The field of law enforcement is vast and evolving. To learn how to tackle crime effectively, you might want to invest in a criminal justice degree. The following is a comprehensive list of the top criminal justice degrees in San Jose.
Featured Programs and Schools
The San Jose State University
The San Jose State University offers multiple programs for those interested in the field of criminal justice. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees under its Department of Justice Studies. The undergraduate program in criminal studies at the San Jose University offers a broad, research-based approach that addresses the rapid changes in criminal studies. The Justice Studies Department is a member of the Consortium of Undergraduate Law and Justice Programs. The graduate programs offered at the San Jose University include the MS Justice Studies and MS Criminology, which are both 2-year long programs. Upon graduation, students are well-equipped to proceed to a PhD degree.
The Evergreen Valley College
The Evergreen Valley College offers a variety of associate’s degrees in Administration of Justice. Typical coursework includes Introduction to Administration of Justice, Criminal Law, Criminal Procedures, Contemporary Police Issues and Introduction to Criminal Investigations. These associate-level degrees cover the history of criminal justice, legal frameworks, criminal justice agents, classifications of crime, case law and constitutional provisions etc.
The San Jose City College
The San Jose City College has a stellar Department of Justice which offers an Administration of Justice Degree. The program offers both practical and technical knowledge, meant to meet the increasing demand of criminal justice majors. You can choose from courses such as Criminal Law, Court Operations, Legal Studies and Criminal Investigations. These programs are offered at the associate degree level and can lead to careers in the city police department, sheriff department and the highway patrol department. Students may also be able to find employment as corrections officers, community service officers and crime scene investigators. The university also offers certificate programs in Administration of Justice.
The Ohlone College
The Ohlone College is located near San Jose and offers an Administration of Justice for Transfer A.S. Degree. The college also offers multiple certificate programs along with a Vocational Training program, which is meant mainly for working professionals. Students enrolled in these degrees are taught subjects such as Administration of Justice, Cyber Crime, Criminal Law, Criminal Evidence, Murder in America, Introduction to Forensic Anthropology, Drug Enforcement and Basic Police Policy etc.
The De Anza College
The De Anza College is a community college near San Jose that offers an Administration of Justice program. This prepares students for careers in law enforcement, corrections, private security and probation and parole. The program has been offered at the De Anza College since 1967 and today, it teaches students the most updated technologies and methods in crime fighting. Courses you will be taught here include Concepts of Criminal Law, Women in Crime, Youth and the Law, Crime, Correction and Society, Law and Social Change etc.
Career Options with a Criminal Justice Degree in San Jose
Following are some options for you in California if you have a degree in criminal justice. The salary figures have been obtained from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, while the growth rates have been taken from O*Net Online.
| Occupation | Annual Mean Salary (2020) | Growth Rate (2018-28) |
| Lawyers | $179,470 | 8% |
| Detectives and Criminal Investigators | $111,480 | 3% |
| Forensic Science Technicians | $88,090 | 14% |
| Correctional Officers and Jailers | $81,100 | -9% |
| Paralegal and Legal Assistants | $66,250 | 14% |
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