Becoming a Correctional Officer in California

The state of California has the largest prison population in the United States. Currently, there are 135,981 sentenced male and female offenders, who are incarcerated in adult or juvenile facilities throughout the state. Over the next three years, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation expects to hire approximately 7,000 officers due to staffing retirement, attrition, and expansion. For applicants, this means that career opportunities for growth and mobility are increasing steadily. Correctional officers are needed at the local, state, and federal level - additionally, California also houses a number of inmates at out-of-state facilities. Facilities such as Central California Women's Facility (CCWF) and Folsom Women’s Facility (FWF) have a gender-responsive approach to corrections and as such, employ many female officers. Such as with the rest of the country, BLS forecasts predict that industry growth for correctional officers will continue to be steady, around 5%, over the next decade. Read further to discover more information about the field of corrections and to determine if the dynamic career of correctional officer interests you.

119
Schools Analyzed
50
Schools Ranked

Top Schools Supporting Careers in Criminal Justice & Corrections

The following rankings are based on student data, published surveys, and other school and career data collected from several sources which include the following government agencies:

Data Sources

  • National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)

By obtaining our base data set from the above data sources, schools were ranked using the criteria below:

  • Schools with less than 10 total graduates per year were omitted in order to maintain statistical integrity
  • Schools must have at least 1 graduate in the field of criminal justice
  • Only 4-year, 2-year, and technical public and private non-profit schools were included

Schools were sorted in order of the highest percentage of total students graduating with a degree in the field of criminal justice (CIPCODES: 43.0102, 43.0110, 43.0113, 43.0103, 43.0104, 43.0107, 43.0109, 43.0111, 43.0112, 43.0199).

1

American River College

4700 College Oak Dr, Sacramento, CA 95841-4286

American River College ranks first in our latest rankings with 2,637 students completing programs in criminal justice out of a total 13,440 students in the 2012-2013 school year.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 19.62%
  • Program Graduates: 2,637
  • Total Graduates: 13,440

School Details

  • School Type: Public, 2-year
  • Website: arc.losrios.edu
  • School Size: More than 20,000
2

East Los Angeles College

1301 Avenida Cesar Chavez, Monterey Park, CA 91754-6099

East Los Angeles College ranks 2nd in our rankings with 884 students graduating from programs in corrections and criminal justice out of a total 7,746 students from the 2012-2013 school year.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 11.41%
  • Program Graduates: 884
  • Total Graduates: 7,746
  • Programs:
    • Corrections
    • Police Science

School Details

  • School Type: Public, 2-year
  • Website: elac.edu
  • School Size: More than 20,000
3

Santa Rosa Junior College

1501 Mendocino Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA 95401-4395

Santa Rosa Junior College ranks third in our latest rankings with 947 students graduating from programs in corrections and criminal justice out of a total nine thousand graduates.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 9.49%
  • Program Graduates: 947
  • Total Graduates: 9,984
  • Programs:
    • Corrections
    • Police Science

School Details

  • School Type: Public, 2-year
  • Website: santarosa.edu
  • School Size: More than 20,000
4

San Diego State University-Imperial Valley Campus

720 Heber Ave, Calexico, CA 92231

San Diego State University-Imperial Valley Campus ranks 4th in our latest rankings with forty-five students graduating from programs in criminal justice out of a total 500 students from the 2012-2013 school year.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 9.00%
  • Program Graduates: 45
  • Total Graduates: 500

School Details

5

Napa Valley College

2277 Napa-Vallejo Hwy, Napa, CA 94558-6236

Napa Valley College ranks 5th in our rankings with 114 students completing programs in criminal justice out of a total 1,468 graduates in the 2012-2013 school year.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 7.77%
  • Program Graduates: 114
  • Total Graduates: 1,468

School Details

  • School Type: Public, 2-year
  • Website: napavalley.edu
  • School Size: 5,000 - 10,000
6

East San Gabriel Valley Regional Occupational Program

1501 W Del Norte St., West Covina, CA 91790

East San Gabriel Valley Regional Occupational Program ranks sixth in our rankings with 87 students completing programs in criminal justice out of a total a thousand graduates.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 6.95%
  • Program Graduates: 87
  • Total Graduates: 1,252

School Details

  • School Type: Public, <2-year
  • Website: esgvrop.org
  • School Size: Less than 1,000
7

Porterville College

100 E College Ave, Porterville, CA 93257

AS-T (transfer) in Administration of Justice: The Associate in Science in Administration of Justice for Transfer at Porterville College is designed to prepare students to continue studies toward a B.A. or B.S. degree in Administration of Justice or for entry-level into a variety of career options. Students who pursue an Administration of Justice degree enjoy a wealth of career options including law enforcement, probation, and parole. They work in multiple specialty areas including detectives, S.W.A.T., narcotics, K-9 handler and motors officer. Students must satisfy both of the following requirements in order to earn the Associate in Science in Administration of Justice for Transfer degree: Program Learning Outcomes: By the completion of the degree the student will be able to identify the procedures involved in the justice system from arrest to release; identify how the criminal justice system works as a system; identify the importance of the inter-cooperation of all three parts of the criminal justice system; identify the steps that are taken from the point of arrest by the police officer to the release of the defendant from prison.

