The rapid increase of the field of criminology is evident in California as both the public and private sectors are in dire need of criminal justice specialists. Due to its relatively large size, California is a ground to a diverse population. It has a dynamic economy that poses unique criminal justice challenges.
There is a high demand for experts in the crime and justice field. The Bureau of Labor Statistics of the United States has mentioned that employment opportunities for criminal justice experts will grow quickly. They claim that in the period from 2023 to 2033, there will be a 4% increase in job openings, specifically in bigger states such as California. This brings us to the topic of high demand for criminology schools in California.
Reasons Why These 10 Criminology Schools in California Are in Demand
In this article, we will discuss some of the outstanding criminology schools located in California, their programs, and why they are in constant high demand and enrollment..
1. California Southern University (CalSouthern)
CalSouthern’s School of Criminology and Criminal Justice is a globally known university with a great history in crime and justice and offers multiple criminology degree programs. The university’s curriculum is famous for its examination of crime, law, and the criminal justice system from both functional and theoretical angles.
Moreover, the criminology program at CalSouthern is designed for students to participate in different sorts of practical work and research. The faculty members and other staff who specialize in criminology and sociology mutually help students prepare for their successful careers in law enforcement, public policy, and other related fields.
- College: School of Criminology and Criminal Justice
- Fees: Varies by program
2. California Coast University (CCU)
CCU is one of the most preferred universities for criminology in Santa Ana, California. Also, the importance of California schools with such programs starts from the merging of the different disciplines and application of criminal justice practice and theory. Moreover, it offers a combination of policy, crime, and law enforcement education.
Those students who are learning from CCU benefit from their strong linkages with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. Meanwhile, they get help for easy networking and career development from this institute. They are offering real-world experience to their students.
- Degree: Associate of Science in Criminal Justice
- College: School of Criminal Justice
- Fees: $150 per month payment plans
3. San Diego State University (SDSU)
At San Diego State University, students may pursue a degree in criminology and criminal justice with a focus on social work within the criminal justice system. The university also helps students learn the elements of crime control through policymaking and implementation.
SDSU’s crime and justice program prepares students for careers in law enforcement, social work, and public policy. The program offers strong practical exposure through partnerships with local law enforcement agencies and justice organizations.
- Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice
- Colleges: College of Health and Human Services
- Acceptance Rate: 34.5%
- Fees: $19,000
4. California State University San Marcos
California State University San Marcos offers a program through its Department of Criminology. The program is basically known for its practical approach to the study of crime, criminal law, and law enforcement in California.
Their criminology programs prepare students for careers in law enforcement, criminal law, and emergency management.
- Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Justice Studies
- College: School of Criminology
- Acceptance Rate: 70%
- Tuition Fees: Approximately $12,520 per year
5. University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine)
As part of the School of Social Ecology, UC Irvine has a Criminology program that aims to understand crime through a sociological, legal, and psychological lens. Known for its focus on research, this specified program offers extensive training about social policy and crime as well as crime prevention and corrections.
- Degree: Master of Advanced Study in Criminology, Law and Society
- Schools: School of Social Ecology
- Acceptance Rate: 27.3%
- Fees: $14,118
6. California Baptist University (CBU)
California Baptist University offers a program in criminology. The program mainly focuses on the sociological aspects of crime as well as the various responses from the criminal justice system. This university has designed specified programs that help in the development of careers in criminal justice, enforcement, and public policy. This program structure includes active participation and a field placement with local law enforcement agencies.
- Degree: Criminal Justice MS Online
- Colleges: Division of Online and Professional Studies
- Acceptance Rate: Approximately 80%
- Fees: Approximately $39,720 per year
7. SJSU San Jose State University
SJSU San Jose State University has offered a program related to criminology which include crime prevention, criminal justice administration, and restorative justice. They aim to equip learners with both theoretical and practical approaches to the challenges that exist in the criminology system.
The program at SJSU provides students with both academic and practical training in law enforcement, criminal justice policy, and correctional practice.
- Degree: Master of Science in Criminology
- Colleges/Schools: College of Online Professional Studies
- Acceptance Rate: 82.3%
- Fees: $19,080
8. San Francisco State University (SFSU)
The University offers criminology studies at the undergraduate level integrating the social effects of crime and justice. The sociology, law, and social theory majors culminate in understanding crime at SFSU. The set courses prepare students for multiple fields in social work, criminal justice, and law enforcement. They mainly focus on the intersection of crime and social justice.
- Degree: Department of Criminal Justice Studies.
- Colleges/Schools: College of Health and Social Sciences
- Acceptance Rate: 70%
- Fees: $19,514
9. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
UCLA offers a criminology program under the Sociology Department which studies crime and criminal justice as subfields of sociology, further enabling in-depth analysis of the subjects.UCLA’s criminology program has complex and very difficult academic requirements that involve research and internship opportunities with police departments, governmental agencies, and social services NGOs.
- Degree: Criminal Justice Program
- Colleges/Schools: College of Letters and Science
- Acceptance Rate: 14.3%
- Fees: $13,225
10. California State University, Northridge (CSU Northridge)
CSU Northridge has a specialization in criminology with options in law enforcement, juvenile delinquency, and corrections. This specialization enables the graduates to work in criminal justice policies and public safety. CSU Northridge graduates are highly educated in criminology and criminal justice which qualify them to work in law enforcement, corrections, and crime prevention.
- Degree: Criminology and Justice Studies, B.A
- Colleges/Schools: College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
- Acceptance Rate: 58.4%
- Fees: $18,913 (InState)
Criminology Schools in California and Their Admission Requirements
Admission requirements for all criminology programs in California may differ from one university to another. However, there are criteria that most institutions share. These requirements include:
- High School Diploma or GED: All applicants must have a high school diploma or must have passed General Educational Development (GED) programs.
- Application Requirements: All applicants must complete an online application form along with other important documents such as high school or college transcripts.
- Grade Point Average (GPA) Requirements: Most criminology programs specify that undergraduates have a minimum GPA of anywhere between 2.5 to 3.0. Competitive programs for UC Berkeley and UCLA may even need higher GPAs, which is more than the average.
- Standardized Test Scores (Optional for Some Schools): For many universities in California, such as UC schools, SAT/ACT scores may be optional for undergraduates.
- Personal Statement or Essay: Typically, personal statements and/or application essays outlining the applicant’s interest in criminology and future career goals are required.
- Graduate programs in criminology often require teachers or industry associates who understand the student’s capabilities to write two or more recommendation letters.
Conclusion
Californian universities and colleges that teach criminology have enough opportunities for research projects and intern work for hands-on training. As the need for criminal justice experts increases, these best 10 schools lay an adequate groundwork for students wishing to go into law enforcement, social work, and public health programs.
All of them have their special features, which can range from the stringency of the curriculum to the hands-on components offered. There is no doubt that graduates of these programs will make valuable contributions to the changing world of criminology.
