Undergraduate Major
On Campus
Wondering whether a degree in criminal justice might be right for you? Contact our office to ask questions or set up a conversation with one of our advisors.
Phone: 530-898-5301
Email: politicalscience@csuchico.edu
Are you passionate about justice, community health, and how the rule of law is applied in society? Our nationally ranked criminal justice program explores big, important social issues you see and read about every day—and helps you turn your passion for a more equitable world into a career advocating for better legal procedures, services, and programs.
Balancing theories of crime and punishment with practical case work and experiential learning opportunities, you’ll find pathways to careers in legal services and agencies, law enforcement, justice-centered nonprofits, and graduate studies.
Our criminal justice program pairs well with political science, allowing you to create pathways to law, policymaking, and advocacy work. Small discussion-based classes, ranging from ethics and crime prevention to restorative justice, will challenge you to think critically and collaboratively.
Our graduates go on to work in settings like nonprofits that focus on justice and social issues, law enforcement agencies, juvenile rehabilitation programs, and in city, state, or federal government agencies.
Some careers you might consider include:
“Getting exposure to all the different career options in the field allowed us to become more knowledgeable about them. The faculty and staff are truly amazing!
Get involved in one of our thriving clubs, find volunteer opportunities, internships, and research projects to build up your support network.
Created by and for students in the major, the Criminal Justice Student Association offers workshops, recruiting events, and mixers where you’ll connect with peers and professionals in the field of criminal justice.
Work with faculty as research assistants on projects and journal articles—and present findings at the department’s biannual Research Symposium.
A passion for justice and activism has always been part of criminal justice professor Amy Magnus’ identity. Now, she’s sharing it with the next generation of changemakers.
Chico State is producing great neighbors in the North State. One shining example: The North Valley Community Foundation’s CARE Team, created to connect struggling kids to caring adults and vital resources. The team, 16 deep, is led by alumna Michele Thorpe and includes 12 other Chico State grads.
A passion for justice and activism has always been part of criminal justice professor Amy Magnus’ identity. Now, she’s sharing it with the next generation of changemakers.
Chico State is producing great neighbors in the North State. One shining example: The North Valley Community Foundation’s CARE Team, created to connect struggling kids to caring adults and vital resources. The team, 16 deep, is led by alumna Michele Thorpe and includes 12 other Chico State grads.
Wondering whether a degree in criminal justice might be right for you? Contact our office to ask questions or set up a conversation with one of our advisors.
Phone: 530-898-5301
Email: politicalscience@csuchico.edu