The Administration of Justice Certificate of Achievement prepares students for careers in law enforcement, probation, and parole. They can also work in multiple specialty areas including detectives, S.W.A.T., narcotics, K-9 handler, and motors officer. Career opportunities are expected to continue to be strong in these areas. The curriculum surveys the history, development, theory and practical application of knowledge in areas of law enforcement, corrections, probation and parole. Curriculum is kept current by continuous contact with other colleges and criminal justice agencies. The training programs are certified by the California Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) and Standards and Training for Corrections (S.T.C.)

Program Learning Outcomes: Identify the procedures involved in the justice system from arrest to release; identify how the criminal justice system works as a system; identify the importance of the inter-cooperation of all three parts of the criminal justice system; identify the steps that are taken from the point of arrest by the police officer to the release of the defendant from prison.

“There is a growing need for well trained and educated individuals in all segments of public safety. Employment opportunities exist for men and women in law enforcement, corrections, probation (juvenile and adult) at both the state and local levels in abundance. The Administration of Justice program at Porterville College offers course work in all of these areas; giving students practical application in and out of the classroom. There’s a reason that this program is one of the most popular on campus. Our Career and Technical Education Chair Tim Brown, who oversees and teaches most of the Administration of Justice classes has done an amazing job with the program and our students.” – Mo Montgomery, PC Communications and Marketing Manager

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 6.44%
  • Program Graduates: 47
  • Total Graduates: 730

School Details

8

Los Medanos College

2700 East Leland Road, Pittsburg, CA 94565

Los Medanos College ranks eighth in our latest rankings with 168 students completing programs in criminal justice out of a total 2,736 students.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 6.14%
  • Program Graduates: 168
  • Total Graduates: 2,736

School Details

  • School Type: Public, 2-year
  • Website: losmedanos.edu
  • School Size: 5,000 - 10,000
9

Hartnell College

411 Central Avenue, Salinas, CA 93901

Hartnell College ranks 9th in our rankings with 108 students graduating from programs in criminal justice out of a total 1,872 students from the 2012-2013 school year.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 5.77%
  • Program Graduates: 108
  • Total Graduates: 1,872

School Details

  • School Type: Public, 2-year
  • Website: hartnell.edu
  • School Size: 5,000 - 10,000
10

Humphreys College-Stockton and Modesto Campuses

6650 Inglewood Ave, Stockton, CA 95207-3896

Humphreys College-Stockton and Modesto Campuses ranks tenth in our latest rankings with twenty-seven students graduating from programs in corrections out of a total 522 students from the 2012-2013 school year.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 5.17%
  • Program Graduates: 27
  • Total Graduates: 522

School Details

  • School Type: Private, 4-year
  • Website: humphreys.edu
  • School Size: Less than 1,000
11

Southwestern College

900 Otay Lakes Rd, Chula Vista, CA 91910-7299

Southwestern College ranks eleventh in our rankings with 107 students graduating from programs in corrections and criminal justice out of a total 2,188 graduates in the 2012-2013 school year.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 4.89%
  • Program Graduates: 107
  • Total Graduates: 2,188
  • Programs:
    • Corrections
    • Police Science

School Details

  • School Type: Public, 2-year
  • Website: swccd.edu
  • School Size: 10,000 - 20,000
12

Evergreen Valley College

3095 Yerba Buena Rd, San Jose, CA 95135-1598

Evergreen Valley College ranks 12th in our rankings with fifty-eight students graduating from programs in criminal justice out of a total 1,226 graduates from the 2012-2013 school year.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 4.73%
  • Program Graduates: 58
  • Total Graduates: 1,226

School Details

  • School Type: Public, 2-year
  • Website: evc.edu
  • School Size: 5,000 - 10,000
13

Imperial Valley College

380 E. Aten Road, Imperial, CA 92251-0158

Imperial Valley College ranks thirteenth in our rankings with 107 students completing programs in criminal justice and corrections out of a total 2,342 graduates from the 2012-2013 school year.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 4.57%
  • Program Graduates: 107
  • Total Graduates: 2,342
  • Programs:
    • Corrections
    • Police Science

School Details

  • School Type: Public, 2-year
  • Website: imperial.edu
  • School Size: 5,000 - 10,000
14

