University of California, Irvine

How this program compares

Benchmark this program against our national recognition pages and use the key guides below to evaluate ROI, admissions difficulty, and outcomes.

Admission Snapshot

Typical admitted student: Applicants typically need a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Related coursework or professional experience in criminal justice, law, sociology, public policy, or related fields is preferred.

About This Program

Interdisciplinary graduate program integrating criminology, law, and public policy with social justice focus.

Career Outcomes

52 credit hours required; Criminology foundations, Law and society core, Juvenile delinquency, Social control of delinquency, Advanced criminological theory, Research seminars, Policy analysis, Interdisciplinary electives from sociology, psychology, political science, Legal Institutions and Society, Policing, Police Courts and Corrections, Public Policy Crime and Criminal Justice, Leadership courses

• 1. Criminal Justice Policy Analyst
• 2. Legal Advocate or Legislative Counsel
• 3. Prison Reform or Reentry Specialist
• 4. Nonprofit Research Director or Program Manager

What You'll Learn

• Analyze criminal justice systems, identify systemic biases, and evaluate policy effectiveness through data-driven research methods
• Conduct legal research and interpret legislation to inform advocacy campaigns and policy recommendations
• Apply evidence-based frameworks to understand incarceration, parole decisions, and post-conviction relief procedures
• Develop skills in community engagement, stakeholder communication, and translating research into actionable policy solutions

Curriculum Highlights

Juvenile justice systems, mental health in criminal justice, restorative justice approaches, criminological theory, law and society, social justice frameworks, sociological analysis, policy implications, legal systems, crime and punishment theory, empirical research methods, interdisciplinary approaches, police and criminal justice institutions, leadership

Top Employers

Common employers include nonprofit criminal justice organizations, government agencies (state and federal), law firms specializing in criminal defense and appellate work, and university research centers focused on criminal justice reform.

Admissions

Applicants typically need a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Related coursework or professional experience in criminal justice, law, sociology, public policy, or related fields is preferred.

Application Materials

• Statement of Purpose: Required
• Letters of Recommendation: 2–3
• Resume: Required
• Transcripts: Official transcripts required

Academic Requirements

• Degree Required: Master's degree (36 credit hours typical)
• GRE/GMAT: Optional
• TOEFL/IELTS: Required for international students (TOEFL 80+ / IELTS 6.5+)