Best Value Colleges For A Criminal Justice Degree

The University of Illinois at Chicago's bachelor of arts in criminology, law, and justice examines the root causes, extent, and effects of crime in urban and rural settings. Students analyze the formal systems designed to respond to crime and the ways in which citizens react to pervasive patterns of criminal activity. In addition to coursework, students complete 180 internship hours in their third or fourth year of the program, bridging theory and practice to prepare to enter the job market. The comprehensive curriculum prepares students for careers in law, public administration, and social services.

The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor hosts more than 30,000 students on its scenic 3,207-acre campus. The school offers a bachelor of arts in criminology and criminal justice that examines how changes in social and cultural values predict and influence criminal behavior. This unique perspective gives students the knowledge and skills they need to respond to societal changes that affect crime. The program includes general education, major, elective, and internship requirements. Learners take courses on topics like political analysis, theory of the law, forensic anthropology, and moral and political dilemmas. Students benefit from the school's close proximity to Detroit, which allows them to pursue internship opportunities in diverse settings.

Rhode Island College offers a bachelor of arts in justice studies that examines the relationship between crime, criminality, and social and cultural conditions. Learners explore the impacts of crime, its historical causes, and the ways in which crime affects policy. The program also emphasizes research literacy, equipping students with the tools they need to become effective lifelong learners. A private, nonprofit institution founded in 1854, Rhode Island College is the Ocean State's second-oldest university. Situated on an idyllic 180-acre campus in Providence, Rhode Island College holds regional accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education.

The bachelor of science in criminal justice at Peirce College emphasizes critical thinking skills and draws on a pedagogical viewpoint that considers criminal justice, law enforcement, and corrections as dynamic, constantly evolving social controls. The 121-credit program includes courses like ethics in criminal justice, juvenile justice, criminal court system, and the correctional system. Students can transfer up to 90 credits toward the degree. Students can earn 57 transfer credits for training from the Philadelphia Police Academy and 27 credits for training from the Philadelphia Division of Prisons. Participants with comparable training from other cities may also qualify for transfer credits.

California State University-Fullerton offers a bachelor of arts in criminal justice that includes 21 core credits, 15 elective credits, and a one-course writing requirement. Learners study topics like criminal justice theory, law enforcement and correctional systems, and research methodology. Elective classes include crime reduction, public policy, constitutional law, white-collar crime, and organized crime. Located in Orange County, California, Cal State Fullerton holds regional accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission. The campus is among the nation's most ethnically diverse and hosts around 39,000 students each year.

California State University-Northridge offers a 120-credit bachelor of arts in criminology and justice studies that engages students with key questions about the sources and impacts of crime and victimization. Coursework covers topics like criminological theory, ethics in criminal justice, juvenile justice, and social science research methods. Students culminate the degree with an internship, research project, or mentorship opportunity. Located in the northern suburbs of Los Angeles, CSU-Northridge boasts excellent continuation rates and holds regional accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission. As of the fall 2019 semester, the school had more undergraduate students than any other school in the CSU system.

Appalachian State University offers a bachelor of science in criminal justice that features accomplished faculty from the pre-law and public administration divisions of the school's Department of Government and Justice Studies. Students explore the causes and contributing factors of criminal behavior alongside the individual, social, and systemic impacts of crime. During their final two years of the program, students complete internships with criminal justice agencies to gain hands-on experience in the field. Learners who graduate with a minimum 3.4 GPA can earn the school's master of public administration degree in just one additional year of study. Situated in Boone, North Carolina, Appalachian State University ranks among the state's leading public universities and holds regional accreditation from the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

The University of North Florida's bachelor's in criminology and criminal justice explores criminology and criminal justice from unique perspectives that draw from mathematics, computing, and data science. Degree-seekers with a minimum 3.67 GPA can apply to the criminal justice honors program to engage with advanced coursework, which includes an honors research project completed under the supervision of a senior criminal justice faculty member. Regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, the University of North Florida dates back to 1969. The school hosts more than 17,000 students through diverse undergraduate and graduate programs.

Rutgers University offers a bachelor of arts in criminal justice that examines criminal behavior and the justice systems at the national and international levels. The program's global view gives learners an advanced understanding of how crime arises in specific social and cultural circumstances. The program also encourages critical engagement with policy-making practices, preparing students for work with government agencies and victim advocacy groups. Founded in 1766, Rutgers University hosts more than 50,000 students each year. The school holds regional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and membership to the Association of American Universities.

