California is home to some of the best colleges and universities in the United States, offering world-class programs in criminal justice. With a growing need for professionals in law enforcement, corrections, forensic science, public policy, and homeland security, students are increasingly turning to criminal justice degrees for rewarding and impactful careers.
In this 2025 guide, we explore the top 10 best colleges for criminal justice degrees in California, diving deep into academic quality, career opportunities, tuition, program features, and student support. This comprehensive resource is designed to help students, families, and working professionals choose the right institution that matches their goals.
Why Choose California for a Criminal Justice Degree?
California is uniquely positioned for students pursuing criminal justice because:
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High Demand for Graduates: California has one of the largest law enforcement systems in the U.S., with opportunities in policing, corrections, courts, and federal agencies.
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Diverse Career Paths: From urban law enforcement in Los Angeles to policy research in Sacramento, students can find multiple career options.
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Prestigious Institutions: The state houses universities recognized nationally for their social sciences and criminal justice research.
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Networking Opportunities: Proximity to federal courts, correctional facilities, and border security provides students with hands-on learning experiences.
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Strong Job Outlook: With constant investment in public safety and criminal justice reform, graduates have steady employment opportunities.
How We Ranked the Best Criminal Justice Colleges in California
Our selection of the top 10 best colleges for criminal justice degrees in California is based on:
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Academic Reputation – Quality of curriculum and faculty expertise.
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Degree Options – Availability of bachelor’s, master’s, and specialized programs.
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Internships & Experiential Learning – Access to fieldwork, training, and partnerships with law enforcement agencies.
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Affordability & Financial Aid – Tuition, scholarships, and grants available to students.
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Career Support – Job placement rates and alumni success.
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Student Resources – Advising, research centers, and extracurricular opportunities.
Top 10 Best Colleges for Criminal Justice Degrees in California 2025
1. University of California, Irvine (UCI)
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Degree Offered: B.A. in Criminology, Law and Society; graduate programs in criminology.
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Highlights: Known for its nationally recognized research in criminology and law, UCI combines theory with practical training. Students gain strong analytical and policy evaluation skills.
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Career Paths: Law enforcement, policy analysis, court administration.
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Why Choose UCI: One of the best for students who want a mix of research, public policy, and real-world impact.
2. California State University, Long Beach (CSULB)
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Degree Offered: B.S. in Criminal Justice; M.S. in Criminal Justice.
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Highlights: Large, diverse program with strong faculty connections to California law enforcement agencies. Offers internships with local police departments and federal agencies.
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Career Paths: Police officer, probation officer, homeland security specialist.
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Why Choose CSULB: Affordable tuition and strong internship opportunities in Southern California.
3. California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA)
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Degree Offered: B.S. in Criminal Justice; graduate options in criminology and criminalistics.
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Highlights: One of the most diverse programs in California, with strong emphasis on forensic science and criminalistics.
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Career Paths: Forensic analyst, corrections officer, criminal investigator.
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Why Choose CSULA: Best choice for students interested in forensic science or working in crime labs.
4. San Diego State University (SDSU)
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Degree Offered: B.S. in Criminal Justice.
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Highlights: Offers hands-on learning with partnerships across San Diego’s police and correctional systems.
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Career Paths: Federal agent, juvenile justice specialist, paralegal.
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Why Choose SDSU: Located near the U.S.–Mexico border, ideal for students interested in border security and federal agencies.
5. California State University, Sacramento (CSUS)
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Degree Offered: B.S. in Criminal Justice.
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Highlights: Close to the state capital, providing unique opportunities for internships in government and policymaking.
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Career Paths: Legislative analyst, parole officer, legal assistant.
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Why Choose CSUS: Perfect for students who want to mix criminal justice with public policy careers.
6. California State University, Fullerton (CSUF)
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Degree Offered: B.A. in Criminal Justice.
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Highlights: A balanced program with emphasis on theory, ethics, and applied criminal justice practice.
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Career Paths: Police detective, corrections administrator, fraud investigator.
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Why Choose CSUF: Excellent student support services and growing alumni network in law enforcement.
7. University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
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Degree Offered: Sociology with a concentration in law and society (popular for criminal justice students).
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Highlights: Strong focus on social justice, legal systems, and policy reform.
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Career Paths: Researcher, legal analyst, public defender’s office support.
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Why Choose UC Davis: Best for students who want a broad, research-driven perspective on criminal justice.
8. Fresno State University (California State University, Fresno)
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Degree Offered: B.S. in Criminology.
