The right education can make you a well-rounded professional who can think critically and solve problems in the criminal justice system. On the other hand, subpar training and courses pose as roadblocks in future career prospects. Listed in this article are the best criminal justice colleges that offer students practical training and an exceptional education.

Best Criminal Justice Colleges and Universities

Among the best criminal justice schools in the nation are institutions like the University of Pennsylvania, Boston University, University of Florida, Penn State University-University Park, and the University of Maryland-College Park. These are the best colleges that prioritize developing critical thinking skills and offer experiential learning opportunities that bridge the gap between theory and practice. 

From hands-on crime scene simulations to internships with law enforcement agencies, criminal justice degree students gain invaluable real-life experience that prepares them for the multifaceted challenges of the criminal justice field.

School	Minimum In-State Tuition Fee	Minimum Out-of-State Tuition Fee	Acceptance Rate
University of Pennsylvania	$30,864	$58,620	9%
Boston University	$24,640	$63,798	15%
University of Florida	$17,331	$39,609	30%
Penn State University-University Park	$13,824	$15,388	55%
University of Maryland-College Park	$9,889	$26,576	44%
George Washington University	$51,450	$67,420	49%
University of California, Irvine	$12,552	$43,529	25%
Rutgers University-New Brunswick	$16,263	$33,963	66%
University of Delaware	$37,600	$57,358	73%
University of Iowa	$12,993	$14,800	86%
Michigan State University	$20,520	$24,960	88%
University of Texas at Dallas	$16,412	$44,812	87%
Indiana University Bloomington	$13,984	$26,126	82%
University of Illinois at Chicago	$40,572	$49,572	78%
University at Albany (SUNY)	$11,780	$29,058	67%
California State University, Long Beach	$18,768	$31,680	40%
Northeastern University	$32352	$56,500	6%
The City University of New York	$7,470	$19,140	62%
George Mason University	$18,226	$40,176	90%
Washington State University	$45,692	$29,944	83%
West Virginia University	$9,648	$27,360	88%
San Diego State University	$22,767	$31,965	39%
Florida International University	$21,407	$38,414	63%
Temple University	$17,976	$32,376	80%
University of South Carolina	$12,688	$24,934	64%

1. University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania’s Department of Criminology offers the nation’s only Ivy League and one of the best criminology degrees in the country. Its BA in Criminology program highlights the importance of a liberal arts approach to managing crimes. It trains criminal justice majors to be more compassionate on different societal issues while upholding the rule of law.

Having 15 years of experience in the education sector, Kelsey Ludeman highly recommends Penn for a criminal justice degree:

“The University of Pennsylvania ranks among the best schools for criminal justice in the country. With its challenging curriculum, renowned faculty, and dedication to academic distinction, students are consistently provided a top-tier legal education.

The law school offers a robust alumni network, creating outstanding access to opportunities and valuable professional connections that are vital for a successful career in the criminal justice field.”

Proving to be among the top criminal justice colleges, Penn’s distinguished alumni include Supreme Court justices, governors, and senators. Armed with theoretical and methodological frameworks, Penn’s alumni work succeeds in various fields, especially in law and criminal justice.

• Core classes: The bachelor’s degree courses include an introduction to criminology, race and ethnic relations, criminal justice, and a research capstone (completed in the student’s senior year), to name a few. Classes also dive into an introduction to criminology, special topics in the criminal justice field, plus a research capstone in the student’s final year.
• Notable program requirements: Being one of the best criminal justice colleges, the undergraduate degree prepares students for criminological research, whereas the doctorate enables criminal justice degree students to produce scholarly research in academic or policy settings.

2. Boston University

Boston University is consistently ranked among the top criminal justice colleges in the nation. Its Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice program provides a comprehensive education that prepares criminal justice degree students for a wide range of careers in law enforcement, public administration, legal analysis, and related fields.

The program of Boston University has an interdisciplinary approach, combining rigorous coursework in criminal justice with a strong liberal arts foundation. Practical experiences, coupled with the program’s commitment to in-person learning, can provide you with a well-rounded education from one of the top criminal justice colleges.