Michigan State University offers a bachelor of arts in criminal justice that emphasizes the patterns and causes of crime, the challenges facing criminal justice agencies, and the importance of security management. Students take classes on topics like juvenile justice, criminology and public policy, homeland security, and law of corrections. Graduates can pursue careers in public safety and security management. Situated in East Lansing, Michigan State University dates back to 1855 and ranks among the largest research universities in the world. The 5,300-acre campus serves as a base for the institution's sprawling international footprint, which includes partnerships with 340 universities in 80 countries.

The bachelor's in criminal justice program at Elizabeth City State University focuses on the institutional aspects of criminality. Students learn about police operations, the criminal court and corrections systems, research methods, and criminology theory. The school maintains partnerships with dozens of corrections, law enforcement, victim services, and youth services agencies and organizations, which provide diverse internship opportunities for students. Founded in 1891, Elizabeth City State University is part of the University of North Carolina system. The historically black college offers affordable tuition and military-friendly policies and holds regional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The bachelor of science in criminal justice at Ferris State University prepares students for careers and further study in law, public policy, criminology, and criminal justice. Students can pursue a generalist track or a corrections track. The corrections option focuses on criminal justice institutions, covering topics like court systems, community-based corrections, crime prevention, and the treatment of offenders and victims. Established in 1884, Ferris State University joined Michigan's public university system in 1950 and became a fully credentialed, four-year university in 1987. Ferris State holds regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission and offers a student-to-instructor ratio of 16-to-1.

California State University-San Bernardino offers a bachelor of arts in criminal justice that introduces students to criminal law and the U.S. criminal justice system. Learners study research methods; statistical analysis; police systems; and the theoretical aspects of crime, delinquency, and corrections. Students can tailor the degree to their interests through electives on topics like forensics, homeland security, gangs and organized crime, and white-collar crime. Established in 1965, California State University-San Bernardino boasts a beautiful campus in the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains. The school maintains some of the highest retention rates in the CSU system. As of the 2019-20 school year, the institution serves a student body of more than 20,000.

Minot State University's bachelor of science in criminal justice focuses on the sociological and psychological aspects of crime and criminal justice. Learners study the criminal justice system, crime causes and dynamics, and evidence-based solutions to criminal justice problems. Courses include the causes and effects of mass shootings, domestic and international terrorism, police use of force, and the psychological makeup of violent criminals. Based in Minot, North Dakota, Minot State University holds regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. Learners benefit from small class sizes and a supportive environment that encourages regular interactions between faculty and students.

The University of Illinois at Springfield offers a bachelor's in criminology and criminal justice that integrates aspects of psychology, sociology, philosophy, law, and political science. The multidisciplinary program's core curriculum includes courses like criminological theory, statistics for criminal justice, and critical thinking in criminal justice. Criminal justice students benefit from close proximity to major cities, including Chicago and St. Louis, which host diverse internship opportunities. Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the University of Illinois at Springfield ranks among the top public universities in the Midwest.

The bachelor of science in criminal justice at Humphreys University boasts small class sizes that offer personalized attention from faculty. The program offers concentrations in law enforcement and corrections, probation, and parole; human resources, leadership, and management; and law enforcement. Regardless of their concentration, all students take core courses on topics like report preparation, criminal analysis, and multicultural issues within criminal justice. Learners gain critical thinking, research, and communication skills. The program offers four start dates per year. Humphreys University is a nonprofit institution that holds regional accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission.

California State University-Dominguez Hills offers a bachelor of science in criminal justice administration that focuses on the theory, structure, and function of national and local law enforcement agencies and the corrections and juvenile justice systems. Students take general education, major, and elective courses. Students can use electives to design a degree plan around their interests and goals. Graduates can pursue careers in areas like intelligence analysis and homeland security. They can also pursue graduate study. Established in 1960, California State University-Dominguez Hills features recently renovated classrooms with state-of-the-art smart technology. The institution holds regional accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and earns high rankings for affordability, diversity, and program quality.

San Jose State University offers one of the oldest criminal justice programs in the United States. The Department of Justice Studies opened in 1930 and offers a generalist bachelor of science in justice studies and a bachelor's in criminal justice with a criminology concentration. Both programs examine criminal justice issues, including theoretical models of crime, policing, law enforcement, and corrections. The programs also explore the relationship between society and the criminal justice system. Degree-seekers participate in a mandatory international experience that encourages global perspectives. Students can optionally participate in a popular CSI Summer Camp. San Jose State University also hosts many criminal justice-themed conferences, forums, and lectures, providing students with unique opportunities to explore their personal interests.

