Criminal Justice degrees can enable you to pursue a career in this field. But before you dream about becoming a police detective, lawyer, FBI agent, or forensic expert, finding the right California criminal justice schools is crucial.
Now, what exactly should you look for? How do you find the best California schools offering criminal justice majors? Today, we’ll explore a few good California criminal justice schools that offer these programs. So, let’s begin.
Table of Content
California Schools for Criminal Justice Majors
Criminal Justice Schools In California With Bachelor’s Degrees
Online Criminal Justice Schools In California
- California Coast University – Online BS in Criminal Justice
- California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) – Online BA in Criminology and Justice Studies
- California Baptist University (CBU) – Online BS in Criminal Justice
- California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) – Online BA in Criminal Justice
- The University of La Verne – Online BS in Criminal Justice and Criminology
Criminal Justice Majors in California College Campuses
- California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA) – BS in Criminal Justice
- California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) – BS in Criminology & Criminal Justice
- San Diego State University (SDSU) – BS in Criminal Justice
- Sacramento State University (CSUS) – BS in Criminal Justice
- California State University, Chico – BA in Criminal Justice
Higher Degrees: 3 California Criminal Justice Schools With Master’s Degrees
- University of Southern California – Online Master of Science in Criminal Justice
- Fresno State University– MS in Criminal Justice and Public Safety
- San Jose State University – MS in Justice Studies
How to Get a Bachelor’s Degree In Criminal Justice?
Where To Find The Criminal Justice Schools In California With Bachelor’s Degrees?
There are many schools that offer criminal justice majors in California. You can find bachelor’s degrees in various criminal justice specializations/concentrations among the said schools. All of the schools provide a range of degrees, including traditional on-campus and online programs.
So, it depends on your need, the type of program, and the level you wish to pursue. You need to find the nearest university/school if you want an on-campus program. Otherwise, you should look for online programs.
Regardless, here are some of the top-ranked criminal justice schools in California for both online and on-campus pursuant.
5 Online Criminal Justice Schools In California
1. California Coast University – Online BS in Criminal Justice
California Coast University is one of the best criminal justice schools in California. Besides a hefty acceptance rate, it’s also relatively affordable. The online programs here are known to be convenient and easy. That’s why the Online BS in Criminal Justice here is ideal for you.
- Program Title: Online BS in Criminal Justice
- Acceptance Rate: 95-100%
- Average Cost: $21,000
The program focuses on the basics of the criminal justice system including courses like Criminal Investigation, Criminal Behavior, and Forensic Science. Taking up this 128-semester unit program will make you eligible to pursue jobs in police, detective work, or forensics.
2. California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) – Online BA in Criminology and Justice Studies
California State University San Marcos is another top school that offers an online criminology degree. The Bachelor of Arts in Criminology here makes this high-accepting university one of the best options on this list. The online program also focuses on critical concepts in criminal justice.
- Program Title: Online Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Justice Studies
- Acceptance Rate: 95%
- Average Cost: $11,000
The degree emphasizes critical elements of crime and justice. The courses focus on areas like criminology, criminal justice, investigation, etc. Therefore, it gives a clear-cut path toward a long and productive career in law enforcement, private law, etc.
3. California Baptist University (CBU) – Online BS in Criminal Justice
California Baptist University is another top institution and one of the leading universities with criminal justice majors in California. The online program here has all the necessary ingredients to help you become a capable professional for the justice system.
- Program Title: Online BS in Criminal Justice
- Acceptance Rate: 80%
- Average Cost: $38,000
The degree focuses on research methods in Criminal Justice, Emergency Management, and Ethics in Law Enforcement. This focus allows you to develop skills to lead investigations or examine proofs and clues.
This not only gives you enough skills to work in the field but also work in the lab for any government or law enforcement agencies.
4. California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) – Online BA in Criminal Justice
California State University, San Bernardino, is another university that offers an outstanding online criminal justice program. The university is known for affordable online programs, and one of them happens to fall in this category.
- Program Title: Online Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice
- Acceptance Rate: 91%
- Average Cost: $8,000
The Online BA in Criminal Justice focuses on critical areas of this field, such as Justice and the Media, Wildlife Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, etc. The focus on these programs helps develop advanced skills in various fields.
Besides the primary law enforcement jobs, you can also eye a career in national security, wildlife security, etc.
5. The University of La Verne – Online BS in Criminal Justice and Criminology
The University of La Verne is one of the most renowned institutions in the state of California. So, no wonder it’s also one of the top schools in southern California for criminal justice degrees. The program focuses on essential aspects of criminal law and justice.
- Program Title: Online BS in Criminal Justice and Criminology
- Acceptance Rate: 74%
- Average Cost: $47,000
The focus is on understanding criminal behavior and the role that society plays. So, graduates of this degree can not only join the police but also become law/policymakers for government and private agencies.
Besides, it also emphasizes the necessary elements of crime prevention, causes of crime, and strategies to control criminal behavior.
5 Criminal Justice Majors in California College Campuses
Now let’s talk about some of the top criminal justice majors in California in universities and colleges:
1. California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA) – BS in Criminal Justice
CSULA is one of the top criminal justice schools in Los Angeles, California. This is yet another university under the Cal State University umbrella, and that’s why this university is renowned across the United States.
