Best Criminal Justice Degrees in San Bernardino California

Key Takeaways

• California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) offers the most comprehensive and nationally recognized criminal justice bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the region.
• San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) provides a cost-effective Associate in Administration of Justice with strong transfer pathways to CSU schools.
• Accreditation, faculty expertise, local agency partnerships, and career outcomes are critical factors when choosing a criminal justice program in San Bernardino.
• Graduates in the Inland Empire pursue careers in law enforcement, corrections, probation, federal agencies, forensic services, and legal support, with competitive regional salaries.
• Transfer agreements, online flexibility, and financial aid opportunities can significantly reduce total degree cost.

Why Study Criminal Justice in San Bernardino, CA?

San Bernardino County is one of the largest counties in the United States, serving a population of over 2 million residents. Its size and diversity create a strong demand for trained criminal justice professionals across law enforcement agencies, courts, correctional institutions, and social services departments.

The Inland Empire region also maintains close ties with federal agencies, border protection entities, and regional task forces. Students who study locally gain access to internships, ride-alongs, court observations, and networking opportunities that are difficult to replicate elsewhere.

Top Criminal Justice Degree Programs in San Bernardino

1. California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB)

Degree Options: Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice, Master of Arts in Criminal Justice
Format: On-campus with select hybrid and online components
Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission

CSUSB is the leading four-year institution for criminal justice studies in San Bernardino. Its School of Criminology and Criminal Justice is recognized throughout California for academic rigor and research in crime analysis, policing, corrections, and juvenile justice.

Program Strengths:

• Faculty with law enforcement, legal, and research backgrounds
• Internship placements with San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, local courts, and probation agencies
• Capstone research opportunities
• Pathway to graduate education and leadership positions

Tuition: CSU tuition rates are comparatively affordable for California residents. In-state undergraduate tuition typically falls within the standard CSU annual range, excluding housing and materials.

Career Outlook: Bachelor’s degree holders qualify for higher-ranking law enforcement positions, federal agency roles, and administrative tracks. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, police and detective roles in California report median annual wages above the national average, often exceeding $100,000 depending on agency and tenure.

2. San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC)

Degree Option: Associate of Science in Administration of Justice
Format: On-campus
Accreditation: Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges

SBVC provides an affordable and accessible pathway into the criminal justice field. Its Administration of Justice program prepares students for entry-level roles or transfer to a CSU institution such as CSUSB.

Program Strengths:

• Lower tuition compared to four-year universities
• Transfer agreements with CSU campuses
• Foundational coursework in criminal law, investigation, and ethics
• Flexible scheduling for working adults

Many students complete two years at SBVC and transfer into CSUSB to complete a bachelor’s degree, significantly reducing overall tuition costs.

Side-by-Side Comparison of Criminal Justice Degrees

FeatureCSUSBSBVCDegree LevelBachelor’s and Master’sAssociateBest ForLong-term careers, leadership, federal rolesEntry-level roles or transfer studentsTuition CostModerate CSU ratesLow community college ratesInternshipsExtensive regional partnershipsLimited but availableTransfer OptionsN/AStrong CSU transfer pathwayGraduate ProgramsYesNo

Online and Hybrid Criminal Justice Options

While San Bernardino’s primary institutions emphasize on-campus learning, hybrid and online course formats are increasingly common, particularly at the upper-division level. Students who require flexibility due to work or family obligations should:

• Confirm whether courses are synchronous or asynchronous
• Ask about internship placement support for remote learners
• Verify that online credits remain fully accredited

For students seeking fully online completion programs, the broader California State University system also provides alternatives, though availability varies by year.

Career Opportunities and Salary Outlook in the Inland Empire

A criminal justice degree in San Bernardino opens pathways across multiple sectors:

Law Enforcement

• Police Officer
• Sheriff’s Deputy
• State Trooper

Corrections and Rehabilitation

• Correctional Officer
• Probation Officer
• Parole Agent

Legal and Investigative Roles

• Crime Scene Technician
• Criminal Investigator
• Victim Advocate

Southern California law enforcement agencies typically offer competitive pay due to regional demand and cost of living. Correctional officers and probation officers in California often report salaries significantly above national averages. Advancement into supervisory roles generally requires a bachelor’s degree.

