$16,680
- Retention Rate82%
- Acceptance Rate88%
- Students Enrolled40,108
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment95%
- AccreditationYes
California State University, San Bernardino
- San Bernardino, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Cost per Semester:
In-State | $3,847
Out-of-State | $3,847 plus $396 per unit
Credits to Graduate: 120
CSUSB's BA in criminal justice explores the criminal justice system, crime theory, and policing. You must complete at least 12 prerequisite credits as a pre-criminal justice major to qualify for admission. CSUSB also offers a fully online criminal justice program as a degree-completion program.
Once admitted, you can take elective classes like domestic violence, preventing crime in transportation systems, transnational organized crime, and peer advising in criminal justice. The program also offers an optional criminal justice internship to provide real-world experience before graduation.
- In-State$5,742
- Out-of-state$17,622
- In-State$7,176
- Out-of-state$16,680
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate91%
- Students Enrolled19,514
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment79%
- AccreditationYes
California State University, Fullerton
- Fullerton, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Cost per Semester:
In-State | $2,871
Out-of-State | $2,871 + an extra $396 per unit
Credits to Graduate: 120
CSUF's BA in criminal justice degree explores the causes and consequences of crime and provides a foundation in the theory and practice of criminal justice in the U.S. Each applicant needs a minimum 2.8 GPA and must complete criminal justice 100 with a C or better for admission.
The core curriculum includes classes like crime and delinquency, criminal justice research methodology, the enforcement function, and criminal law. Other topics include capital punishment, civil disobedience, gangs and the criminal justice system, and civil liberties. You can complete an optional criminal justice internship or independent study course, as well.
- In-State$5,742
- Out-of-state$17,622
- In-State$7,176
- Out-of-state$16,680
- Retention Rate87%
- Acceptance Rate59%
- Students Enrolled40,738
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment80%
- AccreditationYes
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 — with many career paths receiving strong growth projections.
- 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 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?
There are criminal justice programs at 145 colleges and universities across California.- The state’s law enforcement agencies employed 121,000 people in May 2021, according to the Public Policy Institute of California.
- California pays the highest average salaries for police and detective supervisors of any state.
- California has more paralegals and legal assistants than any other state and has received faster-than-average growth projections for these roles.
Accreditation of Criminal Justice Schools in California
Accredited criminal justice schools in California meet high standards for educating students. Independent nonprofit 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. Attending an accredited college allows you to apply for federal financial aid and qualify for more transfer credits. You may also need to earn a degree from an accredited school to meet graduate school and employer requirements.
The best colleges in California will hold accreditation from one of the following agencies:
- WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
- WASC Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC)
WSCUC accredits four-year institutions, whereas ACCJC accredits two-year colleges.
Popular Criminal Justice Careers in California
Many people study criminal justice to work in law enforcement, corrections, or legal services. Criminal justice colleges in California prepare graduates for careers as detectives, correctional officers, police officers, and probation officers.
Some criminal justice careers require a graduate degree. For example, a postsecondary teacher typically needs a doctorate to teach. Some schools, such as community colleges, might only require a master’s degree, however. To become a lawyer, the most common pathway is law school and earning a juris doctorate. However, in California, you could complete a four-year apprenticeship under a practicing lawyer or judge instead of law school.
The following table shows the highest-paying criminal justice jobs in California, as well as their projected job growth rates and education requirements.
| Job | Median Annual CA Salary (May 2023) | CA Job Outlook (2020-30) | Minimum Education Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lawyers | $185,050 | +12.8% | Professional degree or four years of supervised study |
| First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | $165,370 | +2.7% | High school diploma |
| Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary | $132,760 | +10% | Master’s degree or doctorate |
| First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers | $115,400 | -4.3% | High school diploma |
| Detectives and Criminal Investigators | $115,090 | +1.7% | High school diploma |
| Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers | $113,460 | +4.5% | High school diploma |
| Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists | $104,540 | +4.1% | Bachelor’s |
| Correctional Officers and Jailers | $93,160 | -6.9% | High school diploma |
| Forensic Science Technicians | $89,610 | +15.4% | Bachelor’s |
| Compliance Officers | $84,990 | +9.6% | Bachelor’s |
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 helps businesses in California thrive through compliance practices. The CalChamber tackles many issues facing companies today, including political action and worker compensation.
California Secretary of State: The Secretary of State provides various business-related regulatory information for California, like e-file forms and tax information.
Small Business California: SB Cal serves the unique needs of small businesses and their employees. The site provides information on advocacy campaigns and allows users to submit their input to easily share ideas.
Correctional Resources
California Correctional Peace Officers Association: This site, geared toward those who work in California’s correctional facilities, 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 state department investigates complaints of judicial misconduct and disciplines judges. Site visitors can get information on pending cases and commission membership.
California Court Association: CalCourt helps past and present employees of California’s court system train and prepare for leadership roles, keep up with changing laws, and help review recommendations on pending legislation.
California Judges Association: This professional group supports judges and justices across California through educational conferences and publications for current and past justices. The association appoints ethics and other committees to ensure the well-being of California-based judges.
Center on Juvenile and Criminal Justice: CJCJ aims to balance California’s justice system and affect policymaking through news and educational information on 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 can access conferences and networking opportunities with other criminal justice professionals.
California Attorneys for Criminal Justice: This professional association protects and promotes people’s rights under the Constitution. Its 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 about becoming practicing lawyers.
Western Association of Criminal Justice: This association uses academic research to improve criminal justice practices. Students are encouraged to become members.
Law Enforcement Resources
California Law Enforcement Association: This organization provides California’s police officers with the best possible benefits for their service, offers information on long-term disability plans, and features information on 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 younger population 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 can receive various 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 also maintains a job board for prospective officers.
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 Schools in California
Next Steps
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