San Jose University

What you'll study

This programme blends core criminal justice topics with specialised courses focused on corrections, offender rehabilitation and community supervision. Typical modules cover foundations of criminal justice, criminological theory, criminal law and procedure, research methods in criminology, and ethics and constitutional issues in criminal justice.

• Introduction to Criminal Justice: structure and functions of policing, courts and corrections.
• Criminological Theory: classical and contemporary explanations for crime and offending patterns.
• Corrections and Rehabilitation: history and practice of prisons, jails, community-based sanctions, reentry and treatment models.
• Probation and Parole: supervision practices, risk assessment, case management and community reintegration.
• Juvenile Justice: systems, assessment and interventions for youth offenders.
• Research Methods and Statistics: quantitative and qualitative techniques used to evaluate programmes and policies.
• Policy Analysis and Ethics: development and evaluation of corrections policy, legal constraints and ethical practice.
• Practicum / Internship: supervised placements with local corrections agencies, probation services, courts or non‑profit providers to gain applied experience.

Students typically complete a mix of general education requirements alongside major coursework, and may have opportunities for electives in areas such as forensic psychology, substance abuse treatment, restorative justice, crisis intervention, or research practicum.

Entry requirements

Admission to the bachelor’s programme normally requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Applicants are expected to have completed college preparatory work in English and social studies; demonstrated academic performance and readiness for university‑level study are assessed during admission.

• Freshman applicants: completion of secondary education with a competitive GPA; standardised test submission policies vary and may be optional—check the university admissions guidance.
• Transfer applicants: completion of transferable college credits with a minimum cumulative college GPA; completion of specified general education or lower‑division units may be required.
• International applicants: proof of equivalent secondary education and required English language proficiency test scores, unless exempt.

Additional considerations may include a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and any background checks required for placements in corrections settings. Specific minimums and documentation requirements are set by the university and its admissions office.

Career prospects

Graduates are well placed for entry‑level roles across corrections and community supervision, and for related positions in the wider criminal justice and social services sectors. Common career paths include:

• Corrections officer or prison staff roles in adult and juvenile facilities.
• Probation and parole officer, community supervision specialist or reentry coordinator.
• Case manager or treatment provider in substance misuse, mental health or victim services.
• Employment with government agencies, courts, or non‑profit organisations focused on rehabilitation, restorative justice or diversion programmes.
• Support roles in policy, research, victim advocacy, and crime prevention organisations.

Many graduates also pursue postgraduate study in criminology, law, social work, public administration or related fields to advance into specialised, supervisory or policy roles.

Why study at San Jose University

Studying criminal justice and corrections at San Jose State University offers direct access to a dense metropolitan region with a range of criminal justice agencies and community organisations for internships and practicum placements. The university’s location in the Bay Area enables collaboration with county and municipal corrections, probation departments, legal aid providers and advocacy groups.

• Applied learning: emphasis on practicum and internships that place students in real‑world corrections and supervision settings.
• Faculty expertise: instruction from faculty engaged in research and practice-oriented projects across criminal justice and public policy.
• Professional connections: partnerships with local criminal justice agencies and community organisations to support networking and employment pathways.
• Pathways to further study: preparation for graduate programmes in criminology, law, social work and allied fields.

Prospective students should consult the university's programme pages and admissions office for the most up‑to‑date information on course availability, assessment formats and placement arrangements.