Best Criminal Justice Colleges in California
We have created a 2019 ranking of the best colleges in California that offer Criminal Justice degrees to help you find a school that fits your needs. Each school's ranking is based on the compilation of our data from reliable government sources, student surveys, college graduate interviews, and editorial review. In addition, you can view our entire list of all 25 Criminal Justice schools located within California. We also provide reviews, facts, and questions and answers for schools on our site and offer you access to get valuable information from colleges and universities today.
Best Criminal Justice Colleges in California for 2019
| Rank | School Name | Location | Description | Rating | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ashford University | San Diego, CA |
Ashford University offers 2 Criminal Justice Degree programs. It's a large private university in a large city. In 2015, 851 students graduated in the study area of Criminal Justice with students earning 851 Bachelor's degrees. | Based on 20 Reviews |
Read more: Ashford University Reviews
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| 2 | San Diego State University | San Diego, CA |
San Diego State University offers 2 Criminal Justice Degree programs. It's a large public university in a large city. In 2015, 398 students graduated in the study area of Criminal Justice with students earning 398 Bachelor's degrees. | Based on 44 Reviews |
Read more: San Diego State University Reviews
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| 3 | California State University-Sacramento | Sacramento, CA |
California State University-Sacramento offers 3 Criminal Justice Degree programs. It's a large public university in a large city. In 2015, 430 students graduated in the study area of Criminal Justice with students earning 427 Bachelor's degrees, and 3 Master's degrees. | Based on 60 Reviews | ||
| 4 | California State University-Fullerton | Fullerton, CA |
California State University-Fullerton offers 2 Criminal Justice Degree programs. It's a large public university in a large suburb. In 2015, 318 students graduated in the study area of Criminal Justice with students earning 318 Bachelor's degrees. | Based on 44 Reviews | ||
| 5 | San Francisco State University | San Francisco, CA |
San Francisco State University offers 2 Criminal Justice Degree programs. It's a large public university in a large city. In 2015, 246 students graduated in the study area of Criminal Justice with students earning 246 Bachelor's degrees. | Based on 24 Reviews |
Read more: San Francisco State University Reviews
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| 6 | San Jose State University | San Jose, CA |
San Jose State University offers 3 Criminal Justice Degree programs. It's a large public university in a large city. In 2015, 195 students graduated in the study area of Criminal Justice with students earning 184 Bachelor's degrees, and 11 Master's degrees. | Based on 64 Reviews |
Read more: San Jose State University Reviews
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| 7 | California State University-Long Beach | Long Beach, CA |
California State University-Long Beach offers 3 Criminal Justice Degree programs. It's a large public university in a large city. In 2015, 131 students graduated in the study area of Criminal Justice with students earning 126 Bachelor's degrees, and 5 Master's degrees. | Based on 40 Reviews | ||
| 8 | California State University-Los Angeles | Los Angeles, CA |
California State University-Los Angeles offers 3 Criminal Justice Degree programs. It's a large public university in a large city. In 2015, 195 students graduated in the study area of Criminal Justice with students earning 193 Bachelor's degrees, and 2 Master's degrees. | Based on 36 Reviews | ||
| 9 | California State University-San Bernardino | San Bernardino, CA |
California State University-San Bernardino offers 3 Criminal Justice Degree programs. It's a large public university in a mid sized city. In 2015, 214 students graduated in the study area of Criminal Justice with students earning 208 Bachelor's degrees, and 6 Master's degrees. | Based on 32 Reviews | ||
| 10 | California State University-Chico | Chico, CA |
California State University-Chico offers 2 Criminal Justice Degree programs. It's a large public university in a small city. In 2015, 131 students graduated in the study area of Criminal Justice with students earning 131 Bachelor's degrees. | Based on 24 Reviews |
Read more: California State University-Chico Reviews
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List of all Criminal Justice Colleges in California
| School Logo | School Name | Average tuition | Student Teacher Ratio | Enrolled Students |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Ashford University San Diego, CA |
3/5
|
37 : 1 | 42,452 |
|
|
San Diego State University San Diego, CA |
2/5
|
31 : 1 | 34,254 |
|
|
California State University-Sacramento Sacramento, CA |
2/5
|
31 : 1 | 30,284 |
|
California State University-Fullerton Fullerton, CA |
2/5
|
30 : 1 | 38,948 |
|
|
San Francisco State University San Francisco, CA |
2/5
|
28 : 1 | 30,256 |
