California relies on its leaders and policymakers, the majority of whom were prepared at the CSU. Complementary to state and local government agencies, California employed nearly 117,000 full-time law enforcement personnel, resulting in one of the larger law enforcement workforces in the country, which is reflective of the state’s significant population and complex judicial needs.
The CSU awarded more than 8,800 bachelor’s and master’s degrees that support the state’s public policy, criminal justice, political science and public administration fields in 2024. These graduates represent roughly half (49%) of the state’s total bachelor’s graduates and 45% of total statewide graduates in 2024 in these fields.
Specialty Programs and Research:
Several CSU campuses have centers and academic divisions that provide students in public policy, public administration and criminal justice with hands-on learning, research opportunities and professional development. They include:
- At Cal State Fullerton, the Division of Politics, Administration, and Justice offers undergraduate degrees in Criminal Justice, Political Science, and Public Administration, along with a Master of Public Administration (MPA) with specializations in public policy, finance, and human resources. Housed within the division, the Center for Public Policy serves as a hub for applied research and regional collaboration, connecting students and faculty with real-world policy challenges.
- At CSUDH, its bachelor’s degree program in criminal justice administration with a concentration in homeland security studies prepares students for careers in law enforcement, corrections and national security. The Dominguez Hills program emphasizes policy, research and ethics, equipping students with the analytical and leadership skills needed to navigate complex justice systems. Offering clear pathways to graduate study and public service roles, the program serves as a strong foundation for students committed to advancing justice and public safety.
- Cal State Long Beach’s Graduate Center for Public Policy and Administration (GCPPA) offers a nationally accredited Master of Public Administration (MPA) program that prepares professionals to lead in public and nonprofit sectors. Through its partnership with the College of Professional and Continuing Education (CPaCE), the center provides flexible learning options that include accelerated and fully online formats designed for working adults.