Navigating the World of Criminal Justice Colleges: A Comprehensive Guide

One of the most sought-after fields of study today is criminal justice. In 2021, American college students earned nearly 112,000 criminal justice degrees, according to DataUSA statistics. Students with criminal justice degrees can use their education to get into a wide variety of fields. Criminal justice colleges can be both community colleges and four-year universities, but the best colleges for criminal justice typically offer four-year programs.

In this article, we will explore the different facets of the criminal justice major at several top criminal justice colleges. We will discuss how the best colleges for criminal justice prepare students for their future careers. Finally, we’ll look at how to choose between the top criminal justice colleges and find your pathway to fulfilling your academic and career goals.

What is a Criminal Justice Degree?

Criminal justice college majors learn about the court system, law enforcement, and corrections. You can think of criminal justice as a more specific arm of psychology, sociology, communications, and other liberal arts. Many criminal justice programs are part of larger Colleges of Arts and Sciences. Criminal justice majors use the skills of those other college majors but in the contexts of law enforcement and legal proceedings.

The types of courses offered at top criminal justice colleges, like the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, vary widely. Students can take a generalized criminal justice curriculum, a common option for those pursuing their criminal justice degree online. Additionally, students who are still figuring out their intended specialty or career path often follow the general curriculum. Others can tailor their courses at these top criminal justice colleges to focus on law, corrections, or policing.

Criminal Justice vs. Criminology

Many people confuse the criminal justice major in college with the field of criminology. While these two disciplines are related, they are not exactly the same. Criminal justice is the umbrella term used at criminal justice degree schools to describe the major that includes many different specific specialties. These include forensic science, law enforcement, and-at some of the best colleges for criminal justice-criminology. Therefore, criminology is not a separate discipline from criminal justice.

The field of criminology deals with the behavior of criminals and how society responds to different types of crime. Criminology incorporates elements of psychology and sociology by looking at behavior patterns and the reasons why people commit crimes. The goal of criminology is to understand criminal behavior and learn how to both reduce incidents of crime and respond to crimes that do occur.

The Popularity and Value of a Criminal Justice Degree

According to data from Niche, in 2023, criminal justice ranked #9 in popularity out of 40 undergraduate college majors. Specifically, around 63,961 four-year degrees were awarded in the past year from top criminal justice colleges. These statistics do not include students who earned their criminal justice degree online or students who earned a 2-year degree in criminal justice.

The popularity of criminal justice majors at the best colleges for criminal justice could relate to rising criminal justice degree salary figures. According to DataUSA, the average annual salary earned by degree holders from top criminal justice colleges was $71,318. Although those numbers exclude entry level criminal justice jobs, there’s opportunity for advancement to a higher criminal justice degree salary. For example, a police officer only earns an average salary of $47,507. However, a police detective can earn an average of $84,012 per year without needing additional academic degrees.

In addition to being a gateway for the best criminal justice jobs, a criminal justice major can make a difference. Graduates can work to effect change in their community and address systemic issues that they see. Students at the best colleges for criminal justice can fight for justice reform by advocating for new laws and policies.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Criminal Justice College

Because so many colleges offer criminal justice college majors or programs, it is important to research top criminal justice schools. However, when assembling a college list, rankings shouldn’t be the only factor in your decision. Some students may look for a criminal justice degree online. However, this does not necessarily mean they will be the best colleges for criminal justice for you specifically. Therefore, it is important to conduct your own research and look at other options besides the very top criminal justice colleges.

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There are many factors that determine which of the best colleges for Criminal Justice will be the best fit for you. Some common factors include size, location, campus environment, and financing options! Therefore, it is important to do your own research into the best criminal justice colleges. If you have a specific specialty in mind, like forensic science or race/gender studies, you can check for those courses during your research. Requirements can also look vastly different when considering in-person, hybrid, and online programs. You can also look at graduate outcomes to get a sense of your potential criminal justice degree salary post-graduation.

Certainly, the best colleges for criminal justice have reputations to match. For example, colleges in major cities like George Washington, Penn State, and Boston University are near some of the highest courts in the country. Criminal justice majors at these schools, therefore, may have easier access to top internships. Other schools like Rutgers and UGA offer accelerated pathways for criminal justice majors to enter their top law schools.