• Core classes: Core courses at Boston University cover topics such as criminology, law administration, and criminal procedure. Criminal justice degree students will also develop vital skills in research and communication through courses like research methods, public speaking, and legal writing. 
• Notable program requirements: Boston University criminal justice degree students are required to complete an in-person internship, gaining valuable hands-on experience in law enforcement agencies, legal offices, or community organizations. The program also mandates a senior research project, allowing criminal justice degree students to showcase their research and communication skills while exploring a specific area of interest within the criminal justice sector.

3. University of Florida

The University of Florida offers a BA in Criminology that ranks among the top-tier criminal justice colleges in the Sunshine State. The BA criminal justice degree concentration prepare students to study crime and how society reacts to the justice system. In effect, you can apply theories and methods in solving the interrelationships involved in society and law.

The University of Florida was founded in the 1850s as a land-grant school. In addition, the University of Florida operates as a sea and space grant institution of higher education with a student enrollment that exceeds 56,500 undergraduate and graduate students.

• Core classes: Coursework for the University of Florida’s criminal justice degree includes advanced principles of criminal justice, plus electives that include crime and punishment in American History, US Legal History, or Law and Economics, to name a few.
• Notable program requirements: Before graduating, criminal justice degree students need to pass a department exit examination and complete a research paper.

4. Penn State University-University Park

Penn State University’s State Park campus is also recognized as one of the top criminal justice colleges in the country. Its Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice program provides a comprehensive and rigorous education for criminal justice degree students looking to pursue a criminal justice major. 

The program’s interdisciplinary curriculum blends theoretical foundations with practical applications to prepare you for diverse careers within the criminal justice system. Compared to a BS program, the BA concentration emphasizes the development of critical thinking, research, and communication skills, making sure you become well-equipped to analyze complex issues and present findings effectively.

• Core classes: Core courses in Penn State’s criminal justice degree discuss topics such as criminology, criminal law, institutional theory, and the court system. You will learn the sociological and psychological factors that contribute to criminal behavior, as well as the legal and judicial processes that govern the administration of justice. 
• Notable program requirements: Criminal justice degree students will need to complete an internship and gain valuable real-life experience in law enforcement agencies, legal offices, or community organizations. The Penn State criminal justice degree program also mandates a capstone research project.

5. University of Maryland-College Park

The University of Maryland’s College Park location is the flagship campus of the state’s university system, which was established as an agricultural school in the mid-1850s. Its Criminology and Criminal Justice Major is one of the most innovative and best undergraduate criminology degrees in Maryland and within the US. 

This space-grant university serves more than 41,500 students on its campus. Aside from being among the top criminal justice colleges, it’s the largest comprehensive institution of higher learning in Washington, DC.

• Core classes: As one of the top criminal justice colleges, classes cover Crime and Delinquency Prevention, Statistics For Criminology & Criminal Justice, Criminal Justice Research Techniques, and Courts and Sentencing, to name a few. This criminal justice major requires the completion of 39 credit units from the CCJS curriculum.
• Notable program requirements: Criminal justice degree students will need to submit research related to criminological theory and the criminal justice system.

6. George Washington University

George Washington University is consistently ranked among the top criminal justice colleges in the nation. Its Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice program is designed to prepare students for successful careers in various fields within the legal system.

Drawing on GW’s unique proximity to government agencies, advocacy organizations, and government agencies, criminal justice students get access to industry connections for training and workshops.

• Core classes: Core courses in the bachelor’s degree program cover a wide range of topics, including criminology, criminal procedure, and the judicial system. Criminal justice degree students gain a deep understanding of the legal and sociological aspects of crime, as well as the processes and procedures that govern the administration of justice. 
• Notable program requirements: The program requires criminal justice majors to complete an in-person internship. Additionally, the program mandates a capstone research project, allowing criminal justice degree students to specialize in a specific area of interest within the criminal justice sector and showcase their analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.

7. University of California, Irvine

The University of California, Irvine’s Department of Criminology offers a BS in Criminology, Law & Society that focuses on how crime interacts with social, cultural, and political forces. As one of the best colleges in the Golden State, UC Irvine’s criminal justice degree requires the completion of 180 quarter credits, which are generally completed in three- or four-year course sequences.

The University of California was founded under the Morrill Act as a land-grant research school in 1965. The university is one of the ten-member schools of the state’s university system, with more than 35,150 students.

