Key takeaways
- Finding the best colleges in California for criminology can prove challenging given the abundance of high-quality educational institutes in the state. Did
- Criminology studies crime and the criminal mind from economic, political, anthropological, societal, and other perspectives.
- The University of California Irvine is one of the best criminology schools in California offering a BA in Criminology, Law, and Society.
- Top criminal justice schools include San Diego State University, Sacramento State University, and San Francisco State University.
- California State University Long Beach and the University of La Verne are some of the top criminology schools in California.
- Before enrolling in a criminology program, learn all there is to know about the degree and the job opportunities you can pursue with a criminology major.
Did you know that California is the second-most represented state in the Times Higher Education List of the best higher educational institutes in the United States in 2025? With 14 colleges and universities ranking as some of the best in the country, California has much to offer aspiring college students. In this guide, we list some of the best colleges in California for criminology.
So, if you are looking for top criminal justice schools in California, this is the guide for you. Here, you will find 8 recommended colleges and additional details that can help aspiring criminology professionals choose a college better suited to their career aspirations.
List of the best colleges in California for criminology
California’s educational landscape is filled with excellent educational institutes many of which offer exceptional criminology programs. Here are some notable institutions with strong criminology and criminal justice programs.
University of California, Irvine
The University of California Irvine offers a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Criminology, Law, and Society. The program stands out because it not only encompasses the study of crime, its causes, laws, and prevention techniques but also takes a deep dive into the problems leading to criminal behavior through various perspectives. Here, you will study crime through an anthropological, political, economic, historical, and most importantly societal perspective.
If you are looking for a program with a diverse curriculum to truly help you understand what leads to criminal behavior and how to identify and eliminate the root cause, this is the program for you. You will also learn to utilize social science techniques to analyze pressing societal problems.
With a BA in Criminology, Law, and Society, you will be prepared for a variety of jobs in criminal justice regulatory and administrative agencies, public policy organizations, and other organizations in the legal system service sector.
| Location | Acceptance % | Graduation % | Tuition |
| Irvine, California | 21% | 84% | $14,237 in-state
$45,014 out-of-state |
San Diego State University
If you are interested in the criminal justice perspective, then the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Criminology offered by San Diego University is the program for you. It is one of the top criminal justice schools in California, offering a comprehensive program for aspiring criminal justice professionals. As the name suggests, this program focuses on equipping students with the knowledge needed for effective administrative responses to crime.
Throughout the course of the program, you will develop a range of skills through a blended learning curriculum. The program is designed to enable critical thinking and effective reasoning skills preparing students for various roles in criminal justice administration and criminal justice planning agencies.
| Location | Acceptance % | Graduation % | Tuition |
| San Diego, California | 39% | 73% | $8,290 in-state
$20,170 out-of-state |
University of La Verne
At the University of La Verne, you can pursue criminology as a major in a social science or humanities degree. The College of Arts and Humanities at the University of La Verne offers a comprehensive criminology major. The program’s extensive curriculum combines theory and practical application to impart in-depth knowledge of crime and criminal behavior.
Moreover, students engage in a variety of activities and lessons to understand the driving factors behind criminal activities and the criminal mindset. You can expect to take courses covering the societal, political, economic, and cultural forces that are often interlinked with crime. Through courses such as Urban Crime Patterns, Sociology of Deviance, Quantitative Analysis, Research Methodologies, White Collar Crime, Political Economy of Crime, and more students develop a wide range of knowledge and skills.
With a major in criminology from the University of La Verne, you can either pursue job opportunities or opt for a master’s in the field to enhance your career opportunities.
| Location | Acceptance % | Graduation % | Tuition |
| La Verne, California | 74% | 63% | $47,000 |
California State University, Long Beach
The California State University Long Beach offers a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice Administration program. The program features an array of courses covering all aspects of criminology. Here, you can expect to take courses in psychology, law, legal system, sociology, and more. What places California State University, Long Beach among the top criminology schools in California is the holistic approach of its criminology program.
