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Criminal Justice Programs in Sacramento

One of the most vital jobs in society involves keeping people safe and upholding the integrity of the justice system. This includes everything from the streets to the prison system of Sacramento. If you’ve ever envisioned yourself as a public hero, consider a career in Criminal Justice.

Featured Online Criminal Justice Programs

 

Overview

In Sacramento, one of the most prominent Criminal Justice institutions is the Sacramento Police Department. They have multiple offices serving the entire city, as well as individual offices devoted to Homeland Security, the Drive Safe Initiative, and the Citizens Academy.

No matter what type of Criminal Justice career you want to pursue, it all starts with a degree in the field. There are many schools located in and around Sacramento that you can attend. Check out our comprehensive list of schools and contact the schools from which you want information.

Once you get to school, you can save money by using public transit. You can rely on Sacramento Regional Transit District. They provide bus and light rail service on a daily basis, and they even have monthly passes that can save you money if you travel a lot. Your education may take you all over the city, so take advantage of public transit.

Criminal Justice Schools in Other Major California Cities

Criminal Justice Education in Sacramento

Selecting a school is an exciting part of your new career! You have to decide early on which degree is the right choice for you. There are two main places to start: a two-year Associate’s Degree or a four-year Bachelor’s Degree. You may want to meet with advisors at different schools to evaluate your options. Be sure to also ask about tuition and financial aid, as they differ from school to school. For example, tuition at Sacramento State is $3,174 per semester.

You can plan on gaining a wealth of knowledge as a Criminal Justice student, since the curriculum is designed to prepare you for a career in any part of the field. You may take courses in subjects like policing procedures, correctional procedures, courtroom procedures, and criminal law. These classes involve a blend of traditional lecture education and hands-on education that gives you experience necessary to move into the real world of Criminal Justice.

Taking your education outside of the classroom can help you gain a deeper understanding of the field. In Sacramento, there are a myriad Criminal justice organizations that accept student members. Look into joining groups like the Sacramento Valley Paralegal Association, the Sacramento Police Officers Association, and the California Association of Licensed Investigators.

Job Outlook for Criminal Justice Graduates in Sacramento

Starting your career can be one of the most exciting parts of your life after you graduate from school. This field is multifaceted, but your career options may be limited by what courses you took and if you completed an internship.

An Associate’s Degree can put you at the front of the line for many different entry-level positions. These positions often offer upward growth. Look into these popular careers, listed here with their average salaries:

If you have a Bachelor’s Degree, you can still pursue the careers listed above. However, you may also be eligible for higher-ranking careers. These are some of the most popular careers for Bachelor’s Degree holders:

You may also look into becoming part of the Sacramento Police Department. When you are studying in the Academy, you can earn a starting yearly salary of $73,528.

2022 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for city-specific positions contained here reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed November 2023.