Woodland Community College

2300 E Gibson Rd, Woodland, CA 95776

Woodland Community College ranks 14th in our rankings with 14 students completing programs in criminal justice out of a total 320 students from the 2012-2013 school year.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 4.38%
  • Program Graduates: 14
  • Total Graduates: 320

School Details

  • School Type: Public, 2-year
  • Website: wcc.yccd.edu
  • School Size: 1,000 - 5,000
15

College of the Desert

43-500 Monterey Ave, Palm Desert, CA 92260

College of the Desert ranks 15th in our rankings with 73 students graduating from programs in criminal justice out of a total a thousand students.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 4.19%
  • Program Graduates: 73
  • Total Graduates: 1,742

School Details

16

Lassen Community College

Hwy 139, Susanville, CA 96130

Since 1925, Lassen Community College has been a fixture in Susanville, California. A public, 2-year college, Lassen Community College's mission is to provide excellence in certificate and degree programming at the associate's and bachelor's level. Students who are interested in becoming correctional officers are encouraged to apply to the Correctional Science certificate program. With a mixture of practical and academic courses, graduates are certified to apply to the state's corrections recruitment officer.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 4.18%
  • Program Graduates: 27
  • Total Graduates: 646
  • Programs:
    • Corrections
    • Police Science

School Details

17

Rio Hondo College

3600 Workman Mill Rd, Whittier, CA 90601-1616

Rio Hondo College ranks seventeenth in our latest rankings with 95 students graduating from programs in criminal justice and corrections out of a total 2,310 graduates.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 4.11%
  • Program Graduates: 95
  • Total Graduates: 2,310
  • Programs:
    • Corrections
    • Police Science

School Details

  • School Type: Public, 2-year
  • Website: riohondo.edu
  • School Size: 10,000 - 20,000
18

College of the Sequoias

915 S Mooney Blvd, Visalia, CA 93277-2214

College of the Sequoias ranks eighteenth in our rankings with 115 students graduating from programs in corrections and criminal justice out of a total 2,864 students from the 2012-2013 school year.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 4.02%
  • Program Graduates: 115
  • Total Graduates: 2,864
  • Programs:
    • Corrections
    • Police Science

School Details

  • School Type: Public, 2-year
  • Website: cos.edu
  • School Size: 10,000 - 20,000
19

California State University-Bakersfield

9001 Stockdale Hwy, Bakersfield, CA 93311-1099

California State University-Bakersfield ranks nineteenth in our latest rankings with 145 students graduating from programs in criminal justice out of a total 3,786 students from the 2012-2013 school year.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 3.83%
  • Program Graduates: 145
  • Total Graduates: 3,786

School Details

  • School Type: Public, 4-year
  • Website: csub.edu
  • School Size: 5,000 - 10,000
20

Gavilan College

5055 Santa Teresa Blvd, Gilroy, CA 95020

Gavilan College ranks twenty in our latest rankings with fifty-six students completing programs in criminal justice out of a total 1,526 graduates from the 2012-2013 school year.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 3.67%
  • Program Graduates: 56
  • Total Graduates: 1,526

School Details

  • School Type: Public, 2-year
  • Website: gavilan.edu
  • School Size: 5,000 - 10,000
21

College of San Mateo

1700 W Hillsdale Blvd, San Mateo, CA 94402-3784

College of San Mateo ranks twenty-first in our rankings with 91 students completing programs in criminal justice out of a total 2,570 students.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 3.54%
  • Program Graduates: 91
  • Total Graduates: 2,570

School Details

22

Moreno Valley College

16130 Lasselle St, Moreno Valley, CA 92551

Moreno Valley College is a fixture in the city of Moreno Valley, California. A public 2-year college, MVC enrols over 7,000 students each semester for a variety of certificate programs and associate's and bachelor's degrees. When considering a career in corrections, students are encouraged to consult the college's Law Enforcement Department as in partnership with the state of California, MVC's Correctional Deputy Academy is certified by the State Department of Corrections.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 3.48%
  • Program Graduates: 70
  • Total Graduates: 2,010
  • Programs:
    • Corrections
    • Police Science

School Details

  • School Type: Public, 2-year
  • Website: mvc.edu
  • School Size: 5,000 - 10,000
23

California State University-Sacramento

6000 J St, Sacramento, CA 95819-2694

California State University-Sacramento ranks twenty-third in our latest rankings with 471 students completing programs in criminal justice out of a total thirteen thousand graduates.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 3.46%
  • Program Graduates: 471
  • Total Graduates: 13,604

School Details

  • School Type: Public, 4-year
  • Website: csus.edu
  • School Size: More than 20,000
24

