Best Criminal Justice Schools in California | Flexible Online Programs

Looking for the Best Criminal Justice School in California? Here's What Most Students Actually Need.

When people search for the best criminal justice schools in California, they're usually picturing something specific: a program that fits around a job, doesn't require a commute, won't drain their savings, and comes with real academic credibility. For working adults across California — and beyond — California Coast University checks every one of those boxes. Founded in 1973 and accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), CCU has spent over 50 years proving that a high-quality criminal justice education doesn't have to mean giving up the life you've already built.

A Full Suite of Criminal Justice Programs — From Certificate to Master's

One of the things that distinguishes CCU from other criminal justice schools in California is the depth of its program offerings. Whether you're just starting out, finishing a degree you set aside years ago, or advancing your credentials as an experienced professional, CCU has a program at the right level for where you are right now.

What Makes CCU Different From Other California Criminal Justice Schools

California has no shortage of criminal justice programs. What separates CCU from the rest is a combination of factors that matter most to non-traditional students — the working professional, the parent, the shift worker, the veteran — who need an education that works on their terms, not a school's.

Admissions: Simple, Straightforward, and Open to All Qualified Applicants

CCU's admissions process was designed to remove barriers, not create them. To be admitted to any of CCU's undergraduate criminal justice programs, applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Hold a high school diploma, GED, or its equivalent from a U.S. educational institution

No entrance exams. No SAT or ACT scores. No letters of recommendation. Non-native English speakers without a degree from an English-instruction institution must demonstrate proficiency via TOEFL.

Tuition That Reflects CCU's Commitment to Accessible Education

One of the most frequently cited reasons students choose CCU over other California criminal justice schools is cost. CCU's tuition is $170 per unit across all undergraduate programs — associate, bachelor's, and certificate levels alike. There are no out-of-state surcharges, no hidden fees for online delivery, and no ambiguity about what you'll pay. CCU offers three interest-free payment plans:

Your tuition rate is locked in at enrollment for the life of your program. A 10% discount is available for active-duty military, veterans, law enforcement officers, firefighters, U.S. government employees, CCU graduates, and corporate partner employees (for students enrolling after 1/1/2026). Many students also receive tuition reimbursement through their employer — check with your HR department.

Why CCU Stands Out: 50+ Years of Experience and Faculty Who've Lived It

When you're comparing criminal justice schools in California, history and faculty matter. CCU was founded in 1973 — making it one of the longest-standing distance learning institutions in the country. For over five decades, CCU has refined what it means to deliver a quality education to people who can't — or won't — fit their lives into a traditional academic mold. That institutional experience shows in how programs are structured, how students are supported, and how effectively CCU prepares graduates for real-world application of their knowledge.

CCU holds institutional approval from the Bureau of Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE) of the State of California and is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) — listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency — and recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). CCU's criminal justice faculty are professionals with demonstrated, real-world expertise in their respective areas of the field, selected specifically for their ability to translate that experience into applied, practitioner-informed coursework. The School of Criminal Justice is led by Dr. Mohamad Khatibloo, whose background spans both academic leadership and private sector experience.

What CCU Criminal Justice Alumni Say

"CCU is an excellent option for people who have busy careers. Getting my degree was important to me and CCU helped me obtain that."
— B. Odell, Alumni, Criminal Justice, California Coast University

"I'm very happy that this could work with a full-time work schedule. I will be recommending to anyone who is looking for flexibility."
— K. Kast, Alumni, Criminal Justice, California Coast University

"This college degree holds value both personally and professionally. It fostered critical thinking, discipline, and a deeper understanding of the world, while also serving as a credential that can open doors, enhance my career prospects, and signals a commitment to my long-term goals."
— M. Perez, Alumni, Criminal Justice, California Coast University

Where Can a Criminal Justice Degree From CCU Take You?