• Core classes: Criminal justice degree students enrolled in UC’s programs complete classes in the foundations of criminology, law, and society, American law, theories of punishment, domestic violence, and US legal thought, to name a few.
• Notable program requirements: Criminal justice degree students need to finish field studies in areas such as juvenile detention systems, legislative offices, parole agencies, or private legal firms.

8. Rutgers University-New Brunswick

Rutgers University’s Program in Criminal Justice is among New Jersey’s best undergraduate programs for a criminal justice degree. In contrast to other criminal justice colleges, this university’s program emphasizes the importance of liberal arts and moral considerations when working in criminal justice systems.

Rutgers is also a sea, space, and land-grant school that serves nearly 69,000 students online and on the three primary campuses in New Jersey. Being one of the best colleges in the region, Rutgers holds the distinction of being the largest higher learning institution in New Jersey.

• Core classes: Classes for Rutgers University’s best undergraduate criminology programs include Theory & Practice, Prisons & Prisoners, Crime & Public Policy, Crimes Against Humanity, Forensic Science, and Ideas In Justice, to name a few. Criminal justice degree students are encouraged to tailor or customize their criminal justice academic program.
• Notable program requirements: Criminal justice degree students will need to finish internships in institutions or organizations like criminal courts, security offices, social service agencies, and police departments.

9. University of Delaware

The University of Delaware’s Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice is recognized to be one of the east coast’s top criminal justice colleges. The program also allows criminal justice degree students to study how other disciplines like sociology, political science, history, and psychology can help them work on structures and ideas for improving criminal justice systems.

The University of Delaware is the largest school in the state and was established under the Morrill Land Grant Act in the 1830s. Delaware provides qualified criminal justice degree students with financial support and international travel assistance to complete their degrees.

• Core classes: Classes for this undergraduate degree in criminal justice include Problems of Law Enforcement, Introduction To Criminal Justice, Corrections, and Criminal Judiciary, to name a few.
• Notable program requirements: An integral part of UD’s best undergraduate criminal justice degree programs is the required field experience or practicum that integrates theory and knowledge with practical experience. 

10. University of Iowa

The University of Iowa is one of the best criminal justice colleges in the nation that offers a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology, Law, and Justice. Interested criminal justice degree students can opt for one of the school’s double major options in business analytics or finance.

The University of Iowa’s campus is situated along the Iowa River and serves about 33,000 students each year. It holds the distinction of being the oldest institution of higher education in the state.

• Core classes: It’s among the top criminal justice colleges with coursework focusing on criminology, sociological theory, and research to tackle race, gender, and ethnic diversity in criminal justice.
• Notable program requirements: Criminal justice majors need to submit a research portfolio that they can use for job applications. Internships are highly encouraged for senior-year criminal justice degree students.

11. Michigan State University

Michigan State offers a BA in Criminal Justice that is recognized as one of the most innovative and best undergraduate criminology programs in Michigan. The program combines cutting-edge research, theoretical applications, and hands-on training to teach criminal justice degree students how to help society face criminal justice.

Founded in the 1850s as a land-grant school, MSU also operates as a space- and sea-grant school that serves approximately 50,000 postgraduate and undergraduate students from its East Lansing campus and online platform. With the availability of virtual classes, criminal justice degree students have the flexibility to finish their coursework anywhere.

• Core classes: Classes for MSU’s undergraduate criminal justice degree include Criminal Procedure, Methods of Criminal Justice Research, Race & Justice, Private Security, advanced topics in cybersecurity, criminology & public policy, crime, mass media, and society, and juvenile criminal justice, plus an independent study, to name a few.
• Notable program requirements: Criminal justice students are encouraged to go for internships in unique settings such as global security intelligence agencies, child protective services, corrections facilities, and state police agencies.

12. University of Texas at Dallas

The University of Texas at Dallas’ School of Economic, Political, and Policy Sciences is one of the best colleges with a BA in Criminology. It’s among the top criminal justice colleges that offer a fast-track option for criminal justice students to take a master’s degree-level coursework during their bachelor’s degree coursework. 

The program allows criminal justice degree students to work with faculty professors on projects. As you participate in research projects, you’ll also gain valuable experience working on projects for violence prevention in schools and policing community corrections.