|
|
San Jose State University San Jose, CA |
2/5
|
31 : 1 | 32,773 |
|
California State University-Long Beach Long Beach, CA |
2/5
|
27 : 1 | 37,446 |
|
|
California State University-Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA |
2/5
|
32 : 1 | 27,680 |
|
|
California State University-San Bernardino San Bernardino, CA |
2/5
|
33 : 1 | 20,024 |
|
|
California State University-Chico Chico, CA |
2/5
|
26 : 1 | 17,220 |
|
Sonoma State University Rohnert Park, CA |
2/5
|
28 : 1 | 9,408 |
|
California Lutheran University Thousand Oaks, CA |
5/5
|
16 : 1 | 4,126 |
|
California State University-Dominguez Hills Carson, CA |
2/5
|
31 : 1 | 14,635 |
|
California State University-East Bay Hayward, CA |
2/5
|
31 : 1 | 15,528 |
|
California State University-Stanislaus Turlock, CA |
2/5
|
25 : 1 | 9,282 |
|
La Sierra University Riverside, CA |
5/5
|
16 : 1 | 2,476 |
|
California State University-Bakersfield Bakersfield, CA |
2/5
|
29 : 1 | 9,228 |
|
United Education Institute-Huntington Park Campus Huntington Park, CA | 63 : 1 | 624 | |
|
Brandman University Irvine, CA |
3/5
|
27 : 1 | 8,004 |
|
UEI College-Gardena Gardena, CA | 51 : 1 | 762 | |
|
Platt College-Los Angeles Alhambra, CA |
4/5
|
19 : 1 | 639 |
|
Loma Linda University Loma Linda, CA | 11 : 1 | 4,490 | |
|
Platt College-Ontario Ontario, CA |
4/5
|
14 : 1 | 456 |
|
Platt College-Riverside Riverside, CA |
4/5
|
22 : 1 | 436 |
|
San Diego State University-Imperial Valley Campus Calexico, CA |
Find Local Colleges with Criminal Justice Majors in California
Search Criminal Justice Programs
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Program Descriptions
- AA: Paralegal Studies
- BS: Criminal Justice: Forensics
- BS: Criminal Justice: Homeland Security
- BS: Criminal Justice: Public Administration
- BS: Criminal Justice: Youth Corrections
- BS: Paralegal Studies
- CERT: Criminal Justice
- CERT: Paralegal Studies
- CERT: Public Policy
- Master of Science in Criminal Justice - Command College
- MA Public Policy: Campaigns and Elections
- MA Public Policy: International Affairs
- MA Public Policy: Middle East Affairs
- MA Public Policy: Public Administration
- MA: Human Services: Criminal Justice
- MA: Public Policy
- Master of Busi Admn: Criminal Justice
- MS: Criminal Justice: Public Administration
![Liberty University Logo]()
AA: Paralegal StudiesLooking to pursue a career in the field of law? Liberty’s Associate of Arts in Paralegal Studies will prepare you for the legal career you have always wanted through a 60-credit-hour program. Courses are designed and taught by practicing lawyers and will equip you to succeed in the expanding field of law. Through this program you will develop strong professional skills, a firm foundation in ethics, and competency in the foundations of law, contemporary worldviews, rhetoric and real estate. Potential Career Options: Administration, Casework, Corrections, Counseling, Juvenile Justice, Probation and Parole, Social Services, Victim AdvocacyBS: Criminal Justice: ForensicsLiberty University Online’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice – Crime Scene Investigation program provides a solid foundation of both knowledge and skills to equip you for a career in the criminal investigative field. Through Liberty’s forensic program, you will develop a foundational understanding of law enforcement, the internal workings of the criminal justice system, and its response to different types of crime. While earning your degree, you will develop skills in scientific and analytical practices of forensics and law. Knowledge and experience gained through courses will prepare you to serve effectively as an expert in the field of forensics.BS: Criminal Justice: Homeland SecurityLiberty University Online’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice – Homeland Security program provides a solid foundation of the knowledge and skills necessary to serve and protect your community and country. Focus your understanding on an exciting challenge, learning what it takes to serve in areas such as security, transportation disaster response, anti-terrorism, and intelligence. Gain an understanding of the internal workings of the criminal justice system to serve at the local, state, or federal level. While earning your degree, you will develop professional skills in research and development, ensuring the most relevant and comprehensive information to succeed in your career. Knowledge and experience gained through courses will prepare you to serve effectively as an expert in the field.BS: Criminal Justice: Public AdministrationLiberty University Online’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice – Public Administration program prepares you for an effective career as a public servant in a growing field. Through Liberty’s program, you will gain foundational knowledge and skills regarding the management and structure of the criminal justice system as it relates to controversial issues and the general public. Courses will strengthen your leadership and public management skills as you learn to develop responses and solutions to difficult situations, emphasizing the importance of applying ethics to practices and integrating faith