Do you have a deep desire to work in the criminal justice field? Selecting the appropriate school is important whether you want to be a forensic technician, criminologist, police officer, or lawyer. Most psychology professionals, however, say that the best criminal justice classes are offered by the best institutions and teaching staff who are united in their sincere efforts to go above and beyond what is required for their students’ success.
In this piece, we’ll take a closer look at the Best Schools for Criminal Justice in 2025 and discuss what makes these schools so special, as well as their programs and opportunities. Together we can decide which one is the best!
University of Maryland, College Park
Location: College Park, MD.
With its multidisciplinary approach, the University of Pennsylvania is one Best Schools for Criminal Justice, which is ranked among the best in the country, and provides an excellent criminal justice curriculum. Students learn about criminal law, policy, and reform while engaging with prestigious lecturers. Penn is a popular choice among potential professionals due to its extensive alumni network, which connects graduates to opportunities in government, law enforcement, and the legal profession.
University of Pennsylvania
Location: Philadelphia, PA.
With its multidisciplinary approach, the University of Pennsylvania, which is ranked among the best in the country, provides an excellent criminal justice curriculum. Students study subjects including criminal law, policy, and reform while interacting with esteemed instructors. Penn is a top choice for prospective professionals because of its strong alumni network, which links graduates to possibilities in government, law enforcement, and the legal profession.
University of Cincinnati
Location: Cincinnati, OH.
The University of Cincinnati (UC) is a prominent criminal justice education. Its renowned School of Criminal Justice provides a rigorous curriculum that blends theory and real-world experience. Students study the social factors of crime, imprisonment, and law enforcement. UC offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, including concentrations in criminal analysis and criminology. Students at this Cincinnati, Ohio-based institution benefit from being adjacent to a major metropolis, which provides internship opportunities and practical experience.
Sam Houston State University
Location: Huntsville, TX.
Sam Houston State University (SHSU) offers one of the oldest and most notable criminal justice programs in the United States. SHSU, which offers both BA and BS degrees, emphasizes experiential learning through internships with institutions such as the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Courses in victimology, cybercrime, and human behavior help students prepare for professions in law enforcement, prisons, and other sectors.
Florida State University
Location: Tallahassee, FL.
Among the top 20 public colleges, Florida State University (FSU) has a thorough curriculum in criminology and criminal justice. Students can choose to enroll in a 3+3 law school program or start master’s courses as undergraduates while studying crime victims, comparative criminology, and the justice system. The resources and research focus of FSU prepare graduates for a variety of occupations.
Michigan State University
Location: East Lansing, MI.
Since its founding in 1935, Michigan State University’s (MSU) School of Criminal Justice has had a notable history. The curriculum places a lot of emphasis on a multidisciplinary approach that covers law enforcement, courts, and prisons as well as the social, political, and economic elements that influence crime. The faculty at MSU, which is made up of eminent scholars and professionals, guarantees a blend of academic rigor and practical understanding. Students can also participate in undergraduate research and career fairs to prepare for a range of opportunities in the field.
Rutgers University
Location: New Jersey
Rutgers University in Newark, New Jersey, has a national reputation as a leader in criminal justice education. Its professors, with expertise in forensics, law enforcement, and the judicial system, offer practical knowledge. The accelerated BS/MA curriculum allows students to obtain both degrees in five years, while internships that earn academic credit provide valuable practical experience. The city’s closeness to New York allows for easy access to cutting-edge criminal justice research and career opportunities.
John Jay College of Criminal Justice
Location: 524 W 59th St
As a member of the City University of New York system, John Jay College of Criminal Justice focuses exclusively on criminal justice and related fields. With a focus on critical thinking, John Jay offers 31 majors and 40 minors, including popular options like criminal justice and forensic psychology. Its location in New York City, which connects students to legal institutions, law enforcement, and research opportunities, makes it a powerhouse for professional preparation.
Penn State University
Location: 201 Old Main
The criminology program at Penn State University is ranked in the top 10 in the country. Summer study excursions to the Netherlands that focus on the Holocaust or Dutch approaches to criminal justice are among its distinctive options. The show reveals the complexities of the system, from the reasons for crime to the legal processes. With a focus on practical skills and global perspectives, Penn State graduates are equipped for careers in higher education, law enforcement, and corrections.
Northeastern University
Location: 360 Huntington Ave
The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice curriculum at Northeastern University in Boston, which emphasizes community participation, public policy, and crime prediction, is exceptional. The program’s strength lies in its staff, which includes nationally famous academics such as Amy Farrell, a pioneer in the field of human trafficking research. In addition to providing practical experience, Northeastern’s co-op program has a graduation rate of 91.2% and an average starting income of $79,000.
Conclusion
Your choice of the Best Schools for Criminal Justice in 2025 might have an impact on your whole career. The top 10 criminal justice schools provide excellent academics, real-world experience, and strong career support. These programs provide a solid foundation for success in this exciting and important field, regardless of your goals—legal studies, forensics, or law enforcement.