The bachelor of arts in criminal justice program at Saint Peter's University offers six concentrations: computer science, corrections, crime forensics, criminal research and intelligence analysis, investigative services, and police administration. Regardless of their concentration, all students take core classes on topics like police culture, family law, and multiculturalism in justice. They also complete a six-credit internship and a senior seminar in criminal justice. Regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education Accreditation, Saint Peter's University is located near New York City, giving students abundant internship, practical training, and networking opportunities.

North Dakota State University offers a \bachelor's in criminal justice that provides a strong foundation in criminal justice theory, drawing on ideas from the social sciences, humanities, and law to build a top-down understanding of the criminal justice system. Students can pursue an optional internship to gain hands-on experience in the field. The school offers placement opportunities in North Dakota and Minnesota. Learners also enjoy the option to earn peace officer licensure during the program. Students gain access to peer networking opportunities through the school's Criminal Justice Club, an optional membership organization that arranges field excursions and lecture seminars with established criminal justice professionals. Graduates qualify for accelerated standing in the school's criminal justice master's program.

Delivered through San Diego State University's School of Public Affairs, the bachelor of science in criminal justice examines criminology from a social justice perspective. The program explores how criminal justice policies contribute to issues like racial inequality, environmental degradation, organized crime, and genocide. Graduates can pursue careers in law enforcement, criminal corrections, and social service. The program also prepares learners for law school and advanced criminology studies at the postgraduate level. San Diego State University holds regional accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission. A major regional research university, SDSU hosts more than 36,000 learners each year and ranks among the national leaders in graduation rate performance.

The University of Michigan-Flint's bachelor's in criminal justice takes a practical, evidence-based approach to criminology. Learners study the underlying systemic and social problems that fuel crime, including substance abuse, homelessness, poverty, and inadequate access to social services. Coursework teaches students to operate within the confines of the criminal justice system to generate favorable outcomes for disenfranchised members of society and victims of crime. In addition to coursework, UM-Flint offers criminal justice internships in various settings, including the courts, prosecutor's offices, police departments, and civilian justice agencies. Degree-seekers can take classes online or during the evening, allowing them to balance their studies with personal and professional obligations.

United Tribes Technical College offers a bachelor of science in criminal justice that comprises 121 credits and examines topics like constitutional law, institutional structure, ethics, crime and criminality, and offender rehabilitation. Learners take specialized courses, such as criminal typology, investigative techniques, and justice administration. Learners can also prepare for law enforcement and corrections careers through an optional summer seminar in physical fitness and weapons training. Based in Bismarck, North Dakota, United Tribes Technical College is uniquely designed to meet the needs of Native Americans. Representatives of five regional tribal groups operate the college as a private, nonprofit trust with regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.

Oakland University offers a bachelor's in criminal justice that includes concentrations in homeland security and information security and assurance. Students can also pursue a generalist track. Regardless of their concentration, all students take core courses on topics like criminological theory, police and society, and criminal law and the courts. Learners can tailor the degree to their interests through electives on topics like white-collar crime, cybercrime, and geography of crime. In addition to coursework, students complete an internship at an approved criminal justice organization, gaining hands-on experience in the field. The program culminates in an intensive capstone project that synthesizes degree knowledge and skills. Oakland University holds regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.

The University of West Florida offers a bachelor of arts in criminal that features multiple configurations, including a standard campus-based degree, an accelerated program for students with a minimum 3.5 GPA, and a double major in criminal justice and social work. Students can also pursue minors in forensic studies and juvenile justice. All learners take classes on topics like criminology, research design in criminal justice, and police in a free society. Graduates can pursue further study through law school or a criminal justice graduate program. They can also pursue careers in areas like corrections, law enforcement, juvenile justice, and the courts. The University of West Florida holds regional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

A private Catholic institution in Chicago, Illinois, Saint Xavier University dates back to 1846. Today, SXU enrolls over 3,600 students and offers an undergraduate criminal justice degree. Offered through the sociology and anthropology department, the SXU criminal justice major blends a liberal arts education with a focus on criminal justice topics. The curriculum covers policing, corrections, and probation. Students also take courses in law enforcement, research design, criminology, and victimology and customize their program by selecting three criminal justice electives. Seniors complete a seminar course as a capstone experience. SXU offers an internship program to build experience, which helps majors compare career paths and gain hands-on training. SXU is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