Top Criminal Justice Colleges in the United States

U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks criminal justice programs across the nation. While rankings are a helpful starting point, remember to consider your individual needs and preferences when making your final decision. Here are some of the top colleges for criminal justice:

Rutgers University-New Brunswick: Located in New Jersey, Rutgers University-New Brunswick leads the pack of the top criminal justice colleges in the country. Rutgers has three different campuses and offers a criminal justice degree online, making its programs flexible as well. The criminal justice program is one of 120 Rutgers majors students can pursue. Rutgers majors in criminal justice have access to peer advisors throughout their progression through the major. Rutgers also offers course descriptions for students to preview. We have already discussed the incredible flexibility that Rutgers majors in criminal justice have in completing their program.
Boston University: One of the best colleges for criminal justice in New England, Boston University has an urban campus in the heart of downtown Boston. Their Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice is designed to prepare students for a variety of career fields. Boston University majors in criminal justice can take electives in subjects like psychology, urban affairs, and juvenile crime. In addition to its extensive series of elective courses in Criminal Justice, Boston University also offers Master’s degrees and graduate certificates in fields like Cybersecurity and Crime Scene Analysis. These programs allow students who have completed their Boston University majors in criminal justice to earn a more advanced criminal justice degree online.
University of Georgia: Rounding out our list of the top three criminal justice colleges is the University of Georgia, located in Athens. Students must apply to enter the criminal justice program during their sophomore year as the program is one of the most competitive UGA majors. Students attending the University of Georgia for Criminal Justice have access to extensive career mentoring and preparation for jobs in a wide range of fields. Criminal justice UGA majors are required to complete an internship in their fourth year of study.
Michigan State University: Located in East Lansing, Michigan State University is one of the top 5 best colleges for criminal justice. As a top research university, Michigan State provides access to research opportunities not always available outside the best colleges for criminal justice. Students studying criminal justice at MSU also have access to tailored academic advising and career development help. Michigan is home to many outstanding colleges and universities, but not all criminal justice degree programs offer the same opportunities.
Penn State University: Penn State is also one of the best criminal justice degree schools in the country. Several campuses at Penn State offer criminal justice. Students can even earn their criminal justice degree online through the Penn State World Campus.
George Washington University: Located in Washington, D.C., George Washington is the sixth school on our list of the best criminal justice schools. At GW, students can combine their criminal justice major with a major in criminology or public administration. Situated in the nation’s capital, GW is also surrounded by internship opportunities.
Villanova University: Located in Villanova, Pennsylvania, Catholic-affiliated Villanova University is another one of the best criminal justice colleges in the country. Unlike some other criminal justice colleges, Villanova offers a major exclusively in criminology.
Indiana University-Bloomington: Located in Bloomington, Indiana, IU is the state’s biggest public university and one of the best criminal justice colleges in the entire country. As a large state university, IU Bloomington is one of the top criminal justice colleges at the undergraduate and graduate levels. IU also offers an accelerated master’s degree program.
Rutgers University-Newark: A satellite of the New Brunswick campus, Rutgers University-Newark is also on our list of best criminal justice colleges. Rutgers Newark is on this list of top criminal justice colleges because it has a dedicated college of criminal justice on campus.
University of Illinois-Chicago: The final school on our list of the best colleges for criminal justice in the US is the University of Illinois-Chicago. This is one of the Midwest’s best criminal justice colleges because it combines training in criminal justice topics with a broader liberal arts education.

Criminal Justice Colleges in Texas

These are some of the best criminal justice colleges available to those interested in attending top criminal justice colleges in Texas.

Abilene Christian University: One of the top criminal justice colleges in Texas is Abilene Christian University. ACU was founded in 1906 in Abilene, Texas, and is home to just under 4,000 undergraduate students. This private university is considered one of the best colleges for criminal justice thanks to the breadth of their program’s curriculum. Criminal Justice college majors at ACU have the opportunity to pursue either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science. ACU prepares students for a wide range of entry level criminal justice jobs in federal, state, and local law enforcement as well as probation and parole services.
Angelo State University: Angelo State University prepares students for careers in law enforcement, the court system, and beyond. If you aren’t able to attend classes at ASU’s campus in San Angelo, don’t worry. As such, ASU is one of the top criminal justice colleges for students looking to earn their criminal justice degree online.
Concordia University Texas: If you’re looking for more top criminal justice colleges that offer a criminal justice degree online, consider Concordia University Texas. Or, you can enjoy in-person classes on Concordia’s beautiful campus (247 acres of protected nature preserve) in Austin, Texas. As a liberal arts college following a Lutheran tradition, Concordia is one of the best colleges for criminal justice for those interested in combining their academic and religious passions.

Criminal Justice Colleges in California

So not only are these considered top criminal justice colleges in California.