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Highlights: Offers concentrations in corrections, forensic behavioral sciences, and victimology.
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Career Paths: Correctional counselor, crime victim advocate, rehabilitation specialist.
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Why Choose Fresno State: Affordable program with unique victimology track.
9. San Francisco State University (SFSU)
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Degree Offered: B.A. in Criminal Justice Studies.
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Highlights: Focuses on social justice and community-based solutions in criminal justice.
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Career Paths: Juvenile justice officer, probation officer, non-profit advocacy worker.
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Why Choose SFSU: Great for students passionate about social justice reform.
10. California Lutheran University (CLU)
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Degree Offered: B.A. in Criminal Justice.
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Highlights: Private university with small class sizes and personalized attention.
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Career Paths: Private investigator, law enforcement officer, fraud analyst.
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Why Choose CLU: Best for students who want individualized mentoring and liberal arts integration.
Benefits of Earning a Criminal Justice Degree in California
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Career Flexibility: Work in law enforcement, courts, or private security.
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High Salaries: Many criminal justice roles in California have competitive pay.
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Diverse Specializations: Students can focus on forensics, policy, homeland security, or victim advocacy.
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Public Service Impact: Direct involvement in justice reform and community protection.
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Networking: California’s vast justice system creates endless professional connections.
Career Paths for Criminal Justice Graduates in California
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Police Officer or Sheriff’s Deputy – Frontline law enforcement careers.
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Forensic Scientist – Applying science to crime-solving.
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Criminal Investigator or Detective – Solving complex criminal cases.
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Probation/Parole Officer – Helping offenders reintegrate into society.
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Federal Agent (FBI, DEA, DHS) – Working at the federal level.
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Court Administrator or Paralegal – Supporting legal proceedings.
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Corrections Officer – Maintaining safety in correctional facilities.
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Policy Analyst – Researching and shaping criminal justice reform.
Summary Table: Top 10 Colleges for Criminal Justice in California 2025
| Rank | University/College | Degree Offered | Key Strength |
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| 1 | UC Irvine (UCI) | B.A. Criminology, Law & Society | Research & policy focus |
| 2 | CSU Long Beach | B.S./M.S. Criminal Justice | Strong internships |
| 3 | CSU Los Angeles | B.S. Criminal Justice | Forensics emphasis |
| 4 | San Diego State University (SDSU) | B.S. Criminal Justice | Border security focus |
| 5 | CSU Sacramento (CSUS) | B.S. Criminal Justice | Capitol internships |
| 6 | CSU Fullerton | B.A. Criminal Justice | Balanced program |
| 7 | UC Davis | Sociology (Law & Society track) | Social justice research |
| 8 | Fresno State University | B.S. Criminology | Victimology focus |
| 9 | San Francisco State University | B.A. Criminal Justice Studies | Social reform focus |
| 10 | California Lutheran University | B.A. Criminal Justice | Small classes, mentoring |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What jobs can I get with a criminal justice degree in California?
You can work as a police officer, forensic scientist, investigator, parole officer, federal agent, or policy analyst.
2. Which California university has the best reputation for criminal justice?
UC Irvine is often ranked highest due to its research-driven criminology program.
3. Is a criminal justice degree worth it in California?
Yes, because California has high job demand, strong salaries, and many career options in justice and law.
4. Can I study criminal justice online in California?
Yes, many universities, including CSU campuses, offer online or hybrid criminal justice programs.
5. What is the average salary for criminal justice graduates in California?
Depending on the role, salaries range from $55,000 to $120,000 annually.
6. How long does it take to earn a criminal justice degree?
A bachelor’s degree usually takes four years; master’s degrees take an additional two years.
7. Do I need a criminal justice degree to work in law enforcement?
While not always required, having a degree greatly improves career advancement opportunities.
8. Which college is best for forensic science in California?
California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA) is highly respected for forensic criminalistics.
9. Can international students study criminal justice in California?
Yes, international students are welcome and can benefit from internships and OPT (Optional Practical Training).
10. What is the cheapest option for studying criminal justice in California?
California State University campuses (like Fresno State and CSULA) are typically more affordable than UC or private schools.
Conclusion
Choosing the right college for criminal justice in California is one of the most important steps toward building a successful career in law, policing, corrections, or public service. From top research universities like UC Irvine to affordable CSU campuses, students have access to diverse programs tailored to different career goals.
With California’s strong job outlook, networking opportunities, and commitment to justice reform, earning a criminal justice degree in the state not only provides stability but also allows graduates to make a meaningful difference in society.