California State University-Stanislaus

One University Circle, Turlock, CA 95382-0299

California State University-Stanislaus ranks twenty-fourth in our rankings with 137 students graduating from programs in criminal justice out of a total three thousand graduates in the 2012-2013 school year.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 3.45%
  • Program Graduates: 137
  • Total Graduates: 3,974

School Details

  • School Type: Public, 4-year
  • Website: csustan.edu
  • School Size: 5,000 - 10,000
25

Merced College

3600 M St, Merced, CA 95348-2898

Merced College ranks 25th in our rankings with sixty-four students graduating from programs in criminal justice and corrections out of a total a thousand graduates.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 3.41%
  • Program Graduates: 64
  • Total Graduates: 1,878
  • Programs:
    • Corrections
    • Police Science

School Details

  • School Type: Public, 2-year
  • Website: mccd.edu
  • School Size: 10,000 - 20,000
26

Butte College

3536 Butte Campus Drive, Oroville, CA 95965-8399

Butte College ranks 26th in our latest rankings with 208 students graduating from programs in criminal justice out of a total six thousand students from the 2012-2013 school year.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 3.33%
  • Program Graduates: 208
  • Total Graduates: 6,252

School Details

  • School Type: Public, 2-year
  • Website: butte.edu
  • School Size: 10,000 - 20,000
27

Sacramento City College

3835 Freeport Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95822-1386

Sacramento City College ranks 27th in our latest rankings with 133 students completing programs in criminal justice and corrections out of a total four thousand students from the 2012-2013 school year.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 3.31%
  • Program Graduates: 133
  • Total Graduates: 4,016
  • Programs:
    • Corrections
    • Police Science

School Details

  • School Type: Public, 2-year
  • Website: scc.losrios.edu
  • School Size: More than 20,000
28

Solano Community College

4000 Suisun Valley Rd, Fairfield, CA 94534-3197

Since 1945, Solano Community College has been a notable institution in the city of Fairfield, California. With almost 11,000 students enrolled annually, the college boasts numerous certificate, associate's and bachelor's degree programs and offerings. Students who are interested in pursuing a career in corrections are advised to contact SCC's Criminal Justice Department to learn about program requirements and opportunities upon graduating.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 3.28%
  • Program Graduates: 96
  • Total Graduates: 2,924
  • Programs:
    • Corrections
    • Police Science

School Details

  • School Type: Public, 2-year
  • Website: solano.edu
  • School Size: 5,000 - 10,000
29

Ventura College

4667 Telegraph Rd, Ventura, CA 93003-3872

Ventura College ranks 29th in our rankings with 108 students completing programs in criminal justice out of a total three thousand graduates from the 2012-2013 school year.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 3.23%
  • Program Graduates: 108
  • Total Graduates: 3,342

School Details

30

Copper Mountain Community College

6162 Rotary Way, Joshua Tree, CA 92252

Copper Mountain Community College ranks thirty in our latest rankings with fifteen students completing programs in criminal justice out of a total 466 students from the 2012-2013 school year.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 3.22%
  • Program Graduates: 15
  • Total Graduates: 466

School Details

  • School Type: Public, 2-year
  • Website: cmccd.edu
  • School Size: 1,000 - 5,000
31

California State University-San Bernardino

5500 University Pky, San Bernardino, CA 92407-2397

California State University-San Bernardino ranks 31st in our latest rankings with 251 students graduating from programs in criminal justice out of a total 8,006 students from the 2012-2013 school year.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 3.14%
  • Program Graduates: 251
  • Total Graduates: 8,006

School Details

32

Taft College

29 Cougar Court, Taft, CA 93268

Taft College ranks 32nd in our latest rankings with twenty-four students graduating from programs in corrections and criminal justice out of a total 768 students in the 2012-2013 school year.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 3.13%
  • Program Graduates: 24
  • Total Graduates: 768
  • Programs:
    • Corrections
    • Police Science

School Details

  • School Type: Public, 2-year
  • Website: taftcollege.edu
  • School Size: 5,000 - 10,000
33

Antelope Valley College

3041 West Ave K, Lancaster, CA 93536-5426

Antelope Valley College ranks thirty-third in our rankings with ninety-four students graduating from programs in criminal justice out of a total 3,018 graduates from the 2012-2013 school year.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 3.11%
  • Program Graduates: 94
  • Total Graduates: 3,018

School Details

  • School Type: Public, 2-year
  • Website: avc.edu
  • School Size: 10,000 - 20,000
34

Diablo Valley College

321 Golf Club Rd, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523

Diablo Valley College ranks thirty-fourth in our rankings with 139 students graduating from programs in corrections and criminal justice out of a total four thousand graduates.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 3.07%
  • Program Graduates: 139
  • Total Graduates: 4,530
  • Programs:
    • Corrections
    • Police Science