• Core classes: This undergraduate degree in criminal justice from UT Dallas requires degree candidates to complete a minimum of 120 semester units to meet degree requirements. Criminal justice degree students will study courses like theories of justice and comparative justice systems.
• Notable program requirements: As a criminal justice major, you’ll need to produce a capstone project to complement your internship.

13. Indiana University Bloomington

Indiana University Bloomington’s College of Arts and Sciences is among the best colleges in the state to offer a BA in Criminal Justice. Criminal justice degree candidates can choose academic tracks in criminal justice & psychology, criminal justice, and the law.

Founded as a research school in 1820, Indiana University Bloomington now operates as the flagship and largest campus in the state, with nearly 44,000 students each year. More than half the students at Indiana University Bloomington are from the state of Indiana.

• Core classes: Upper-level coursework for this Indiana University Bloomington degree includes Private Security, Prosecution, White-Collar Crime, Adolescents and the Law, Cybercrime, and Digital Evidence, to name a few.
• Notable program requirements: Aside from an in-person internship, a criminal justice major at IU needs to accomplish 27 credit hours of CJUS residency at the Department of Criminal Justice.

14. University of Illinois at Chicago

The University of Illinois at Chicago is among the top criminal justice colleges to offer a BA in Criminology, Law, and Justice. You’ll need to declare your major in your sophomore year, after completing 59 semester hours.

It has several student services for academic assistance, including the Asian American Resource and Cultural Center, Latin American Recruitment and Educational Service Program, Writing Center, and Disability Resource Center, to alleviate the challenges of in-person, online, and hybrid classes.

• Core classes: Criminal justice degree students need to take classes in Law and Society, Criminology, Intro to Criminology, Law, and Justice, Research Techniques, and more, for a total of 120 bachelor’s level credit units.
• Notable program requirements: Like most criminal justice colleges, you’ll need to finish a fall or spring internship in agencies or offices such as security analysis companies, correctional counseling services, or wardens’ offices.

15. University at Albany (SUNY)

The University at Albany’s (SUNY Albany) Criminal Justice School is another contender for the best colleges with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice. Being one of the research-based criminal justice colleges, you’ll be equipped to pursue careers in government, research, non-profit organizations, and state or federal law enforcement.

You’ll have the option to take the classes fully online. There’s also the opportunity to study abroad, engage in community work, and get involved in community service projects.

• Core classes: As a criminal justice major, you’ll take classes in Criminology, Introduction to Law and Criminal Justice, and Introduction to Statistics in Criminal Justice, plus one of three research methods coursework courses, to name a few.
• Notable program requirements: Junior and senior criminal justice students need to apply for internships, which they can do at some of the university’s partner organizations and agencies.

16. California State University, Long Beach

California State University, Long Beach’s School of Criminology, Criminal Justice, and Emergency Management is another option for the best colleges with a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice. Criminal justice students also have the option to study a minor in forensic studies or get a certificate degree in crime scene investigations.

The faculty are experts in the field, providing criminal justice degree students with practical knowledge they can use for theory, policy, research, and practice.

• Core classes: Classes include Criminal Courts & Judicial Process, Crime and Inequality, Comparative Criminal Justice and Transnational Crimes, and Constitutional Criminal Procedure, to name a few.
• Notable program requirements: As a criminal justice major, you’ll need to finish a capstone project or research. It’s also among the criminal justice colleges that will require you to spend hours as an intern in organizations or offices, including private security, emergency services, and government agencies.

17. Northeastern University

Northeastern University’s School of Criminology & Criminal Justice is also among the best colleges in the state to offer a Bachelor of Science in Criminology. 

Northeastern University is a multi-campus institution of higher learning that was founded in the late 1890s. It is well known for its innovative cooperative education program that allows criminal justice degree students to study while working and earning.

• Core classes: Northeastern University’s undergraduate degree includes classes in Criminal Due Process, Human Trafficking, Corruption, Youth Crime, and Justice, Policing a Democratic Society, Integrity and Accountability, Global Criminality, Psychology Crime, White-Collar/Corporate Crime, the Death Penalty, and Introduction to Criminal Justice, to name a few.
• Notable program requirements: Unlike other criminal justice colleges, the university provides experiential learning opportunities by giving criminal justice degree students access to internships in local organizations and abroad.

