3 answers
Jasmine
Student
Merced, California
3
Questions
Asked
595 views
what would be good places to study criminal justice?
I see so many places but its hard to know which one is better for you.
Login to comment
3 answers
Pilar Torres
Law Enforcement Manager
9
Answers
San Mateo, California
Updated
Pilar’s Answer
Hello Jasmine,
There is much to consider when looking at a college beyond the major. Your choice should be a "good fit" for you overall. Things to consider; are the weather, the local community, and proximity as it relates to home. Consider visiting the school and the surrounding area. Are you staying in California or going out of state for school? Several California Public Universities and State Colleges have great criminal justice programs. San Francisco State University and San Jose State University (costly areas), California State University, Bakersfield, and California State University, San Bernardino (less expensive places to live in).
Something to consider, if you plan on going into law enforcement (local/state/federal police), I would suggest majoring in something else that interests you with a minor in criminal justice for an undergraduate degree. I recommend this simply because you will likely have to attend a formal academy for a law enforcement position. The law enforcement academy will teach you everything you need to know to start a career. The field requires constant training and updates throughout a career. You would be better served and more well-rounded with a degree other than criminal justice.
Inquire about a cadet position with your local law enforcement agency. Some programs are volunteer, while others are paid posts (strictly administrative functions).
I hope this helps.
There is much to consider when looking at a college beyond the major. Your choice should be a "good fit" for you overall. Things to consider; are the weather, the local community, and proximity as it relates to home. Consider visiting the school and the surrounding area. Are you staying in California or going out of state for school? Several California Public Universities and State Colleges have great criminal justice programs. San Francisco State University and San Jose State University (costly areas), California State University, Bakersfield, and California State University, San Bernardino (less expensive places to live in).
Something to consider, if you plan on going into law enforcement (local/state/federal police), I would suggest majoring in something else that interests you with a minor in criminal justice for an undergraduate degree. I recommend this simply because you will likely have to attend a formal academy for a law enforcement position. The law enforcement academy will teach you everything you need to know to start a career. The field requires constant training and updates throughout a career. You would be better served and more well-rounded with a degree other than criminal justice.
Inquire about a cadet position with your local law enforcement agency. Some programs are volunteer, while others are paid posts (strictly administrative functions).
I hope this helps.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6084
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Jasmine,
Key Aspects to Keep in Mind While Selecting a Criminal Justice Program
To choose a criminal justice program that aligns perfectly with your career aspirations and guarantees a high-quality education, you should consider several important aspects.
Program's Accreditation and Reputation
It's vital to choose a program that is accredited by a well-known accrediting body, like the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS). This ensures the program adheres to certain standards and effectively prepares students for criminal justice careers. Moreover, investigate the program's reputation by checking its rankings, job placement rates for graduates, and student feedback.
Curriculum and Areas of Focus
Seek out programs that provide focus areas or concentrations in subjects that pique your interest, such as forensic science, cybercrime, or corrections. An effective curriculum should encompass areas like criminology, law enforcement, courts, and corrections, along with research methods and statistics.
Faculty's Expertise and Research Opportunities
Faculty with real-world experience and a strong research background can offer invaluable guidance and insights. Opt for programs with faculty who are actively involved in research and have published their work in respected journals.
Internship and Job Placement Prospects
A program that has established connections with law enforcement agencies, courts, and correctional facilities can offer worthwhile internship and job placement opportunities. Check the program's internship and job placement rates to ensure that its graduates have a successful track record of securing employment in the field.
Top-Rated Criminal Justice Programs in the US
Considering these factors, here are some top criminal justice programs in the US:
University of Maryland, College Park: Renowned for its strong emphasis on research and faculty expertise, this university offers a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice.
Michigan State University: This university's highly respected School of Criminal Justice provides undergraduate and graduate degrees in criminal justice, including a focus in forensic science.
University of California, Irvine: This institution offers a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology, Law and Society, with a strong emphasis on research and internship opportunities.
Penn State University: The College of the Liberal Arts at Penn State University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice, featuring a robust curriculum and research opportunities.
University of Nebraska at Omaha: This university provides a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice, emphasizing hands-on learning and community involvement.
Referenced Authoritative Sources:
Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (Print)
US News & World Report Best Colleges Rankings
Criminal Justice Programs: A Guide to Choosing the Right Program
May God Bless You,
JC.
Key Aspects to Keep in Mind While Selecting a Criminal Justice Program
To choose a criminal justice program that aligns perfectly with your career aspirations and guarantees a high-quality education, you should consider several important aspects.
Program's Accreditation and Reputation
It's vital to choose a program that is accredited by a well-known accrediting body, like the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS). This ensures the program adheres to certain standards and effectively prepares students for criminal justice careers. Moreover, investigate the program's reputation by checking its rankings, job placement rates for graduates, and student feedback.
Curriculum and Areas of Focus
Seek out programs that provide focus areas or concentrations in subjects that pique your interest, such as forensic science, cybercrime, or corrections. An effective curriculum should encompass areas like criminology, law enforcement, courts, and corrections, along with research methods and statistics.
Faculty's Expertise and Research Opportunities
Faculty with real-world experience and a strong research background can offer invaluable guidance and insights. Opt for programs with faculty who are actively involved in research and have published their work in respected journals.
Internship and Job Placement Prospects
A program that has established connections with law enforcement agencies, courts, and correctional facilities can offer worthwhile internship and job placement opportunities. Check the program's internship and job placement rates to ensure that its graduates have a successful track record of securing employment in the field.
Top-Rated Criminal Justice Programs in the US
Considering these factors, here are some top criminal justice programs in the US:
University of Maryland, College Park: Renowned for its strong emphasis on research and faculty expertise, this university offers a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice.
Michigan State University: This university's highly respected School of Criminal Justice provides undergraduate and graduate degrees in criminal justice, including a focus in forensic science.
University of California, Irvine: This institution offers a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology, Law and Society, with a strong emphasis on research and internship opportunities.
Penn State University: The College of the Liberal Arts at Penn State University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice, featuring a robust curriculum and research opportunities.
University of Nebraska at Omaha: This university provides a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice, emphasizing hands-on learning and community involvement.
Referenced Authoritative Sources:
Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (Print)
US News & World Report Best Colleges Rankings
Criminal Justice Programs: A Guide to Choosing the Right Program
May God Bless You,
JC.
David Deshaies
Police Officer
17
Answers
Sanford, North Carolina
Updated
David’s Answer
I got my Bachelor of Science from East Carolina University in Greenville, NC. I enjoyed the course of study and the campus. Unless you're planning on continuing on into law school, I would look for the school that offers the most exciting course content. One of my courses was Crime Scene Investigation and was taught by a retired State Bureau of Investigations agent. This was one of my favorite courses, and I still use what I learned in this class almost daily at my job.
If you can spend less money going out-of-state to go to college, I highly recommend it. If nothing else, the additional travel and exposure to new people and locations is well worth the longer trips home.
If you can spend less money going out-of-state to go to college, I highly recommend it. If nothing else, the additional travel and exposure to new people and locations is well worth the longer trips home.