Best Criminal Justice Degrees in Tacoma Washington

Key Takeaways

• The Tacoma area offers multiple accredited criminal justice degrees at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s levels.
• University of Washington Tacoma and Pacific Lutheran University offer strong four-year options with research and internship access.
• Pierce College provides an affordable entry point with transfer-friendly associate degrees.
• Most programs align with Washington State criminal justice workforce demands, including law enforcement, corrections, and legal studies.
• Students should compare tuition, delivery format, internship access, and career outcomes before choosing a program.

Why Study Criminal Justice in Tacoma, Washington?

Tacoma is strategically positioned in Pierce County, part of the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue metropolitan area. This region supports a wide network of law enforcement agencies, correctional facilities, courts, and federal institutions. Students benefit from proximity to:

• Tacoma Police Department and Pierce County Sheriff’s Office
• Washington State Department of Corrections facilities
• U.S. District Court – Western District of Washington
• Community justice and nonprofit reentry programs

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, criminal justice-related careers in Washington State often pay above the national average, particularly for detectives, forensic specialists, and probation officers. Local educational institutions collaborate with these agencies, giving students access to internships, job placements, and field experience.

Top Criminal Justice Degrees Near Tacoma

1. University of Washington Tacoma

Degrees Offered: Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice; Master of Arts in Criminal Justice

Institution Type: Public university

Location: Downtown Tacoma

UW Tacoma stands out as the most research-intensive and nationally recognized criminal justice program in the region. The curriculum emphasizes social justice, policy analysis, and evidence-based practices.

Program Highlights:

• Interdisciplinary faculty with expertise in criminology, law, and public policy
• Strong research focus on systemic inequality and justice reform
• Internship placements in courts, policing, and corrections
• Graduate pathway for leadership roles

The Master’s program is especially competitive and designed for professionals aiming for supervisory or policymaking positions.

Best For: Students seeking academic rigor and leadership opportunities in public service or research.

2. Pacific Lutheran University

Degree Offered: Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice

Institution Type: Private liberal arts university

Location: Parkland, near Tacoma

Pacific Lutheran University offers a values-based criminal justice education grounded in ethics, diversity, and community leadership. Class sizes are smaller, providing personalized instruction.

Program Highlights:

• Strong liberal arts foundation
• Community-based learning and internships
• Faculty mentorship model
• Focus on restorative justice principles

PLU graduates often pursue careers in advocacy, probation, nonprofit leadership, and law school.

Best For: Students who prefer a private university environment with individualized attention.

3. Pierce College (Puyallup and Fort Steilacoom Campuses)

Degree Offered: Associate in Arts – Criminal Justice pathway

Institution Type: Public community college

Pierce College provides one of the most affordable criminal justice degree paths in Tacoma. Many students complete their associate degree here and transfer to UW Tacoma or other four-year institutions.

Program Highlights:

• Transfer agreements with Washington public universities
• Flexible scheduling and hybrid course options
• Lower tuition compared to four-year schools
• Ideal stepping stone toward bachelor’s degrees

Best For: Budget-conscious students or those planning to transfer.

Side-by-Side Program Comparison

SchoolDegree LevelFormatEstimated Tuition (In-State)InternshipsBest ForUW TacomaBachelor’s, Master’sOn-campusModerate (Public rates)YesResearch & LeadershipPacific Lutheran UniversityBachelor’sOn-campusHigher (Private)YesSmall Class ExperiencePierce CollegeAssociateOn-campus & HybridLow (Community College)LimitedTransfer Pathway

What to Look for in a Tacoma Criminal Justice Program

Accreditation

Ensure the college is regionally accredited. All schools listed above meet this standard, which is essential for financial aid eligibility and transfer credits.

Internship Access

Hands-on experience significantly improves employment prospects. Look for established partnerships with local agencies in Tacoma and Pierce County.

Career Placement Data

Ask admissions counselors about job placement rates, graduate school acceptance rates, and alumni success stories.

Curriculum Strength

Strong programs include coursework in:

• Criminological theory
• Criminal law and procedure
• Research methods and statistics
• Ethics and diversity
• Juvenile justice and corrections

Career Outlook for Criminal Justice Graduates in Washington

Washington State continues to invest in public safety and reform initiatives. Common career paths include:

• Police Officer
• Probation or Parole Officer
• Correctional Officer
• Crime Analyst
• Forensic Technician
• Federal Agent (with additional qualifications)

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, median annual wages in Washington often exceed national averages. For example:

• Detectives and Criminal Investigators: Often six-figure salaries in metro areas
• Probation Officers: Competitive state-level salaries with benefits
• Forensic Science Technicians: Growing demand statewide

A bachelor’s degree significantly increases advancement opportunities, while a master’s degree supports leadership and policy roles.

Admission Requirements Overview

Associate Degree (Pierce College)

• High school diploma or GED
• Placement testing or transcripts
• Online application

Bachelor’s Degree (UW Tacoma, PLU)

• High school diploma with competitive GPA
• SAT or ACT may be optional
• Personal statement
• Transfer credits accepted

Master’s Degree (UW Tacoma)

• Bachelor’s degree from accredited institution
• Minimum GPA requirement
• Letters of recommendation
• Statement of purpose

Online and Flexible Learning Options

While full online bachelor’s programs are limited directly in Tacoma, hybrid courses and online general education classes are available at community colleges. Students seeking fully online criminal justice bachelor’s programs may consider broader Washington State public universities with distance options, then leverage Tacoma for internships.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Washington residents can access:

• Washington College Grant
• FAFSA-based federal aid
• Institutional scholarships
• Veteran and military benefits for JBLM-affiliated students

Students planning law enforcement careers should also explore departmental sponsorships and tuition reimbursement programs.

How to Choose the Best Criminal Justice Degree in Tacoma

The best program depends on your goals:

• Want affordability? Start at Pierce College.
• Seeking public sector leadership? Choose UW Tacoma.
• Prefer a close-knit campus community? Consider Pacific Lutheran University.

Visit campuses, speak with faculty, and review internship pipelines before making your final decision. In a competitive field like criminal justice, practical experience and institutional reputation often matter as much as the degree itself.

Frequently Asked Questions about Criminal Justice Degrees in Tacoma

What criminal justice degrees can you earn near Tacoma?

Near Tacoma, you can earn an associate degree at Pierce College, a bachelor’s degree at University of Washington Tacoma or Pacific Lutheran University, and a master’s degree in criminal justice at UW Tacoma.

Why should you study criminal justice in Tacoma, Washington?

You study criminal justice in Tacoma to be close to police departments, courts, correctional facilities, and federal agencies in the Seattle–Tacoma area, which can give you access to internships, fieldwork, and entry-level jobs while you complete your degree.

Which Tacoma program is most affordable for criminal justice?

Pierce College is usually the most affordable option because it is a public community college, offers lower tuition than four-year schools, and has transfer pathways into bachelor’s programs at universities like UW Tacoma.

What careers can you pursue with a Tacoma criminal justice degree?

You can pursue roles such as police officer, probation or parole officer, correctional officer, crime analyst, forensic technician, and with more training and experience, some federal law enforcement or policy positions in Washington State.

Do Tacoma criminal justice programs offer internships or field experience?

Yes. UW Tacoma and Pacific Lutheran University both build internships into their programs, and Pierce College may offer limited field opportunities while preparing you to transfer into four-year programs with more extensive placements.

How can you choose the right Tacoma criminal justice program for your goals?

You choose by comparing tuition, class size, campus setting, transfer options, and internship access: Pierce College for low cost and transfer, UW Tacoma for research and public service leadership, and PLU for a smaller, values-focused learning environment.