with learning in a professional atmosphere.BS: Criminal Justice: Youth CorrectionsLiberty University Online’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice – Youth Corrections program provides you with a solid foundation of knowledge and skills for a rewarding career working with youth in the local, state, or federal juvenile justice system. Through Liberty’s youth corrections program, you will gain an understanding of the internal workings of the criminal justice system and its response to youth in the criminal system. While earning your degree, you will develop professional skills in correctional procedures, as well as cultural and sociological diversity, ensuring the most relevant and comprehensive information needed to impact the lives of today’s youth. Knowledge and experience gained through courses will prepare you to serve effectively as an expert in the field of youth corrections.BS: Paralegal StudiesLiberty University’s Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies will offer you the opportunity to excel in a growing career field. This 120-credit-hour program is designed and taught by practicing lawyers who know what it takes to succeed in the field of law. This challenging profession demands strong professional skills, a firm foundation in ethics and a foundational knowledge of law. This program develops your competency in the foundations of law, contemporary worldviews, rhetoric and real estate. Course topics and assignments will train you in practical skills, such as writing and filing a deposition and performing a title search. Going beyond the basics, you will learn to analyze and handle ethical dilemmas from a biblical perspective and utilize critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Potential Career Options: Paralegal, Legal Assistant, Law Clerk, Claims Adjuster, Title Examiner or ResearcherCERT: Criminal JusticeThe Certificate in Criminal Justice teaches the skills necessary for a wide variety of careers within the criminal justice system. This program emphasizes oral and written communication skills as well as leadership and management abilities.CERT: Paralegal StudiesA Certificate in Paralegal Studies develops the practical skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this growing career field. Students will develop competency in various areas of the law including the foundations of law, contemporary worldviews, rhetoric, and real estate. Credits earned in this program can also be put toward a bachelor`s degree.CERT: Public PolicyThe Certificate in Public Policy develops skills necessary for careers in public administration, government, and politics. This program strengthens critical thinking skills and improves the student`s comprehension of the issues facing today’s society. Course credit earned in this program can be directly applied to a Master of Arts in Public Policy.Master of Science in Criminal Justice - Command CollegeThe Master of Science in Criminal Justice is designed to prepare students for a career in the criminal justice system as a leader and decision-maker. Ethical criminal justice leadership is critical to the integrity, effectiveness and public trust of the criminal justice system nationwide. The goal of the Helms School of Government’s Master of Science in Criminal Justice program is to train present and future leaders in the field of criminal justice who will bring a solid Christian worldview to the development and execution of criminal justice policy, and the leadership and management of criminal justice organizations. Combining strong master’s level foundational courses, ethics, and leadership education, students will prepare to take on the challenges of the criminal justice system.MA Public Policy: Campaigns and ElectionsLiberty University Online’s Master of Arts in Public Policy — Campaigns and Elections program prepares you for an exciting career in many fields, including campaign outreach, public administration, state and local campaign policy, government, and more. Courses will equip you to serve effectively as an expert in the field of public policy with a specific emphasis on the processes of running a campaign and participating in electoral events. The program emphasizes the importance of applying ethics to business practices and integrates faith with learning in a professional atmosphere. Through the M.A. in Public Policy, you will strengthen your critical thinking skills and stretch your comprehension of electoral processes and campaign strategies.MA Public Policy: International AffairsLiberty University Online’s Master of Arts in Public Policy — International Affairs program prepares you for an exciting career with a global reach. Courses will equip you to serve effectively as an expert in the field of international public policy with a specific emphasis in foreign policy, governmental and non-governmental agencies, strategic intelligence, and more. The program focuses on applying ethics to management practices and integrates faith with learning in a professional atmosphere. Through the M.A. in Public Policy, you will strengthen your critical thinking skills and stretch your comprehension of international processes and policy.MA Public