18. The City University of New York

The CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice offers one of New York’s best undergraduate programs with its BA in Criminal Justice. John Jay College of Criminal Justice’s urban campuses and online platform serve approximately 15,000 students.

John Jay College of Criminal Justice (JJCJ) was established in the 1960s. The college was established as the only liberal arts school with an academic focus on criminal justice and forensics. 

• Core classes: Each of CUNY’s best undergraduate criminal justice programs requires degree candidates to complete a minimum of 120 semester units to meet CUNY graduation requirements. Classes for these criminal justice degrees include Theories of Social Order, Principles and Methods of Statistics, and selected topics in criminology, to name a few.
• Notable program requirements: As a criminal justice major from one of the top criminal justice colleges, you’ll need to finish an internship focusing on criminal justice, law, and policing. Faculty-mentored research is also mandatory. 

19. George Mason University

George Mason University’s BS in Criminology, Law, and Society is one of Virginia’s best colleges. The program prepares criminal justice degree students to face the social and moral challenges in the justice field.

Although it became independent in the early 1970s, George Mason was established in 1949 as a northern branch of the state’s university. George Mason University, as a sea-grant school, maintains multiple campuses throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. The university also operates a campus in South Korea.

• Core classes: George Mason University’s degree candidates must finish at least 120 bachelor’s credit units. It’s among the criminal justice colleges with coursework that focuses on Criminal Justice Ethics, Constitutional Law – Criminal Process & Rights, Introduction to Criminal Justice, plus a capstone in criminology, law, and society, to name a few.
• Notable program requirements: Aside from elective courses and internships, criminal justice majors need to finish at least one course designated as “writing intensive” in their majors.

20. Washington State University

Washington State University maintains campuses in Vancouver, Spokane, Pullman, and the Tri-Cities and is recognized to be the second-largest institution of higher education in Washington State. Washington State’s BA in Criminal Justice is one of its best colleges. 

Renowned professors and groundbreaking research attract criminal justice majors to the department. The program aims to produce criminal justice degree students and graduates who are critical thinkers and effective communicators in crime and justice administration in local, state, national, and international fields.

• Core classes: Classes for Washington State University’s criminal justice degree include Administration of Criminal Justice, Introduction to Criminological Theory, Criminal Justice Management, Policing in America, Violence Towards Women, Comparative Criminal Justice Systems, Crime Control Policies, and Juvenile Law and Corrections, to name a few.
• Notable program requirements: Similar to most criminal justice colleges, the curriculum combines the need to finish a capstone research and internship program at any local or national criminal justice-related organization or agency.

21. West Virginia University

West Virginia University’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice ranks among West Virginia’s best colleges with the most innovative undergraduate programs for criminal justice students. Applicants for West Virginia University’s undergraduate criminology programs must hold an AAS (Associate of Applied Science) degree to be eligible for this 69 academic credit program. 

This multidisciplinary program highlights the importance of learning research methodology and the cultural competence of the law to prepare you for work in law enforcement or research. You can specialize in areas like social problems in contemporary America, correctional counseling, and community-based corrections.

• Core classes: Classes for this completion degree include Criminal Evidence, Research Techniques in Criminal Justice, Victimology, Statistics, Ethics, and Criminal Justice Systems, plus a senior capstone project.
• Notable program requirements: Like in other criminal justice colleges, criminal justice majors in West Virginia University need to combine research and a semester-long internship to prove their capability to finish the degree.

22. San Diego State University

San Diego State University is among the best colleges that offer a BA in Criminal Justice that can be completed online or on-campus. San Diego State University’s best undergraduate programs prepare criminal justice degree students for careers in law enforcement, loss prevention, city administration, probation, or the county sheriff’s office. 

As a criminal justice major, you’ll gain transferable skills such as conflict resolution, logical thinking, and writing abilities. You’ll also have the chance to participate in exchange programs.

• Core classes: SDSU’s undergraduate criminology programs include classes in Law & Society, Systems of Justice, Criminal Justice Policy & Planning, and Juvenile Justice, to name a few. Compared to other criminal justice colleges, the degree offers tracks in crime & behavior, criminal justice systems, or law in society.
• Notable program requirements: You will need to complete on-the-job training at any law enforcement-related organization, including parole offices, corrections facilities, or social service agencies.

23. Florida International University

Florida International University’s Green School of International and Public Affairs is one of the best colleges that offers a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice that can be completed online or on campus. 