The flagship campus of the Old Line State's public university system, UMD acts as a leader in research and innovation. Serving over 41,000 students, UMD offers undergraduate degrees in multiple fields, including a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. The 36-credit curriculum introduces students to criminal justice and provides opportunities for hands-on learning. At UMD, criminal justice majors take courses in criminology, criminal law, juvenile delinquency, and policing. Students can also pursue a criminal justice internship to gain work experience in the field. As interns, students participate in training and development. The program helps students find the right internship for them. UMD's criminal justice department hosts clubs and associations, connects students with study abroad opportunities, and enriches students through alumni networks. UMD is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

A public institution that enrolls over 5,000 students, Indiana University South Bend offers over 100 degrees, including a criminal justice degree. At IU South Bend, criminal justice majors study domestic and international systems that administer justice. During the program, learners study law and order, criminal justice practitioners, and the legal system. Graduates pursue careers in criminal justice, law, and business. IU South Bend's criminal justice curriculum includes courses in theories of crime and deviance, the nature of inquiry, and police in contemporary society. Learners also study the role of the courts in criminal justice, the corrections system, and criminal justice ethics. Upper-division classes like crime analysis and public policy build on lower-division concepts. Academic advisors at IU South Bend work with students to encourage practical experience in criminal justice. These opportunities include internships, work experience, and other activities. IU South Bend is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Founded in 1889, Weber State University now offers over 225 certificates and degrees. A public institution located in Ogden, Utah, WSU offers a criminal justice degree with two specialized concentrations: forensic science and crime scene investigation. WSU's criminal justice program trains students in law enforcement, corrections, the court system, and victim and offender social issues. Majors take 31 credits of required criminal justice courses and 15 credits of electives to tailor the degree around their interests or career goals. The curriculum includes courses in criminal law, policing, victimology, criminal justice statistics, and constitutional rights. All learners also complete a criminal justice capstone. Program graduates pursue opportunities in law enforcement, the courts, victim's advocacy offices, and rehabilitation facilities. WSU is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

A public, historically black institution in Greensboro, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University dates back to 1891. N.C. A&T now offers one of the best criminal justice degrees in the country. The program provides foundational knowledge in the nature of crimes, the causes of criminal behavior, and criminal justice processes. Students build research methods and theoretical knowledge while gaining hands-on skills. Within the criminal justice major, N.C. A&T students can pursue a certificate in forensic science with a focus on crime scene investigation. The program trains students for field operations, including evidence collection. Coursework emphasizes professional ethics, safety protocols, and the legal process. The curriculum includes courses in critical criminology, courtroom testimony, and interviews and interrogations. Students also complete unique classes like investigative photography which train students to gather and prepare photographic evidence. N.C. A&T is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Founded in 1901, Texas Woman's University enrolls 15,000 students and still primarily serves women. TWU now offers one of the best criminal justice degree options for undergraduates. At TWU, students apply sociology to the criminal justice field, examining the procedures and operations of the criminal justice system. TWU's criminal justice students learn about patterns of crime, theories of law and crime, and criminal punishment. Majors also build career-ready tools, including problem-solving, research, and communication skills. The curriculum includes courses in theories of crime and deviance, social inequality, criminal law, and correctional systems. The criminal justice program at TWU blends sociology, history, and political science to create an interdisciplinary approach. TWU is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

A public institution with over 19,000 students, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette dates back to 1898. At UL Lafayette, undergraduates can earn a criminal justice degree that offers an interdisciplinary perspective on crime and justice. Through liberal arts requirements and specialized courses, majors build the knowledge and skills for careers in criminal justice. UL Lafayette's criminal justice curriculum includes pre-professional criminal justice courses and electives which let students tailor the degree around their needs and interests. Majors complete coursework while also performing research and observations at criminal justice agencies. Seniors gain hands-on experience through a semester-long internship at a local criminal justice agency. In addition to the criminal justice major, students pursue a minor in a complementary field. UL Lafayette lets students complete course credits through volunteer or professional positions. UL Lafayette is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Founded in 1828, Augusta University operates as a public research institution. In addition to its main campus in Augusta, Georgia, the university operates locations across the Peach State. At Augusta University, students can earn a criminal justice degree that emphasizes core criminal justice concepts and theories. Criminal justice majors build analytical skills while studying structures within the criminal justice system. Students can customize the major by choosing coursework in broad areas, including law enforcement, the administration of justice, corrections, and diversity and justice. Faculty members encourage student involvement in research, and the university houses criminal justice-specific student organizations that engage undergraduates. Program graduates pursue careers in law enforcement, the courts, and homeland security. Augusta University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

