Criminal Justice

Discover what you can learn and where a criminal justice major can take you. 

The undergraduate program in criminal justice provides a broad, multidisciplinary exploration of the complex criminal justice system. We incorporate knowledge and techniques from a wide variety of academic and applied disciplines. We are the only program in California, and one of only a few in the country, with a concentration in juvenile justice. 

New and returning students: view and download the CJ department brochure. The new brochure applies to students with the Catalog year beginning Fall 2021. Returning students should contact their advisor if they have questions regarding if any changes affect them.  

What are our students up to? View profiles of two recent CJ graduates. 

Police Car

iconInterests

  • Law enforcement
  • The legal system
  • Working with at-risk youth
  • Forensics
  • Probation and parole
  • Correctional counseling
  • Private security

icon Learn

  • Research methods
  • Causes of crime
  • Forensic sciences
  • History and workings of the criminal justice system
  • Correctional and law enforcement management
  • Communication skills

iconGo!

  • Law enforcement
  • Social workers
  • Probation and parole officers
  • Crime scene investigators
  • Court administrators
  • Counselors of at-risk youth
  • Correctional officers and case managers
  • Crime analysts
  • School resource officers

iconCareer Opportunities

  • Local county probation
  • Local police departments
  • Sheriff ’s departments
  • U.S. Department of Justice
  • California Department of Justice
  • Customs and Border Protection
  • Local coroner’s offices such as the Stanislaus or Merced County Coroner’s Offices
  • Federal law enforcement
  • California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
  • State Police
  • Law firms

icon Degrees and Programs

  • Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice with concentrations in:
    - Law Enforcement
    - Corrections
    - Forensic Science
    - Juvenile Justice
    - Criminal Legal Studies
  • Minors in Forensic Science and Criminal Justice
  • Those majoring in Social Sciences can complete their concentration in Criminal Justice
  • Master of Arts in Criminal Justice

Criminal Justice Student

 

"I’m already in law enforcement as a deputy sheriff. I enjoy helping people. I love knowing I can make a difference in somebody’s life."

Geoffrey B.
Criminal Justice Student