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. 

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