Here, students also take a deeper dive into the cultural dynamics in America and their impact on the legal system, society, politics, and of course crime. You can expect to take interesting courses such as:
- Racism, Power, and Inequality
- Queer Law
- Masculinity
- Madness, Mental Health and Psychiatry in America
- Psychology and Contemporary Social Issues
- Cyber Security Principles
The list goes on and on. Moreover, students must fulfill the integrative experience requirements and either complete an internship or pursue directed research or an independent study. With a Bachelor of Science in Criminology from CSULB various career opportunities become available to you.
| Location | Acceptance % | Graduation % | Tuition |
| Long Beach, California | 40% | 73% | $7,008 in-state
$18,888 out-of-state |
San Jose State University
At the San Jose State University, you can pursue Criminology as a major in the Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies. This program is ideal for those interested in criminal justice administration. Through the research-intensive program at San Jose University, you will develop an in-depth understanding of the legal framework that governs justice administration and the factors that affect law, justice, justice systems, and so on.
Here, you will take a variety of classes focused on theory and empirical research. You will learn to critically evaluate present facts in light of the legal framework to decide the best possible legal action. You will also learn to critically analyze existing policies and find areas needed for improvement. With a degree in Justice Studies with a major in criminology, you can undertake a variety of roles in justice administration and policy making.
| Location | Acceptance % | Graduation % | Tuition |
| San Jose, California | 77% | 64% | $7,946 in-state
$19,826 out-of-state |
Sacramento State University
Sacramento State University is one of the top criminology schools in California. The university offers a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program which is one of the best in the state. Here, you will take a multidisciplinary approach to the examination of crime, crime control, the justice system, justice administration, and more.
Students enrolled in the program develop a comprehensive understanding of the causation of crime, its prevention, investigation, legal processes and systems, as well as research. Additionally, students learn about the rehabilitation processes for criminals’ long-term prevention and treatment. If you want to be a part of the criminal justice system while developing an understanding of crime, this program is highly recommended.
| Location | Acceptance % | Graduation % | Tuition |
| Sacramento, California | 93% | 79% | $7,602 in-state
$19,482 out-of-state |
San Francisco State University
San Francisco State University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice Studies. If you are interested in understanding how ideas and systems of crime, criminal justice system, and law relate to and shape other societal issues pertaining to race, age, sexuality, and gender inequalities in the US. You will also learn research and analytical methodologies as well as develop critical thinking and ethical reasoning skills required for the majority of roles in criminal justice administration.
With a Criminal Justice Studies degree, you develop the knowledge and skills needed to critically assess existing legal frameworks and justice administration. Moreover, you will be able to find innovative solutions for the treatment and prevention of the ever-evolving landscape of crime.
| Location | Acceptance % | Graduation % | Tuition |
| San Francisco, California | 94% | 78% | $7424 in-state
$19,304 out-of-state |
Azusa Pacific University
Last on our list of the best colleges in California for criminology is Azusa Pacific University. The university’s School of Behavioral Sciences offers a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice. Through the program, you will gain hands-on experience in the field of criminology and criminal justice. You will not only develop a comprehensive understanding of criminology theories but also learn to analyze them.
Additionally, students undertake courses such as quantitative analysis, ethical reasoning, critical analysis, and other skills needed for a critical evaluation of the major components of the justice system. You will also develop an in-depth understanding of how the system works to respond to crime, criminals, and victims. After graduation, you can either pursue further education or apply for job roles in criminal justice administration, and other agencies and organizations in the field.
| Location | Acceptance % | Graduation % | Tuition |
| Azusa, California | 87% | 70% | $43,600 |
Is criminology the right career choice for you?
Whether criminology is the right program or career path for you or not is not something anyone can answer for you. Working with criminals is not easy and reading up on crime and criminal activities can be traumatic. You should choose a career path based only on your personal preferences and career aspirations. If you are passionate about crime prevention and justice administration, and want to become a criminologist, this might be a good career choice for you. But if you are unsure of whether you want to pursue criminology or not, here are some guides that can help.
- Why Study Criminology? Ultimate Guide
- Everything you need to know about an undergraduate criminology degree
- Frequently Asked Questions about criminology major
- Jobs you can do with a criminology major
Enroll in one of the best criminology schools in California for a successful career!
California is home to some of the best educational institutes in the world. Moreover, the state has a thriving economy and job market offering plenty of employment opportunities for graduates from all fields, including criminology. Unfortunately, crime continues to rise and evolve highlighting the need for qualified professionals who understand not just crime but also the factors that govern them.
If you want to be a part of the criminal justice administration system, start your career right. With a bachelor’s degree from one of the best colleges in California for criminology, you set yourself up for success. Not only do colleges in the state offer high-quality education, but also abundant career-building opportunities that aspiring professionals can benefit from.