School Details

  • School Type: Public, 2-year
  • Website: dvc.edu
  • School Size: More than 20,000
35

San Jose City College

2100 Moorpark Ave, San Jose, CA 95128-2798

San Jose City College ranks 35th in our latest rankings with 54 students graduating from programs in criminal justice out of a total 1,758 students from the 2012-2013 school year.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 3.07%
  • Program Graduates: 54
  • Total Graduates: 1,758

School Details

  • School Type: Public, 2-year
  • Website: sjcc.edu
  • School Size: 5,000 - 10,000
36

San Bernardino Valley College

701 South Mount Vernon Avenue, San Bernardino, CA 92410-2798

San Bernardino Valley College ranks 36th in our latest rankings with 73 students graduating from programs in corrections and criminal justice out of a total 2,448 students.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 2.98%
  • Program Graduates: 73
  • Total Graduates: 2,448
  • Programs:
    • Corrections
    • Police Science

School Details

37

San Diego Miramar College

10440 Black Mountain Rd, San Diego, CA 92126-2999

San Diego Miramar College ranks 37th in our rankings with sixty-three students graduating from programs in criminal justice and corrections out of a total two thousand graduates.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 2.96%
  • Program Graduates: 63
  • Total Graduates: 2,130
  • Programs:
    • Corrections
    • Police Science

School Details

  • School Type: Public, 2-year
  • Website: sdmiramar.edu
  • School Size: 10,000 - 20,000
38

El Camino College-Compton Center

1111 East Artesia Blvd., Compton, CA 90221-5393

El Camino College-Compton Center ranks thirty-eighth in our rankings with 22 students graduating from programs in criminal justice out of a total 754 students in the 2012-2013 school year.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 2.92%
  • Program Graduates: 22
  • Total Graduates: 754

School Details

  • School Type: Public, 2-year
  • Website: compton.edu
  • School Size: 5,000 - 10,000
39

Los Angeles Southwest College

1600 W Imperial Hwy., Los Angeles, CA 90047-4899

Los Angeles Southwest College ranks 39th in our latest rankings with 18 students graduating from programs in criminal justice out of a total 628 graduates from the 2012-2013 school year.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 2.87%
  • Program Graduates: 18
  • Total Graduates: 628

School Details

  • School Type: Public, 2-year
  • Website: lasc.edu
  • School Size: 5,000 - 10,000
40

Merritt College

12500 Campus Dr, Oakland, CA 94619-3196

Since the 1950s, Merritt College has been at the center of efforts to bring affordable, accessible education opportunities to the people of Oakland, California. A public, 2-year institution, Merritt College offers a variety of degree and certificate programs to its students both in person and online. Students interested in pursuing a career in corrections are encouraged to apply for the Administration of Justice program. Successful completion ensures that students can apply to a corrections recruitment program, or continue their education using Merritt's accreditations toward further degrees.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 2.86%
  • Program Graduates: 24
  • Total Graduates: 840
  • Programs:
    • Corrections
    • Police Science

School Details

  • School Type: Public, 2-year
  • Website: merritt.edu
  • School Size: 5,000 - 10,000
41

Barstow Community College

2700 Barstow Road, Barstow, CA 92311

Barstow Community College ranks 41st in our latest rankings with 14 students graduating from programs in criminal justice out of a total 504 students in the 2012-2013 school year.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 2.78%
  • Program Graduates: 14
  • Total Graduates: 504

School Details

  • School Type: Public, 2-year
  • Website: barstow.edu
  • School Size: 1,000 - 5,000
42

Citrus College

1000 W Foothill Blvd, Glendora, CA 91741-1899

Citrus College ranks 42nd in our latest rankings with 105 students completing programs in criminal justice out of a total 3,786 graduates.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 2.77%
  • Program Graduates: 105
  • Total Graduates: 3,786

School Details

43

Victor Valley College

18422 Bear Valley Rd, Victorville, CA 92395-5850

Victor Valley College ranks forty-third in our latest rankings with seventy-three students graduating from programs in criminal justice out of a total two thousand students from the 2012-2013 school year.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 2.74%
  • Program Graduates: 73
  • Total Graduates: 2,660

School Details

  • School Type: Public, 2-year
  • Website: vvc.edu
  • School Size: 10,000 - 20,000
44

Contra Costa College

2600 Mission Bell Dr, San Pablo, CA 94806-3195

Located in San Pablo, California, Contra Costa College has been an institution of note since 1949. With just under 8,000 students enrolled in a variety of certifications, associate's and bachelor's degree programs, CCC is a key player in supplying San Pablo with career-ready individuals. Students who are interested in a career in corrections are advised to contact CCC's Law Enforcement Training Center for important information regarding high quality, cutting edge training for law enforcement professionals.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 2.71%
  • Program Graduates: 57
  • Total Graduates: 2,102
  • Programs:
    • Corrections
    • Police Science