FIU only allows criminal justice degree students with an associate of arts degree from a Florida college to enroll in this program. Otherwise, you’ll need to complete the university’s core curriculum requirements.

• Core classes: Classes include Criminological Theory, Criminal Justice, the Constitution, and an Introduction to Criminal Justice. Compared to the other criminal justice colleges, here you’ll need to take foreign language and global learning courses.
• Notable program requirements: Aside from working on a senior capstone project, criminal justice degree students will need to do an internship, with options including rehabilitation centers, corrections facilities, or state government agencies.

24. Temple University

Temple University’s BA in Criminal Justice is one of Philadelphia’s most innovative criminal justice colleges. Criminal justice degree Students enrolled in Temple University’s undergraduate programs are required to complete at least 123 bachelor’s-level semester credits. 

The multidisciplinary program teaches theories, and techniques on how to effectively apply criminal justice concepts with fairness, allowing students to develop ways to prevent, respond to, and control crime.

• Core classes: Core classes for Temple University’s criminal justice major include Criminal Justice Statistics, Criminal Law, and the Nature of a Crime.
• Notable program requirements: Aside from submitting a capstone project, criminal justice degree students will need to complete an internship in law enforcement-related agencies, including criminal advocacy organizations, public defense offices, or government agencies.

25. University of South Carolina

As one of the top criminal justice colleges, the University of South Carolina offers a BA in Criminology and Criminal Justice. It prepares graduates for careers in law enforcement, crime scene investigation, evidence collection, the prison system, and security, among others. 

The University of South Carolina is a public institution that was established in 1801. It maintains multiple campuses throughout South Carolina, with the main campus in the state’s capital. The University of South Carolina is the state’s flagship school, which is also a space-granted higher learning institution.

• Core classes: It’s among the criminal justice colleges that focus on Criminal Procedure, Policing, Corrections, Criminal Courts, and Sociology of Crime, among others.
• Notable program requirements: Beyond the classroom, criminal justice degree students will engage in research and internships to better understand real-life scenarios in court systems, non-profit organizations, or correctional facilities

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What Is a Criminal Justice Major?

A criminal justice major allows students to study the court system, law enforcement, and corrections while gaining hands-on experience. Top criminal justice colleges offer specialized tracks tailored toward careers like cybersecurity, homeland security, juvenile justice, and criminology. 

The coursework from most criminal justice colleges covers a transdisciplinary curriculum drawing from forensic psychology, sociology, and communications, applying those skills to legal proceedings and law enforcement contexts. While some programs are generalized for online or undecided students, others focus on law, corrections, or policing specialties. 

Graduating with a criminal justice degree opens doors to various entry-level jobs, with salaries increasing for those pursuing a four-year degree over a two-year associate’s.

Is Criminal Justice a Popular Major?

A poll shows that criminal justice ranked #9 in popularity out of 40 undergraduate college majors. The popularity of criminal justice majors could also be directly related to the rising salaries graduates of this program can expect.

According to DataUSA, the average annual salary earned was $71,318. Although those numbers exclude entry-level criminal justice jobs, there’s an opportunity for advancement to a higher criminal justice degree salary, especially after getting your diploma from criminal justice colleges.

What Is the Difference Between Criminal Justice and Criminology Degrees?

While the criminal justice major and criminology field are related, they are not exactly the same. Criminal justice is an umbrella term used at criminal justice colleges to describe the major that encompasses many specific specialties like forensic science, law enforcement, and criminology itself. 

Criminology, on the other hand, focuses specifically on understanding criminal behavior, its patterns, and societal responses to crime through the lenses of psychology and sociology. The goal is to reduce crime incidents and improve responses, making criminology degrees flexible for careers like social work, investigation, and forensics.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Criminal Justice Degree from Criminal Justice Colleges?

Like most bachelor’s degrees, a criminal justice degree usually takes four years to finish. However, the final timeframe can still depend on your courses and internships. Your finances and the type of program you choose – online, on-campus, or hybrid – can also affect the timeframe. 

In addition, criminal justice colleges may have varying completion times for associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees.

Associate

An associate’s degree in criminal justice can take around two to three years to complete. Despite that, the major requirements in criminal justice colleges include courses around law, community relations, and criminal procedures. 

