If you want to pursue a career in criminal justice, a college degree can add a lot to your resume. San Diego is home to some of the finest universities with criminal justice degrees. Continue reading to learn more about these colleges and what makes them the best.

Featured Programs and Schools

The San Diego State University

The San Diego State University offers a stellar Master of Science in Criminal Justice and Criminology program, through its Department of Sociology. The program focuses on the fields of criminology, sociology and criminal justice through theoretical and practical approaches. It prepares students to teach at the community college level or conduct related research at a government or a non-profit agency. Students may also end up in a doctoral program after this, or in the field of criminal justice as a policy analyst.

The National University

The National University is San Diego’s largest non-profit private university with nearly 150k alumni worldwide. It offers multiple criminal justice programs including its popular Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration. This program explores the subjects of forensic science, juvenile justice, criminology, leadership and management, legal studies and behavioral sciences etc. In addition to this, the university also offers a Master of Criminal Justice program.

The Southwestern College

The Southwestern College in San Diego offers a variety of degrees and certificate programs for aspiring criminal justice majors. It offers programs such as:

  • Associate in Science Degree in Administration of Justice
  • Associate in Arts Degree in Criminal Justice
  • Associate in Science in Administration of Justice, Corrections Emphasis
  • Associate in Science in Administration of Justice, Law Enforcement Emphasis
  • Associate in Science in Administration of Justice, Crime Scene Investigator
  • Certificate of Achievement, Crime Scene Investigator
  • Gainful Employment: Crime Scene Investigator – CT

These programs are designed to prepare students for leadership roles in the field of criminal justice or head on to more advanced degrees in the field.

The San Diego Miramar College

The San Diego Miramar College has an Administration of Justice Program which prepares students to find work in local, state or federal law enforcement agencies, court services and industrial security firms. It exposes students to subjects such as investigations, contemporary police technologies and correctional methods. The program offers a flexible schedule with weekend, morning, afternoon and night classes, along with online classes. Students, who meet the degree requirements, may be able to get an Associate in Science Degree.

The University of San Diego

The University of San Diego offers Online Graduate Criminal Justice Programs. Its Masters in Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership is one of the top ranked programs in the country. Since 2015, 500 students have been admitted into criminal justice programs at the university and a 95% graduation rate has been maintained. Students who graduate from this program are able to find employment at the local, state and national level, in police or sheriff departments or even the FBI.