California has 145 schools that offer a criminal justice degree or certificate. It’s a bit difficult to make a pros and cons list for 145 different schools. But don’t fret, my little law-abiding citizens, we’re here to help narrow down your options with some of the best colleges for criminal justice in California.
What Is A Criminal Justice Degree?
There’s a pretty big difference between a criminal justice degree and a law degree. Criminal justice is the study of the justice system, including the police, courts, and corrections, and those who work within it. A law degree allows you to practice law (a.k.a. be a lawyer). A law degree also requires you to apply to and attend law school, which is an entirely different degree (a J.D. or Juris Doctor).
A criminal justice degree allows you to pursue pretty much any other field that’s law adjacent, including:
- Police Officer/Corrections Officer
- Private Investigator
- Security Specialist
- Forensic Scientist/Crime Scene Investigator (CSI)
- Forensic Analyst
- Court Clerk
- Criminologist
- Criminal Profiler
If any of these career paths call out to you, then a criminal justice degree is a great way to pursue them!
Why Should You Pursue It?
Criminal justice is all about making a meaningful impact on your community. It’s so much more than parading around with a gun and a badge or putting away the bad guys in a pair of cool aviators. This career is for those who truly care about the community and want to give back by protecting them. If you want to help those around you by enforcing the law and protecting civilians, then this career could be the perfect path for you.
The Best Colleges for Criminal Justice in California
California is home to several great schools offering top-notch criminal justice programs. These schools are known for their diverse course offerings, experienced faculty, and opportunities for hands-on learning through internships and partnerships with local law enforcement agencies. Without further ado, these are the best colleges for criminal justice in California.
San Diego State University
San Diego State University is a public research university located in San Diego, California. The university offers a highly regarded criminal justice program through its School of Public Affairs. SDSU’s program provides students with an in-depth understanding of the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, corrections, criminology, and criminal law.
What’s great about the program is that it applies a “social justice perspective” to consider the effects of systemic racism on law enforcement and other criminal justice fields. The school also offers an online option for students with 60+ transfer credits. Students can then complete the program online in as little as 15 months! With such an amazing criminal justice program, San Diego State University makes our list as one of the best colleges for criminal justice in California.
California State University, Los Angeles
California State University, Los Angeles (CSU Los Angeles or Cal State LA) is a public university located in the heart of Los Angeles, California. The university offers a well-regarded Criminal Justice program through its Department of Criminal Justice and the College of Professional and Global Education. CSU Los Angeles offers students access to internships, community projects, and connections with local law enforcement and justice agencies in Los Angeles. Learning through doing in this urban setting allows students to engage with real-world issues and gain valuable professional experience.
The faculty at CSU Los Angeles is also top-tier. Many of them have real-world experience in the field and can pull on those experiences to give you the best education. Lots of professors also have expertise in the research aspect of the field, which can be beneficial if you're looking to pursue a specific area of interest within criminal justice. CSU Los Angeles has a great criminal justice program, putting it on our list of the best colleges for criminal justice in California.
Hope International University
Hope International University (HIU) is a private Christian university located in Fullerton, California. HIU offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, including a well-regarded Criminal Justice program. The university combines academic rigor with a Christian worldview, preparing students for careers in criminal justice with an ethical foundation and a focus on service.
You can take classes in person or online where you’ll learn how to conduct research, develop theories, investigate crime scenes, and compose reports from the facts you collect. They offer many electives that focus on different fields of crimes, including:
- Sex Crimes
- Drugs and Crime
- Terrorism
- Gangs
- Domestic Violence
- Community Corrections
- Organized Crime
- White-Collar Crime
HIU’s a great school with amazing opportunities for students, landing it a spot on our list of the best colleges for criminal justice in California.
San Jose State University
San José State University (SJSU) is a public university located in San José, California, in the heart of Silicon Valley. The university offers a well-respected Criminal Justice program through the School of Justice Studies. SJSU's location in Silicon Valley offers students unique opportunities to connect with professionals and agencies in the region, including local police departments, the legal community, and various nonprofit organizations. The program also emphasizes hands-on learning through internships and practical experience, enabling students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.
Those were some of the best schools for criminal justice in California!
Whether you're looking for a traditional college experience, an online program, or specialized certifications, California's criminal justice schools offer so many ways to help you achieve your goals. The Golden State is truly an ideal place to build a meaningful career in criminal justice!