After two to three years, criminal justice degree students can use an associate’s degree to apply for jobs as a police officer or paralegal.

Bachelor’s

A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice colleges commonly requires four years of full-time study. Like in the case of the University of Pennsylvania and Boston University, the longer time provides students with more diverse coursework, including forensics, conflict resolution, and social justice. 

This can broaden your career options, including jobs as a criminal justice researcher, federal agent, or court reporter.

Master’s

Depending on the program requirements of criminal justice colleges, a master’s degree in criminal justice can last up to two years. 

A master’s degree lets criminal justice degree students specialize in certain fields, including gender studies and gender-based violence, homeland security, and community advocacy. You can use this degree to work as a probation officer or corrections counselor.

Doctorate

It may take you three to four years to finish the requirements for a PhD in criminal justice. The curriculum in most criminal justice colleges will be research-heavy, which is why it can sometimes take longer.

You can specialize in fields like fraud management, corrections rehabilitation, and family violence.  

Why Should I Choose a Criminal Justice Major?

Opting for a criminal justice major offers a comprehensive understanding of the legal system. This includes the societal issues and law enforcement practices surrounding different types of crimes in communities.

Are you interested in learning the complexities of criminal behavior? Do you want to understand how the judicial process works? Do you want to help develop methods for maintaining public safety and order?

Consider taking up a criminal justice degree if you answered yes to these questions. With programs from criminal justice colleges, you will develop communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills for crime prevention. As you evaluate your passions and goals, you’ll see how these factors can make it worth taking up a criminal justice degree.

• Continue your passion: You can choose a criminal justice major if you enjoy this type of work, especially where community involvement is necessary. This degree also suits problem-solvers who can gather and utilize clues for legal analysis. It can also serve as a strong foundational bachelor’s degree to enter law school.
• Explore different specializations: Throughout your career, you can still use your investigation skills in different areas of criminal areas. You can explore being a police officer, customs agent, or probation officer. You may even transition from law enforcement to the legal side or vice versa.
• Make a difference in the community: Graduates can work to bring change in their community and address systemic issues. Criminal justice degree students graduating from the best colleges for criminal justice can fight for justice reform by advocating for new laws and policies. A degree from one of the top criminal justice colleges can kick off a career that does real good for people in need.

What Can You Do With a Criminal Justice Degree?

Criminal justice is home to many of those perennial career options – the jobs that are always needed everywhere; jobs that will always come with job security, if not fabulous wealth. Careers like law enforcement, corrections, parole, and legal clerks are common job positions for graduates of criminal justice colleges.

Other criminal justice careers, such as cybersecurity and border patrol, are relatively new or just starting to get popular in recent years. However, they appear to be here for the long haul. Here are some entry-level careers that criminal justice degree students can consider with a criminal justice degree.

• Law enforcement: You can be a police officer who patrols neighborhoods, controls traffic, responds to emergencies, and enforces laws.
• Corrections and police officers: Your working environment will be in jails and prisons, maintaining security, overseeing inmate activities, and enforcing rules.
• Paralegals: In the court system, a criminal justice degree can train you to assist lawyers with paperwork, case laws, and witness interviews.

Will I Make More Money with a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice?

You may be able to make more money, although the amount you make with a bachelor’s in criminal justice will be up to you. It boils down to your academic achievement and experience.

Academic Excellence

First, you will need to try and find work in an area you like that also has the opportunities for advancement that you will expect over the next few years. 

With a bachelor’s degree from any of these criminal justice colleges, you can begin to look into different specializations. Crime scene investigations, forensics, and evidence collection are just a few of the unique study areas that will help advance your career and increase your earnings potential.

Experience

Aside from graduating from any of the top criminal justice colleges, another way you can increase your earning potential is to continue working in your specific area of expertise. The more experience you gain, the more opportunities for advancement that you will receive with your criminal justice degree. 

The more experience you gain over time, the better you are at identifying possible clues or pieces of the puzzle that will solve a crime or find the answers that are needed to make sure things are put right.

You need to gain more experience and explore new opportunities in as many ways as possible if you want to continue to increase your wages.

Should I Choose a BA or BS in my Criminal Justice Studies?

