Best AP Classes for Criminal Justice Majors

Plan AP classes by grade level, priority, prerequisites, college-credit caveats, and Fiveable study resources.

For criminal justice, the best AP^® classes are AP^® Government, AP^® Psychology, AP^® Statistics, AP^® US History, and AP^® English Language. The field connects law, institutions, behavior, evidence, and public policy.

Use this guide with Fiveable's AP^® US Government, AP^® Psychology, AP^® Statistics, AP^® US History, and AP^® English Language.

Recommended AP^® sequence for criminal justice

Grade	Best AP focus	Why it matters
9th grade	AP Human Geography or no AP	Builds context for communities and institutions.
10th grade	AP Psychology or AP World History	Adds behavior and historical context.
11th grade	AP Government, AP US History, AP English Language	Builds law, institutions, and argument writing.
12th grade	AP Statistics, AP Comparative Government, AP Research	Adds evidence, global systems, and research.

Priority tiers

Tier	AP classes	Recommendation
Essential	AP Government, AP Psychology, AP US History	Best foundation for criminal justice.
Useful	AP Statistics, AP English Language, AP Comparative Government	Supports evidence, writing, and institutional comparison.
Optional	AP Research, AP Human Geography, AP Biology	Useful for research, communities, or forensic interests.

Prerequisites and alternatives

Start with the highest available AP® in the essential tier. If your school does not offer one of these AP^® classes, choose the closest honors, dual-enrollment, CTE, studio, or elective course that builds the same skill: lab science, writing, data, policy, design, coding, or research.

Credit caveats

Criminal justice programs may include major-specific courses in courts, policing, corrections, criminology, and research methods. AP® courses can support preparation and general education, but department policies vary.

Fiveable resources for criminal justice AP^® classes

AP subject	Study hub	Practice	FRQs	Score calculator
AP US Government	Study guides	Practice	FRQs	Calculator
AP Psychology	Study guides	Practice	FRQs	Calculator
AP Statistics	Study guides	Practice	FRQs	Calculator
AP US History	Study guides	Practice	FRQs	Calculator
AP English Language	Study guides	Practice	FRQs	Calculator

Official planning notes

College Board's AP Courses and Exams page lists current AP subjects and course categories.
Use College Board's AP Credit Policy Search to check college-specific credit and placement.
For professional or portfolio-based programs, check the program's own prerequisites, portfolio rules, or department requirements before assuming AP credit will satisfy a major requirement.

Related AP^® career guides

Compare this plan with AP® classes for law, AP® classes for political science, AP® classes for psychology, and AP® classes by major.

Frequently Asked Questions About AP Classes for Criminal Justice

What AP classes are most important for criminal justice?

AP Government, AP Psychology, AP Statistics, AP US History, and AP English Language are the best starting point, but the right schedule depends on your school's course sequence, your math placement, and how many AP classes you can take while doing well.

Do AP classes guarantee college credit?

No. Colleges set their own AP credit and placement policies, and some majors use AP scores differently than the general university policy. Always check the specific colleges and departments on your list.

Should I take every AP class connected to my intended major?

Usually no. Colleges care about rigor, grades, and fit. Prioritize the courses that build the strongest foundation first, then add useful electives if your schedule can handle them.