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California State University-Long Beach: The first of our California criminal justice colleges is located in Long Beach, CA. This degree is offered through the School of Criminology, Criminal Justice and Emergency Management (CCJEM). Their courses equip students with the communication, leadership, sociocultural competency, and critical thinking skills needed to ethically and effectively serve their communities.
San Diego State University: Tied with Cal State Long Beach in Top Public Schools and founded over 50 years earlier is San Diego State University. SDSU offers their students a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice. One aspect that sets SDSU apart from other criminal justice colleges is their program’s dedication to teaching through a social justice policy lens. Going above and beyond the general curriculum, students will also learn about how the criminal justice system impacts individuals, groups, and larger organizations.
California State University-Fullerton: Another great CSU campus where students can study criminal justice is California State University-Fullerton, located in Fullerton, CA. This public university, founded in 1957, is one of the best colleges for criminal justice in California. Ranked #70 in Top Public Schools, CSU’s Fullerton campus offers a B.A. Students can choose to engage in unique courses, such as White Collar Crime or Animals, Law, & Society.

Additional Colleges to Consider

Stockton University
The University of Tampa
University of Maryland-College Park
Central Connecticut State University
Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus
California State University-San Marcos
Old Dominion University
Northern Arizona University
The University of Delaware
The University of Florida
Stonehill College
Saint Anselm College
Indiana State University
Ohio State University-Main Campus
Loyola University New Orleans
The University of Rhode Island
Hamline University
Niagara University
The University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Mount St. Mary's University
SUNY Old Westbury
Lycoming College
Lasell University
The University of Missouri-St Louis
The University of Utah
Framingham State University
Marquette University
Western Kentucky University
West Virginia University
Illinois College
Cedar Crest College
Fresno Pacific University
Washington State University
The University of La Verne
Upper Iowa University
Johnson C Smith University
Virginia Union University
Rosemont College
North Carolina State University
Maryville College
The University of Minnesota Duluth
The University of Iowa
Gonzaga University
Arkansas State University
St Bonaventure University
Emmanuel College
Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo
The University of Denver
Eastern Michigan University
Saint Vincent College
Hofstra University
Drury University
Villanova University
Butler University
Flagler College
Arcadia University
Carlow University
The University of Idaho
McMurry University
The University of Miami
Le Moyne College
Randolph-Macon College
The University at Buffalo
Otterbein University
Tabor College
Hiram College
Pacific University
DePaul University
Eastern Washington University
The University of St Thomas
Assumption University
The University of Hartford
Huntington University
Mount Saint Mary's University
Dominican University
St- Mary's University
Concordia University-Chicago
Drexel University
Geneva College
Coker University
Valparaiso University
Texas A&M University-Kingsville
Cottey College
Mercer University
Benedictine College
Union University
Crown College
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Azusa Pacific University
Oklahoma Baptist University
Chatham University
Saint Edward's University
Lee University
Manchester University
Baker University

The Rise of Online Criminal Justice Degrees

The academic and professional field of criminal justice extends to the systems and institutions involved in criminal prosecutions and offender rehabilitation. It specifically covers law enforcement, criminal court systems, and correctional systems. Criminal justice strives to ensure that offenders, crime victims, and communities receive fair treatment. The field also intersects with social justice, advocating for systemic reforms to prevent bias and discrimination in prosecution and sentencing.

An online criminal justice degree can equip you with the technical knowledge and practical skills you need to enter, advance, and thrive in the field. This guide focuses on programs at the bachelor’s level, which support early-career opportunities.

Why earn your criminal justice degree online?

Enjoy a flexible learning schedule while maintaining a full-time job.
Qualify for careers that allow you to make a difference and give back to your community.
Save money - many online schools for criminal justice have the same tuition rates for all students, regardless of state residency.

Types of Online Criminal Justice Degrees

An online bachelor’s degree in criminal justice can prepare you to pursue a career in policing, corrections, investigations, or another public safety field. This major may include courses in cybercrime, victimology, and terrorism. You might also participate in an internship focused on your interests, such as juvenile justice or crime prevention.

Schools commonly offer the following bachelor’s degrees with a criminal justice major:

Bachelor of Arts (BA): Emphasizes criminal justice’s social, philosophical, and political elements. May be a good fit if you plan to attend law school or keep your career options open.
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA): Teaches criminal justice from an administrative perspective. Could lead to a management role at a government, nonprofit, or private agency or firm.
Bachelor of Science (BS): Focuses on law enforcement’s technical, technological, and quantitative side. Could lead to a career in policing, forensic science, fraud investigation, or security management.
Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (BAAS): Trains graduates for leadership or managerial roles in the field. Designed for current law enforcement professionals and students who already hold associate degrees.