School Details

  • School Type: Public, 2-year
  • Website: contracosta.edu
  • School Size: 5,000 - 10,000
45

California State University-Los Angeles

5151 State University Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90032

California State University-Los Angeles ranks 45th in our latest rankings with 252 students completing programs in criminal justice out of a total 9,654 students in the 2012-2013 school year.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 2.61%
  • Program Graduates: 252
  • Total Graduates: 9,654

School Details

  • School Type: Public, 4-year
  • Website: calstatela.edu
  • School Size: More than 20,000
46

College of the Redwoods

7351 Tompkins Hill Rd, Eureka, CA 95501-9300

College of the Redwoods ranks 46th in our latest rankings with twenty-nine students graduating from programs in criminal justice and corrections out of a total 1,168 graduates from the 2012-2013 school year.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 2.48%
  • Program Graduates: 29
  • Total Graduates: 1,168
  • Programs:
    • Corrections
    • Law Enforcement Administration
    • Police Science

School Details

  • School Type: Public, 2-year
  • Website: redwoods.edu
  • School Size: 1,000 - 5,000
47

Fullerton College

321 E Chapman Avenue, Fullerton, CA 92832-2095

Fullerton College ranks forty-seventh in our latest rankings with seventy-six students completing programs in criminal justice out of a total 3,088 students from the 2012-2013 school year.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 2.46%
  • Program Graduates: 76
  • Total Graduates: 3,088

School Details

48

California State University-Dominguez Hills

1000 E Victoria St, Carson, CA 90747-0005

California State University-Dominguez Hills ranks 48th in our rankings with 155 students graduating from programs in criminal justice out of a total six thousand graduates.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 2.34%
  • Program Graduates: 155
  • Total Graduates: 6,610

School Details

  • School Type: Public, 4-year
  • Website: www4.csudh.edu
  • School Size: 10,000 - 20,000
49

California State University-East Bay

25800 Carlos Bee Blvd, Hayward, CA 94542

California State University-East Bay ranks 49th in our latest rankings with 180 students graduating from programs in criminal justice out of a total seven thousand graduates.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 2.27%
  • Program Graduates: 180
  • Total Graduates: 7,922

School Details

50

Lake Tahoe Community College

One College Drive, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150

Lake Tahoe Community College ranks 50th in our rankings with 9 students completing programs in corrections and criminal justice out of a total 398 graduates from the 2012-2013 school year.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 2.26%
  • Program Graduates: 9
  • Total Graduates: 398
  • Programs:
    • Police Science
    • Corrections

School Details

  • School Type: Public, 2-year
  • Website: ltcc.edu
  • School Size: 1,000 - 5,000