- Program Title: BS in Criminal Justice
- Acceptance Rate: 74%
- Average Cost: $47,000
The program is outstanding, focusing on the critical essentials of criminal justice. The degree emphasizes the definition of criminal justice through courses like Concepts of Criminal Law, Correctional Systems, and Police and Society.
Thus, it equips you with the skills and qualifications to lead investigations or devise crime-prevention policies.
2. California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) – BS in Criminology & Criminal Justice
CSULB is yet another Cal State University that offers some of the best programs in the state. It is known for being one of the most affordable names among the CSU universities. So, you should consider the BS in Criminology and Criminal Justice offered here.
- Program Title: Bachelor of Science in Criminology & Criminal Justice
- Acceptance Rate: 40%
- Average Cost: $8,000
The program emphasizes law and understanding of criminal behavior. The courses that help in this regard include Correctional Theory, Policy & Practice, Criminal Courts & Judicial Processes, and Criminal Justice Research Methods.
3. San Diego State University (SDSU) – BS in Criminal Justice
San Diego State University is another top name among California schools. It’s known for being affordable despite being slightly challenging to get into. However, the degrees offered here make it worth the effort, including the BS in Criminal Justice.
- Program Title: BS in Criminal Justice
- Acceptance Rate: 39%
- Average Cost: $13,000
The degree equips you with the basics of criminal justice, with courses titled Crime, Law, and Justice, Law in Society, and Crime & Behavior. The university also offers internship opportunities and career guidance.
4. Sacramento State University (CSUS) – BS in Criminal Justice
Sacramento State University is renowned for its affordability and high acceptance rate. It also offers thorough programs and career counseling. This applies to the criminal justice program offered here, called BS in Criminal Justice.
- Program Title: BS in Criminal Justice
- Acceptance Rate: 93%
- Average Cost: $11,000
The Bachelor of Science program focuses on important aspects of crime and justice in society. That’s why the first course you’ll see is called Introduction to Criminal Justice and Society, followed by others like Law of Crimes, The Community and the Justice System, etc.
So, as the focus is mostly on laws and the practice of crime-prevention policies, you can expect work in law enforcement administration, private security, and counseling.
5. California State University, Chico – BA in Criminal Justice
California State University offers another good criminal justice program. The university is relatively affordable and features a substantial acceptance rate. This attracted students from all over California to this institution.
- Program Title: BA in Criminal Justice
- Acceptance Rate: 95%
- Average Cost: $16,000
As for the program, the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice develops skills in policing, law, and correction. The courses focus on law, criminal behavior, crime prevention, and the impact of crime on society. This enables the student to find work in police, federal agencies, etc.
Higher Degrees: 3 California Criminal Justice Schools With Master’s Degrees
If you’re a graduate and wish to pursue this field by getting a master’s degree, here are top 3 of them in California:
1. University of Southern California – Online Master of Science in Criminal Justice
The University of Southern California is said to be one of the best UCs for criminal justice. That’s why the master’s program here should be at the top of your list of considerations. However, it is a tad bit expensive, compared to others.
- Program Title: Online Master of Science in Criminal Justice
- Acceptance Rate: 12%
- Average Cost: $71,000 (total program)
Average cost aside, the Online MS in Criminal Justice is one of the best programs across the US, not just in California. You get to study advanced aspects of this field, which allows you to pursue higher or better positions in the criminal justice field.
2. Fresno State University– MS in Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Fresno State University is the top university in the CSU system and offers some of the best programs available today. This includes the Master of Science in Criminal Justice, a program focusing on criminal behavior, impact, and prevention.
- Program Title: Master of Science in Criminal Justice
- Acceptance Rate: 95%
- Average Cost: $7,000
Besides that, it emphasizes public safety and provides the qualifications and skills necessary to tackle security challenges. So, finding work in national or state security after this degree is a common path for students of this degree.
3. San Jose State University – MS in Justice Studies
San Jose State University (SJSU) is one more university that should make your list of considerations. Besides being affordable, it also offers a unique program that will land you a job in law enforcement anywhere in the US.
- Program Title: MS in Justice Studies
- Acceptance Rate: 77%
- Average Cost: $14,000
Besides, advanced courses like Cyber Forensics and Global Terrorism make this degree ideal for those looking to land a job in FBI or Homeland Security. Thus making it one of the top advanced criminal justice programs available today.
How to Get a Bachelor’s Degree In Criminal Justice?
Once you decide on the sort of career you want in criminal justice, you need to pursue that concentration. So, if you’re going to work in a lab or investigate crime, finding a program related to forensic science might be the way for you. Otherwise, pursue a general criminal justice degree.
So, the five key steps you need to take include:
- Choose a program that suits your career goals.
- Meet admission requirements and research universities thoroughly to understand them.
- Complete coursework required by the university to complete 120-130 units/credits.
- Internships/practicum to gain practical experience and hands-on knowledge.
- Graduate and apply for jobs in your field.
That’s all you need to do to get a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.
Conclusion
These are some of the best schools in California with the top criminal justice majors. We covered all ends with bachelor’s in criminal justice degrees online, on-campus, and master’s programs. The choice depends on your current qualifications as well as the option nearest and most affordable to you.
However, if you’re keen on working while earning a degree, we suggest looking into the online programs we mentioned. Regardless of the way you choose, California has plenty of choices in criminal justice majors.