Policy: Middle East AffairsLiberty University Online’s Master of Arts in Public Policy — Middle East Affairs program prepares you for a professional career with a focus on international interests and Middle Eastern culture. Courses will equip you with specific knowledge regarding the political, cultural, and social history of the Middle East in relation to the field of public policy. The M.A. in Public Policy focuses on integrating ethics and faith with a versatile skill set to prepare you for the professional settings in government and international policy.MA Public Policy: Public AdministrationLiberty University Online’s Master of Arts in Public Policy — Public Administration program prepares you for an exciting career within government and public service. Courses will equip you to serve as an expert in the field of public administration with emphasis on the professional and administrative issues related to policy in government. This program will strengthen your critical thinking skills and broaden your understanding of social issues. The M.A. in Public Policy focuses on integrating ethics and faith with learning in the professional field at both the national and international levels.MA: Human Services: Criminal JusticeThe Master of Arts in Human Services – Criminal Justice program is designed to prepare students for a career in the criminal justice system or administrative-related work. Combining Christian perspective with accredited academics, students will explore contemporary issues and challenges pertinent to the field of criminal justice. This program will help you gain valuable experience as well as establish a firm understanding of management principles, administration, and topics and trends within criminal justice, equipping you with the skills needed to achieve your goals and succeed in your career.MA: Public PolicyLiberty University Online’s Master of Arts in Public Policy — Public Administration program prepares you for an exciting career within government and public service. Courses will equip you to serve as an expert in the field of public administration with emphasis on the professional and administrative issues related to policy in government. This program will strengthen your critical thinking skills and broaden your understanding of social issues. The M.A. in Public Policy focuses on integrating ethics and faith with learning in the professional field at both the national and international levels.Master of Busi Admn: Criminal JusticeLiberty University’s Master of Business Administration in Criminal Justice program will advance your proficiency in business skills relevant to leadership positions in the field of criminal justice both domestically and internationally. You will be equipped to serve successfully as an expert in the modern business world, while sharpening your knowledge of effective research methods, organizational administration, and criminal law. Gain knowledge on how to develop collaborative skills pertinent to current business practices and topics and trends related to the justice system. Courses will emphasize the importance of applying ethics to criminal justice practices and integrating faith with learning in a professional atmosphere. Potential Career Options: Administration, Casework, Corrections, Counseling, Juvenile Justice, Probation and Parole, Social ServicesMS: Criminal Justice: Public AdministrationThe Master of Science in Criminal Justice – Public Administration program is designed to prepare students for a career in the criminal justice system or in the administration of governmental functions. Combining Christian values with accredited academics, students will explore contemporary issues and challenges pertinent to the field of criminal justice. This program will help you gain valuable experience as well as establish a firm understanding of active policing skills, management and administration principles, and topics and trends within criminal justice, equipping you with the skills needed to achieve your goals and succeed in your career.
Additional Criminal Justice Degree Facts for California Schools
California Schools offering online Criminal Justice degrees
Online Criminal Justice degrees are available at a variety of different schools with as many as 802 degrees earned at the most popular school. Read more below about all schools that have offered online Criminal Justice degrees. If you are interested learning more about getting a degree online, check out our page dedicated to online degree information.
| School Name | Certificate | Associate's | Bachelor's | Master's | Doctoral |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ashford University | 0 | 0 | 802 | 0 | 0 |
| Brandman University | 0 | 0 | 100 | 0 | 0 |
| California State University-San Bernardino | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 |
- 2 Bachelor's
- 1 Master's
What Criminal Justice degree programs were earned in California?
| Degree Level | Program Length | Colleges | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate's | 2-year Length | 29 Colleges | 367 Graduates |
| Bachelor's | 4-year Length | 23 Colleges | 4,017 Graduates |
| Master's | 1+ years Length | 7 Colleges | 38 Graduates |