Continued List of All Criminal Jusitice Programs in California

ProgramWebsite

San Diego State University

5500 Campanile Dr, San Diego, CA 92182
Phone: (619) 594-5200

Skyline College

3300 College Dr, San Bruno, CA 94066-1698
Phone: (650) 738-4100

Mendocino College

1000 Hensley Creek Road, Ukiah, CA 95482
Phone: (707) 468-3000

Los Angeles Valley College

5800 Fulton Avenue, Valley Glen, CA 91401-4096
Phone: (818) 947-2600

Mt San Jacinto Community College District

1499 N. State St., San Jacinto, CA 92583-2399
Phone: (951) 487-6752

Monterey Peninsula College

980 Fremont St, Monterey, CA 93940-4799
Phone: (831) 646-4000

Golden West College

15744 Goldenwest St., Huntington Beach, CA 92647-2710
Phone: (714) 892-7711

Folsom Lake College

10 College Parkway, Folsom, CA 95630
Phone: (916) 608-6572

California State University-Fullerton

800 N State College Blvd, Fullerton, CA 92831-3599
Phone: (657) 278-2011

Sierra College

5000 Rocklin Road, Rocklin, CA 95677-3397
Phone: (916) 624-3333

California Baptist University

8432 Magnolia Ave, Riverside, CA 92504-3297
Phone: (951) 689-5771

Chaffey College

5885 Haven Ave, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91737-3002
Phone: (909) 652-6000

San Francisco State University

1600 Holloway Ave, San Francisco, CA 94132
Phone: (415) 338-1111

Fresno City College

1101 E. University Ave, Fresno, CA 93741
Phone: (559) 442-4600

Yuba College

2088 N Beale Rd, Marysville, CA 95901
Phone: (530) 741-6700

California State University-Chico

First and Normal Sts, Chico, CA 95929-0150
Phone: (530) 898-6116

Shasta College

11555 Old Oregon Trail, Redding, CA 96003
Phone: (530) 242-7500

Sonoma State University

1801 E Cotati Ave, Rohnert Park, CA 94928-3609
Phone: (707) 664-2880

Grossmont College

8800 Grossmont College Dr, El Cajon, CA 92020-1799
Phone: (619) 644-7000

Cerritos College

11110 Alondra Blvd, Norwalk, CA 90650-6298
Phone: (562) 860-2451

Modesto Junior College

435 College Ave, Modesto, CA 95350-5800
Phone: (209) 575-6550

West Hills College - Coalinga

300 Cherry Lane, Coalinga, CA 93210
Phone: (559) 934-2000

Glendale Community College

1500 N Verdugo Rd, Glendale, CA 91208-2894
Phone: (818) 240-1000

San Jose State University

1 Washington Sq, San Jose, CA 95192-0001
Phone: (408) 924-1000

West Los Angeles College

9000 Overland Avenue, Culver City, CA 90230-3519
Phone: (310) 287-4200

California Lutheran University

60 W Olsen Rd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360-2787
Phone: (805) 492-2411

College of the Canyons

26455 Rockwell Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita, CA 91355-1899
Phone: (661) 259-7800

Los Angeles City College

855 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90029
Phone: (323) 953-4000

Cerro Coso Community College

3000 College Heights Blvd, Ridgecrest, CA 93555-9571
Phone: (760) 384-6100

Chabot College

25555 Hesperian Blvd, Hayward, CA 94545
Phone: (510) 723-6600

Cabrillo College

6500 Soquel Dr, Aptos, CA 95003
Phone: (831) 479-6100

National University

11255 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037-1011
Phone: (800) 628-8648

Los Angeles Harbor College

1111 Figueroa Place, Wilmington, CA 90744-2397
Phone: (310) 233-4000

San Joaquin Delta College

5151 Pacific Ave, Stockton, CA 95207
Phone: (209) 954-5151

West Valley College

14000 Fruitvale Ave, Saratoga, CA 95070-5698
Phone: (408) 867-2200

Allan Hancock College

800 South College Drive, Santa Maria, CA 93454-6399
Phone: (805) 922-6966

Bakersfield College

1801 Panorama Dr, Bakersfield, CA 93305-1299
Phone: (661) 395-4011

College of Marin

835 College Ave, Kentfield, CA 94904-2590
Phone: (415) 457-8811

Las Positas College

3000 Campus Hill Drive, Livermore, CA 94551-7650
Phone: (925) 424-1000

College of the Siskiyous

800 College Ave, Weed, CA 96094-2899
Phone: (530) 938-5555

City College of San Francisco

50 Phelan Ave, San Francisco, CA 94112-1898
Phone: (415) 239-3000

Reedley College

995 N Reed Ave, Reedley, CA 93654
Phone: (559) 638-3641

Riverside City College

4800 Magnolia Avenue, Riverside, CA 92506
Phone: (951) 222-8000 x8979

Mt. San Antonio College

1100 N Grand Ave, Walnut, CA 91789-1399
Phone: (909) 594-5611

Moorpark College

7075 Campus Rd, Moorpark, CA 93021-1695
Phone: (805) 378-1400

Los Angeles Mission College

13356 Eldridge Avenue, Sylmar, CA 91342-3200
Phone: (818) 364-7600

California State University-Long Beach

1250 Bellflower Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90840-0115
Phone: (562) 985-4111

El Camino Community College District

16007 Crenshaw Blvd, Torrance, CA 90506
Phone: (310) 532-3670

Feather River Community College District

570 Golden Eagle Ave, Quincy, CA 95971-9124
Phone: (530) 283-0202

Santa Ana College

1530 W. 17th Street, Santa Ana, CA 92706-3398
Phone: (714) 564-6000

Long Beach City College

4901 E. Carson St., Long Beach, CA 90808-1706
Phone: (562) 938-4111

La Sierra University

4500 Riverwalk Parkway, Riverside, CA 92515-8247
Phone: (951) 785-2000 x2460

MiraCosta College

One Barnard Drive, Oceanside, CA 92056-3899
Phone: (760) 757-2121

Pasadena City College

1570 E Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91106-2003
Phone: (626) 585-7123

Los Angeles Pierce College

6201 Winnetka Ave, Woodland Hills, CA 91371-0002
Phone: (818) 719-6401

Cuesta College

Highway 1, San Luis Obispo, CA 93403-8106
Phone: (805) 546-3100 x3946

Palomar College

1140 W. Mission, San Marcos, CA 92069-1487
Phone: (760) 744-1150

Santa Barbara City College

721 Cliff Drive, Santa Barbara, CA 93109-2394
Phone: (805) 965-0581

De Anza College

21250 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino, CA 95014
Phone: (408) 864-5678

