Top Criminal Justice schools in the US?

Hi everyone, I'm currently a high school junior and I'm interested in pursuing a degree in criminal justice. I'm trying to get an idea of the best criminal justice schools in the United States. Any suggestions on where I should apply or which schools are known for their criminal justice programs? Thank you!

Hi! It's awesome that you're already thinking about colleges and potential majors. When it comes to criminal justice programs, some schools stand out for their strong academic programs, dedicated faculty, and high-quality research opportunities. Here are a few top criminal justice schools in the United States that you might consider applying to:

1. University of Maryland - College Park: UMD's Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice is highly regarded, with access to research centers such as the Maryland Data Analysis Center and the Maryland Center for School Safety.

2. University at Albany (SUNY): Their School of Criminal Justice is well-regarded and offers a hands-on experience, with research opportunities and strong faculty.

3. Michigan State University: MSU's School of Criminal Justice has a long history of excellence, offering various research centers and a wide array of coursework, including forensics and cybersecurity.

4. Florida State University: FSU's College of Criminology and Criminal Justice is known for its strong faculty and research, with a focus on topics such as crime and public policy, criminal behavior, and law enforcement.

5. Northeastern University: Their School of Criminology and Criminal Justice offers various concentrations, including global criminology and restorative justice, giving students the chance to tailor their studies.

6. Pennsylvania State University: Penn State's Department of Sociology and Criminology offers a comprehensive curriculum, and students can engage in volunteer, internship, or research opportunities to gain hands-on experience.

7. University of California, Irvine: UCI's Department of Criminology, Law & Society is an interdisciplinary program that provides a strong foundation in criminology, law, and policy.

Keep in mind that while all of these schools have excellent criminal justice programs, it's important to consider other factors such as campus life, location, and financial aid. I recommend researching each of these schools further and potentially creating a list of pros and cons as you think about where you would like to apply. Best of luck with your college search!