A CCU criminal justice degree — at any level — represents a meaningful investment in your professional development and your future. The field of criminal justice is broad, spanning law enforcement, corrections, court administration, security, juvenile justice, and federal and state agencies. CCU's program offerings give students the flexibility to enter the field, advance within it, or build the academic foundation for continued graduate-level study — all without stepping away from the career and life they've already built.

Frequently Asked Questions: Criminal Justice Programs at CCU

What criminal justice programs does CCU offer?
CCU offers a full range of criminal justice programs entirely online: the Fundamentals of Criminal Justice Undergraduate Certificate (4 courses, 12 units), the Associate of Science in Criminal Justice (20 courses, 60 units), the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, and the Master of Science in Criminal Justice. Each program is self-paced and delivered 100% online.

Is CCU accredited?
Yes. CCU is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), which is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency and recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). CCU also holds institutional approval from the Bureau of Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE) of the State of California.

What are the admission requirements for CCU's criminal justice programs?
For undergraduate programs, applicants must be at least 18 years of age and hold a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent from a U.S. educational institution. No entrance exams, SAT scores, or letters of recommendation are required. Non-native English speakers must provide TOEFL scores. Graduate programs require a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.

How much does a CCU criminal justice program cost?
Tuition is $170 per unit for all undergraduate programs. CCU offers three interest-free payment plans: Plan A is $500 down and $150/month; Plan B is $300 down and $175/month; or pay the full balance at enrollment. There is no interest charged and no credit check required, however past due payments will be assessed a past due fee.

Can I transfer credits from another California school into a CCU program?
Yes. CCU accepts transfer credit from colleges and universities accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized agency. The number of applicable transfer units varies by program level. Transfer grades must be equivalent to a C (2.0 GPA) or higher and must be applicable to CCU's degree plan.

Does CCU offer financial aid?
CCU does not participate in federal financial aid programs. However, the university accepts VA Benefits, MyCAA benefits for eligible military spouses, and company-paid tuition vouchers. Many students also receive employer tuition reimbursement — check with your HR department to find out what may be available to you.

Can I start a CCU criminal justice program at any time?
Yes. CCU uses open enrollment across all its criminal justice programs, meaning there are no semester start dates or application deadlines. You can apply and begin coursework at any point during the year. (VA students and students using tuition assistance must use the term calendar.)

Is there a tuition discount available?
Yes. CCU offers a 10% tuition discount for active-duty military, veterans, law enforcement officers, firefighters, U.S. government employees, CCU graduates, and corporate partner employees. Discount applies to students enrolling after 1/1/2026. Retroactive discounts will not be applied and discounts cannot be combined with other offers. Ask our Admissions Representatives about applicable discounts.

What is CCU's self-paced online format like?
There are no live sessions, no group projects, and no exam deadlines. Students work through coursework independently on their own schedule. Each course requires a minimum of two weeks before the final exam can be requested. Final exams for core and general education courses require a proctor, selected by the student and approved by the University. Typical examples include a supervisor, co-worker, librarian, or member of the clergy. A proctor cannot be an immediate family member, someone who resides with you, or a current or former CCU student. Immediate family is defined as: Spouse, Parent, Child, Sibling, Grandparent, and/or Grandchild.

What is the academic calendar for California Coast University?
CCU utilizes rolling 16-week terms that begin approximately every three to four weeks, allowing for flexible, year-round enrollment rather than a traditional semester schedule. (VA students and students using tuition assistance must use the term calendar.)

Find Out Why California Students Choose CCU

California has plenty of criminal justice programs. CCU offers something most of them don't — the flexibility, affordability, and accreditation to earn a real credential without rearranging your entire life to do it. Whether you're starting from scratch, picking up where you left off, or taking your career to the next level, CCU has a criminal justice program built for where you are right now.

VA students and students using tuition assistance must use the term calendar.

Questions? Call Admissions at 1-888-228-8648 or Students at 1-714-547-9625

California Coast University is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). DEAC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency and is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). CCU holds Institutional Approval from the Bureau of Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE) of the State of California.