Admissions Requirements and Application Tips

CSUSB

• High school diploma or GED
• Completion of CSU A-G requirements
• Transfer applicants must meet minimum GPA criteria

SBVC

• Open-access community college admissions
• Placement assessment or orientation process

Application Strategy: Students planning to transfer should meet with an academic counselor during their first semester to align coursework with CSU transfer requirements.

Financial Aid and Cost Planning

Students in San Bernardino can access:

• Federal Pell Grants
• Cal Grants for California residents
• Federal Work-Study programs
• Departmental scholarships
• Veteran education benefits

Community college pathways typically reduce the total cost of earning a bachelor’s degree by thousands of dollars. Prospective students should complete the FAFSA early to maximize aid eligibility.

How to Choose the Right Program

Use the following decision framework:

1. Define Your Career Goal: Federal agencies and leadership roles often require a bachelor’s degree or higher.
2. Compare Total Cost: Factor in tuition, commuting, housing, and materials.
3. Evaluate Internship Access: Real-world experience is critical in criminal justice hiring.
4. Assess Flexibility: Working students may need hybrid scheduling options.
5. Plan for Advancement: Consider whether you may pursue graduate education later.

Students seeking long-term advancement in policing, investigations, or administration typically benefit from completing a bachelor’s degree at CSUSB. Those seeking affordability or a stepping stone into a four-year track often begin at SBVC.

Program Quality Indicators to Consider

• Regional accreditation status
• Graduation and transfer rates
• Faculty credentials and professional experience
• Internship and job placement support
• Alumni employment in local agencies

Prospective students are encouraged to attend information sessions, speak with faculty advisors, and connect with current students to evaluate program culture and support systems.

Expert Insight: What Makes a Strong Criminal Justice Program?

Leading programs combine academic theory with applied practice. Look for curriculum coverage in criminological theory, research methods, ethics, constitutional law, and hands-on fieldwork. Strong departments also maintain active partnerships with regional justice agencies, allowing students to build professional networks before graduation.

In San Bernardino, the proximity to major county agencies and state institutions gives students a strategic advantage when seeking internships and full-time employment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Justice Degrees in San Bernardino

Is it better to start at SBVC or go straight to CSUSB for criminal justice?

If you want to save money or are unsure about a four-year degree, starting at SBVC is a good option. You can earn an associate degree at a lower cost, then transfer to CSUSB to finish your bachelor’s and open more career and promotion options.

What criminal justice careers can you pursue in the Inland Empire?

You can pursue roles such as police officer, sheriff’s deputy, correctional officer, probation officer, parole agent, crime scene technician, investigator, and victim advocate. Many of these jobs are available with city, county, state, or federal agencies in the region.

Does San Bernardino offer online or hybrid criminal justice classes?

Yes. CSUSB and SBVC both offer some hybrid and online courses, especially at the upper-division level. You should ask each program whether classes are live or on-demand, and how they support internships if you complete part of your coursework online.

How much does a criminal justice degree cost in San Bernardino?

SBVC has low community college tuition, while CSUSB follows moderate CSU tuition rates for California residents. Many students reduce overall cost by completing two years at SBVC, then transferring to CSUSB, and by using aid such as FAFSA-based grants, Cal Grants, and scholarships.

What admissions requirements should you expect at CSUSB and SBVC?

CSUSB expects a high school diploma or GED, completion of CSU A–G courses, and a minimum GPA for transfers. SBVC uses open-access admissions, so you mainly complete an application, orientation, and placement steps before enrolling in classes.

Why should you study criminal justice in San Bernardino instead of another area?

San Bernardino County is large and diverse, with many local, state, and federal agencies. Studying here gives you access to internships, ride-alongs, courts, and regional task forces, which can help you build experience and connections before you graduate.