Norco College

2001 Third St, Norco, CA 92860
Phone: (951) 372-7000

Ohlone College

43600 Mission Blvd, Fremont, CA 94539-0390
Phone: (510) 659-6000

Palo Verde College

One College Drive, Blythe, CA 92225
Phone: (760) 921-5500

Irvine Valley College

5500 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine, CA 92618-0301
Phone: (949) 451-5100

Crafton Hills College

11711 Sand Canyon Road, Yucaipa, CA 92339-1799
Phone: (909) 794-2161

Coastline Community College

11460 Warner Ave., Fountain Valley, CA 92708-2597
Phone: (714) 546-7600

Loma Linda University

11139 Anderson Street, Loma Linda, CA 92350
Phone: (909) 558-1000

Cypress College

9200 Valley View, Cypress, CA 90630-5897
Phone: (714) 484-7000

Fresno Pacific University

1717 S Chestnut Ave, Fresno, CA 93702-4709
Phone: (559) 453-2000

Saddleback College

28000 Marguerite Pky, Mission Viejo, CA 92692-3635
Phone: (949) 582-4500

California Correctional Officer Certification Requirements

California Department of Corrections is always looking for motivated and able recruits for its extensive prison and county jail system. Due to the demanding nature of the job, recruits must be qualified as articulated by the state in order to meet the needs of the system, as well as to ensure safety for the inmates, fellow workers, and surrounding communities. In order to be considered for employment, the first step is to submit a Department of Corrections application with the following requirements:

Equivalent to successful completion of Grade 12 (GED or equivalent college diploma are acceptable)

  • U.S. citizen, or permanent resident alien who is eligible and who has applied for citizenship at the time of application.
  • A negative drug test
  • At least 21 years of age at the time of official hire
  • A history of law-abiding behaviour
  • Legally able to own and control a firearm or other weapon.
  • Not convicted of any felonies in any state
  • No narcotic addictions or convictions
  • Military honorable discharge papers if applicable

Upon meeting the state of California's extensive eligibility requirements, candidates will be further tested in order to determine their fitness for the role of correctional officer. Testing at the second level consists of:

  • A written test
  • Physical fitness test
  • Background search focusing on a candidates character and morals
  • Vision screening for visual acuity
  • Psychological test
  • Medical examination

With successful completion, candidates may be hired immediately or placing on a hiring list in order to fill positions throughout the state. Prior to their first permanent posting, candidates must complete a 4-month training program through the Basic Correctional Officer Academy located outside of Sacramento. Only upon successful completion of this course will candidates be considered ready to work.

California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation

9838 Old Placerville Road, Suite B
Sacramento, CA 95827
Phone: (866) 232-5627
http://www.cdcr.ca.gov/

California Correctional Officer Employment & Outlook

Correctional Officer Salary: California vs National Salary Comparison

Source: BLS State Cross-Industry Estimates 2011

One of the ways that the state of California serves and supports correctional officers is through strong growth and salary opportunities throughout the state. As such, the median income for front-line correctional officers throughout the state is much higher at $75,300 than the median income at $39,800. According to the occupational profile for the state of California found at http://www.careerinfonet.org/occ_rep.asp?next=occ_rep&Level=&optstatus=011000000&jobfam=33&id=1&nodeid=2&soccode=333012&menuMode=&stfips=06&x=43&y=7 and published by CareerInfoNet.org, state and national trends predict a 6% and 5% increase in correctional officer jobs by 2022 respectively, indicating that state growth is faster than national growth. For residents of California, this rate translates into 1,220 job openings per year.

Occupational Employment Statistics for Correctional Officers (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes333012.htm)

California Correctional Officer Salaries By Area

The table below lists career information collected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics for correctional officers in California. The table is sorted by total employment, with the largest metropolitan areas listed first.

AreaTotal EmploymentAverage Hourly WageAverage Annual Salary
Riverside, San Bernardino, Ontario4,550$33.49$69,650
Bakersfield, Delano4,270$34.77$72,330
Los Angeles, Long Beach, Glendale3,650$27.36$56,910
San Diego, Carlsbad, San Marcos2,440$30.94$64,360
Sacramento, , Arden, Arcade, , Roseville1,910$33.44$69,560
Fresno1,540$31.72$65,990
Salinas1,490$36.25$75,400
Stockton1,310$35.35$73,520
San Francisco, San Mateo, Redwood City1,060$36.06$75,010
Santa Ana, Anaheim, Irvine870$25.65$53,350
Oakland, Fremont, Hayward580$30.69$63,830
Visalia, Porterville250$22.45$46,690