A branch campus of the state's public university system, Penn State Shenango grants degrees from its campus in Sharon. At Penn State Shenango, students can earn a bachelor's degree in administration of justice. The program builds interdisciplinary knowledge and skills through a curriculum focused on the interrelated nature of the criminal justice system. Majors strengthen the critical thinking and communication skills necessary for criminal justice careers. The program's curriculum blends classroom instruction, research, and experiential learning. Learners study topics like public and private sector law enforcement, investigation, the legal system, and community services. Majors take courses in criminology, ethics in criminal justice, and issues in the American criminal justice system. The curriculum emphasizes ethical leadership, global citizenship, and engaged service, preparing graduates for leadership roles in criminal justice. Penn State Shenango is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

A public institution located in Detroit, Michigan, Wayne State University dates back to 1868. Today, WSU enrolls nearly 27,000 students and offers a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. Students receive a comprehensive education at WSU while building their understanding of crime causation and the criminal justice system. Criminal justice majors gain a multidisciplinary perspective on crime and justice at WSU. Course topics include criminological theories, the judicial process, juvenile delinquency, and Constitutional criminal procedure. The program's internship coordinator connects interested students with opportunities to gain practical field experience. Criminal justice internships help majors apply their classroom learning while gaining professional skills. WSU emphasizes core skills like analytical thinking and writing through its criminal justice curriculum. Wayne State University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Founded in 1889 as a public institution, SUNY Plattsburgh operates from its upstate New York campus near the shores of Lake Champlain. SUNY Plattsburgh ranks as one of the best criminal justice colleges thanks to its bachelor's in criminal justice program. The major takes a social science approach to crime and justice, offering an interdisciplinary view on social problems like crime, violence, and delinquency. The curriculum covers topics like the nature of criminal justice, the role of criminal justice in a democratic society, and the legal foundations of criminal justice practices. After completing core courses in criminology, criminal law, and ethics, students customize the degree by choosing courses in areas like social justice; law, politics, and justice; and crime and deviance. Criminal justice majors at SUNY Plattsburgh build analytical skills through research courses and internships. SUNY Plattsburgh is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

From its Gary campus, Indiana University Northwest operates as a public institution offering more than 70 academic programs. IU Northwest ranks as one of the best criminal justice colleges for students interested in a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. The program educates students in four areas: general education, public affairs and policy, criminal justice, and electives. IU Northwest's criminal justice curriculum includes courses on the American criminal justice system, the theoretical foundations of criminal justice policies, American policing, and crime and public policy. The program also includes coursework on the criminal courts, corrections, and criminal law. Students customize the degree by selecting three criminal justice electives based on their interests or professional goals. The School of Public and Environmental Affairs oversees the criminal justice program at IU Northwest. IU Northwest is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

A public institution founded in 1858, Iowa State University enrolls over 33,000 students on its campus in Ames. Iowa State offers arguably the best criminal justice degree in the state. The criminal justice studies program at Iowa State introduces majors to the juvenile and criminal justice system, including issues affecting these systems. Criminal justice majors study theoretical concepts and learn how to apply them. The curriculum includes courses in youth and crime, criminology, white-collar crime, criminal offenders, and gender and crime. Students also complete a criminal and juvenile justice practicum to gain hands-on experience. In addition to classroom learning, Iowa State hosts a criminal justice club where majors learn about career options in the field and department events that encourage networking with criminal justice professionals. The department also offers scholarships to support criminal justice majors. Iowa State is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

A regional campus of the state's public university system, Indiana University Southeast grants degrees from its New Albany campus. IU Southeast offers a bachelor's degree in criminal justice that emphasizes the nature of crime and the role of the criminal justice system in society. Majors build the problem-solving abilities and organizational skills required for criminal justice careers. During IU Southeast's criminal justice degree, learners study crime's origins, causes, and nature. They also learn about the relationship between the criminal justice system and other social institutions. Research courses build analytical skills, while legal courses provide foundational knowledge of criminal justice laws. The multidisciplinary curriculum prepares majors for the workforce or graduate school. IU Southeast prioritizes small class sizes, hands-on projects, and internship opportunities. IU Southeast is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

From its 115-acre campus in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Lake Superior State University provides a small-town university education. At LSSU, students can earn a bachelor's degree in criminal justice that emphasizes critical thinking, writing, and research. Majors also study different criminal justice approaches while analyzing the subject from the macro and micro levels. LSSU blends academic and hands-on training in its criminal justice program. Students take classes in criminal investigation, firearms training, and corrections. Within the program, students can choose from focus areas like criminalistics, law enforcement, homeland security, and public safety. Criminal justice majors complete a senior seminar capstone to synthesize the knowledge and skills they gain during the program. The capstone emphasizes research and writing skills, preparing seniors for criminal justice careers or graduate work. LSSU is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.