Locate Criminal Justice Colleges in San Francisco
If you’ve ever longed to better yourself, serve your community and keep it safe, and be part of San Francisco’s backbone, consider starting a criminal justice career! From security guards in stores to correctional officers in prison, criminal justice careers are an essential part of San Francisco’s safety.
One of San Francisco’s finest institutions is the San Francisco Police Department, with 12 stations located all over the city. Depending on your education, you may be able to work as a patrol office or pursue a more specialized job title with this prestigious employer.
Criminal justice education is the first step in your new career. You may be able to pursue an Associate’s degree or Bachelor’s degree in one of San Diego’s many high-ranking schools. Take a peek at our school list below and contact any schools you’re interested in. The more information you have, the more confident you can feel in your decision.
As you begin your school search, don’t worry about limiting your search to schools in your immediate area. Thanks to the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA), you can get anywhere in the city using a Muni bus, streetcar, or light rail. They have reduced rates for students, making getting around even more affordable.
Criminal Justice Schools in Other Major California Cities
Criminal Justice Education in San Francisco
As one of the largest cities in California, San Francisco is home to many different educational institutions. Many of these colleges and universities have different degree programs in criminal justice. Depending on which school you select, you may be able to choose between an Associate’s degree and Bachelor’s degree.
If you pursue an Associate’s degree, you can get an education that prepares you for a variety of entry-level positions in this field. You generally need to complete between 60 and 70 credits over the course of four semesters.
A bachelor’s degree is a step up from an Associate’s degree, in that it requires 120 credits and approximately eight semesters of full-time study. A bachelor’s degree is also a prerequisite for a master’s degree in this or any other field.
There are numerous criminal justice subjects covered in Associate’s and Bachelor’s degree programs. You may learn about policing procedures, criminal law, correctional procedures, and ethics in criminal justice. With a Bachelor’s degree, you may delve deeper into these and other subjects. In addition, you may choose a concentration. When you choose a concentration, you can complete electives in that field to prepare for a career.
A master’s degree is one of the highest degrees you can earn in criminal justice. Rather than getting a general degree in the field, you take your knowledge from your Bachelor’s degree and dig deep into one subfield of criminal justice.
Be sure to take tuition costs into account as you evaluate different schools. Tuition costs vary, but public colleges tend to charge less than private schools. Tuition at San Francisco State University is $3,225 for residents and almost $6,000 for non-residents.
One of the benefits of attending school in a large city like San Francisco is the wide variety of criminal justice associations. Joining these as a student can give you a leg up when you start your career. Some San Francisco-based groups include:
- California Jail Programs Association
- San Francisco Police Officers Association
- San Francisco Paralegal Association
- California Association of Licensed Investigators
To get more information on criminal justice programs in San Francisco, use the school listings below! Compare multiple programs to make sure you have found the right program for you and your lifestyle.
Job Outlook for Criminal Justice Graduates in San Francisco
There are many different ways you can use a criminal justice degree to propel your career forward. Consider these popular career paths!
There are several different jobs you can apply for as an Associate’s degree holder. Take a look at our list of jobs and salaries found on the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Security guards: $43,870 per year
- Parking Enforcement: $69,610
- Correctional officers: $87,700 per year
With a bachelor’s degree, you can pursue other career options, including the following:
- Police supervisors: $167,730 per year
- Private detectives: $71,820 per year
- Criminal investigators: $117,990 per year
If you want to become a police officer and join the San Francisco Police Department, you may be able to do so with either type of degree. Currently, their entry-level salaries range from $103,115 to $147,628. When you become a cop, you can also join the San Francisco Police Officers Association for news and updates in the field.
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.
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