You can choose a BA from any top criminal justice school if you prefer to focus on the humanities and the artistic aspects of the degree. Meanwhile, you can opt for a BS if you want to focus more on the math and science associated with this type of degree. 

Criminal justice degrees from criminal justice colleges are largely interdisciplinary by necessity. They require knowledge about government and law, as well as technology and human behavior. Criminal justice studies include a variety of coursework to master the criminal justice sector. 

Performing research, investigating crime scenes, and preserving evidence so that it is secured and intact – much of the work done by police officers, forensic technicians, and investigative researchers has a scientific element that requires both diligence and the highest attention to detail possible.

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Criminal Justice Colleges?

By carefully evaluating your goals and assessing your fit with the criminal justice field, you can make an informed decision and choose the best criminal justice schools to start your education and career in this exciting and rewarding profession. Here are some key things to keep in mind when choosing criminal justice colleges:

Interest and Preparedness for the Program

Many of the best criminal justice jobs require a college degree from criminal justice colleges to develop a thorough understanding of the legal system, a commitment to promoting justice, and an interest in exploring the complexities of criminal behavior. 

The criminal justice sector is a broad and diverse area of study that encompasses various disciplines, including law, forensic psychology, sociology, and public administration. If these align with your abilities and interests, pursuing a degree from one of the top criminal justice schools could be the right path for you.

Admission and Program Requirements

While a high school diploma may be the minimum requirement for some entry-level positions, many employers prefer candidates with a college education, particularly in criminal justice.

Criminal justice colleges often have opportunities for hands-on experience through internships or practical training. These experiences can be invaluable in preparing criminal justice degree students for a career in law enforcement, corrections, or other criminal justice professions.

For example, the University of Pennsylvania and Boston University are among the best colleges to incorporate capstone projects and in-person internships to balance the theories and skills learned from various classes.

Program Courses and School Resources

Take the time to research various programs for criminal justice, their coursework, specializations, and potential career paths for criminal justice degree students. Look for programs that offer a well-rounded curriculum, covering topics such as criminal justice, criminology, ethics, and investigative techniques. 

Additionally, consider factors like campus resources, faculty expertise, and opportunities for practical experience. If you prefer a hybrid or online program, check if there is distance learning assistance that makes it convenient to attend classes in your chosen criminal justice colleges.

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Undergraduate Criminal Justice Colleges

To rank the best criminal justice colleges for criminal justice majors, Value Colleges editors considered accredited criminal justice schools that are primarily or exclusively on-campus, ranking them according to our best value formula: Tuition cost, potential salary, and job market reputation. Data comes from IPEDS and Niche.

Related Questions

Where Can I Study Criminal Justice Degrees?

You can study and complete criminal justice degrees at community colleges, public criminal justice colleges and universities, or private institutions. These schools offer various levels of criminal justice education, including associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and even doctorates. The type of degree you pursue will depend on your academic goals and career aspirations within the criminal justice sector.

What Are the Common Admission Requirements for a Criminal Justice Degree?

To be admitted into a criminal justice degree program, most criminal justice colleges require a high school diploma or equivalent. Some of the best criminal justice schools may have additional requirements, such as a minimum GPA, standardized test scores, or prerequisite coursework. The specific admission requirements can vary depending on the institution and level of the degree.

What Degree Is Best for Criminal Justice?

For those interested in criminal justice careers, a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, political science, or a related field is often recommended. Many criminal justice professionals, especially those who want to work in federal law enforcement, also pursue advanced degrees like a master’s in public administration from a law school or criminal justice colleges.

Does Washington State Have a Criminal Justice Program?

Yes, Washington State University is one of the criminal justice colleges that offer various programs for criminal justice majors, including a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice. Its Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology also offers master’s degree programs for further studies in the criminal justice field.

Which College in Florida Has the Best Criminal Justice Program?

The University of Florida is widely regarded as having one of the best criminal justice programs in the state. As one of the top criminal justice colleges in the USA, its comprehensive curriculum and in-person training prepare students for the nuances of the legal system.

Conclusion

By attending one of the institutions in this best criminal justice colleges list, you’ll gain valuable skills, knowledge, and hands-on experiences that’ll prepare you for a successful career in law enforcement, corrections, and public safety. These top schools open up unparalleled opportunities for networking and exposure to real-life scenarios of the criminal justice system.

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