Is a Degree in Criminal Justice Worth It?

$9,910 Average annual tuition for an online criminal justice degree (2020)
$46,771 Average starting salary for criminal justice and corrections majors (2023)

Average starting salaries for criminal justice majors fall below the overall average for bachelor’s graduates from the class of 2023, as tracked by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). However, the degree can still generate a positive return on investment. The NACE-reported average starting salary for criminal justice majors exceeds the average total tuition cost of a four-year bachelor’s degree, as tracked by NCES in 2020.

A criminal justice bachelor’s degree also makes an excellent educational foundation for future in-field studies at the graduate level. According to NACE, graduates of master’s criminal justice programs earned starting salaries that were 33% higher than the $46,771 figure quoted above.

Common Questions About Criminal Justice Degrees

What are the admission requirements for a criminal justice program? Details vary by program, but schools generally open their criminal justice programs to applicants who meet general undergraduate admission requirements. These typically include a high school diploma or GED certificate, a satisfactory academic record, and test scores if they apply.
How long does it take to earn a criminal justice degree? Most students need at least four years to complete an online criminal justice degree program. However, you can shorten your time to graduation by taking courses year-round, transferring credits from previous college experiences, or getting credit for nontraditional prior learning. Degree-completion programs in criminal justice can also help streamline your education.
How difficult is a criminal justice degree? While you may find some coursework challenging, an online criminal justice degree is often considered a more accessible program. These degrees cover various components of criminal law and the criminal justice system, which some students might find difficult to understand.

Career Paths with a Criminal Justice Degree

Students pursue a criminal justice degree for many reasons, including a desire to help their community and contribute to a safer society. Completing a criminal justice major in college allows graduates to pursue a wide variety of criminal justice jobs. The entry level criminal justice jobs with the lowest criminal justice degree salary often require only a two-year degree in criminal justice. Some states only require a high school diploma or GED for entry level criminal justice jobs, like corrections officers or security guards. Those who want access to a higher criminal justice salary might pursue a four-year criminal justice degree.

The best criminal justice jobs are also well-paying, with students earning salaries ranging from $50,000 to $130,000 per year in some professions. Even entry level criminal justice jobs, such as police officers or security guards, pay a good salary. Students may also be drawn to a criminal justice major in college out of a desire to help others. Criminal justice colleges help prepare students for careers in law enforcement and the legal system, two fields responsible for public safety. In addition, lawyers and court officials, many of whom attended top criminal justice colleges, uphold the fundamental right to a fair trial.

Embracing Values and Purpose in Criminal Justice Education

A strong criminal justice program is about more than just classroom learning. It’s a field rooted in service, justice, and community, and finding the right program can shape how you make an impact.

Career-Boosting Opportunities: Look for programs that connect students with internships, job shadowing, and fieldwork.
Well-Rounded Curriculum Taught by Qualified Faculty: Criminal justice is a dynamic and interdisciplinary field.
Values That Align With Your Own: Criminal justice professionals work closely with people, often at their most vulnerable. Choose a university that supports diversity, empathy, fairness, and reform.

The criminal justice system protects the rights of the victim and the accused by ensuring justice is served for both. If you dream of being a detective, security specialist, or prosecutor, this may be the major for you.

The University of Olivet: A Values-Driven Approach

Since its founding in 1844, The University of Olivet has been a leader in promoting equal rights, social justice, and inclusion. The University of Olivet’s criminal justice program is both comprehensive and values-driven. The curriculum emphasizes harm reduction and restorative practices, equipping students to engage with communities in a meaningful way.

At The University of Olivet, we believe in preparing students to serve with integrity, compassion, and purpose. Whether you’re drawn to law enforcement, legal work, or advocacy, we’ll help you build a future that reflects your passion for justice.

Additional Michigan Criminal Justice Programs

For students looking for flexibility and control over their learning experience, MSU offers one of the top online criminal justice programs in the country.
The criminal justice program at NMU offers a broad curriculum that includes law enforcement, loss prevention, criminal psychology, and forensic science.
GVSU offers a unique feature that sets it apart: a campus-affiliated police academy.
Ferris State offers three specialized tracks for criminal justice students: Corrections, Generalist, and Law Enforcement.
justice system and focuses heavily on the ethical issues that professionals often face. This program explores the psychological and sociological reasons behind criminal behavior.

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