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Read on to discover the latest information on sam houston criminal justice degree plan. It is possible for you to find more information about boston university criminal justice ranking on collegelearners.
About Sam Houston State University
Sam Houston State University opened its doors in 1879 as the Sam Houston Normal Institute and would operate for several years as a public school in Huntsville, Texas until it became an official teachers college in 1923. The modern version of the university would arrive in 1965 when it was renamed Sam Houston State College. The university’s motto is “The measure of a life is its Service,” and there are around 21,000 students attending the university.
In Huntsville, the campus covers a total of 272 acres, and the university’s official colors are orange, white, and blue. The university is distinctive as it was the first institution labeled a Doctoral Research University within the Texas State University system by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education. Sports are played in NCAA Division I games in the Southland Conference. Teams are nicknamed the Bearkats.
About Criminal Justice School Rankings
Founded in 1879, Sam Houston State University is a non-profit public state higher-education institution located in the rural setting of the large town of Huntsville (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), Texas. Officially accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, Sam Houston State University (SHSU) is a large (uniRank enrollment range: 20,000-24,999 students) coeducational US higher education institution. Sam Houston State University (SHSU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study matrix below for further details. This 141 years old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students’ past academic record and grades. The admission rate range is 70-80% making this US higher education organization a somewhat selective institution. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. SHSU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Important: the above uniRank Tuition Range Matrix™ does not include room, board or other external costs; tuition may vary by areas of study, degree level, student nationality or residence and other criteria. Please contact the appropriate Sam Houston State University’s office for detailed information on yearly tuitions which apply to your specific situation and study interest; the above uniRank Tuition Range Matrix™ is indicative only and may not be up-to-date or complete.
SHSU Criminal Justice & Corrections Degrees Available
- Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice
- Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice
- Doctorate Degree in Criminal Justice
Online Classes Are Available at SHSU
If you are a working student or have a busy schedule, you may want to consider taking online classes. While these classes used to be mostly populated by returning adults, more and more traditional students are turning to this option.
Are you one of the many who prefer to take online classes? SHSU offers distance education options for criminal justice at the following degree levels:
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Master’s Degree
SHSU Criminal Justice & Corrections Rankings
Each year, College Factual ranks criminal justice programs across the country. The following shows how SHSU performed in these rankings.
Note: Rankings don’t always give a complete picture of a school’s strengths and weaknesses, so it’s a good idea to extend your research and also look at other factors when trying to decide if the school is right for you.
Bachelor’s Degree Overall Quality & Other Notable Rankings
The criminal justice major at SHSU is not ranked on College Factual’s Best Colleges and Universities for Criminal Justice & Corrections. This could be for a number of reasons, such as not having enough data on the major or school to make an accurate assessment of its quality.
| Ranking Type | Rank |
|---|---|
| Most Popular Online Criminal Justice & Corrections Bachelor’s Degree Schools | 1 |
| Most Popular Criminal Justice & Corrections Bachelor’s Degree Schools | 2 |
| Best Value Criminal Justice & Corrections Graduate Certificate Schools | 10 |
| Most Focused Criminal Justice & Corrections Master’s Degree Schools | 35 |
| Best Value Criminal Justice & Corrections Master’s Degree Schools | 80 |
| Best Value Criminal Justice & Corrections Schools | 309 |
In 2021, 117 students received their master’s degree in criminal justice from SHSU. This makes it the #12 most popular school for criminal justice master’s degree candidates in the country.
There were 4 students who received their doctoral degrees in criminal justice, making the school the #8 most popular school in the United States for this category of students.
How Much Do Criminal Justice Graduates from SHSU Make?
The median salary of criminal justice students who receive their bachelor’s degree at SHSU is $33,981. This is less than $34,135, which is the national average of all criminal justice majors in the nation who earn bachelor’s degrees.
Tip: search for Sam Houston State University’s admission policy with the uniRank Search Engine
Important: admission policy and acceptance rate may vary by areas of study, degree level, student nationality or residence and other criteria. Please contact the Sam Houston State University’s Admission Office for detailed information on a specific admission selection policy and acceptance rate; the above University admission information is indicative only and may not be complete or up-to-date.
What are the requirements for a Criminal Justice Degree?
The programs here are all full undergraduate degree programs. You will be required to first complete two years of general education coursework (in English, science, math, etc). Once those are finished you will dive into the criminal justice major, taking such introductory classes as:
Criminology
Courts and Law
Police and Society
Juvenile Detention
After finishing your core criminal justice classes you can further explore the complex world of criminal justice by taking a number of electives, in everything from transnational crime to the death penalty. Finally, you can gain hands-on experience by participating in an internship or field practicum. Some schools even require it (we’ve been sure to note which).
What are the best Criminal Justice Degrees?
While some of these programs specialize in corrections and others in cyber crime, they all share one thing one common: they are the best Bachelor in Criminal Justice degrees.
To determine the best Criminal Justice programs we started first with the academic reputation of each school nationwide that offers the degree. We then examined retention rates, as it reflects student satisfaction. And we then took into account the affordability of the program and the early salaries of its graduates.
After our extensive research, we found those programs that are the country’s absolute best at training leaders in law enforcement and criminology. Our figures and information come from the university and colleges’ websites, PayScale, and nationally recognized U.S. News & World Report and The National Center for Education Statistics.
CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice
LOCATION
New York, NY
TUITION
$$$$$
View School Profile
Overview
Part of the renowned City University of New York system (CUNY), the John Jay College of Criminal Justice is located in Midtown Manhattan. John Jay is uniquely a liberal arts school, but it specializes in forensic and criminal justice education. Over 15,000 students attend.
Features
What better place to earn your degree in criminal justice than the leader of criminology education, John Jay College. There you will gain a broad, multi-disciplinary and multi-dimensional understanding of criminal justice. You will learn how to apply an analytical, ethical, critical, qualitative, and quantitative approach to crime control. Classes include:
Race, Gender, Ethnicity, Crime and Justice
Understanding Criminal Behavior
Crime Prevention and Control
Criminal Responsibility
Notables
John Jay is well decorated in its rankings, recognitions, and awards. Forbes includes the college among its list of “America’s Top Colleges.” As does The Economist. And U.S. News & World Report ranks the criminology program among the top ten best in the country.
Marist College
LOCATION
Poughkeepsie, NY
TUITION
$$$$$
View School Profile
Overview
Marist College is located in Poughkeepsie, New York. It is a liberal arts college with around 7,000 students and approximately 60 academic areas of study. And, since its founding, Marist College is a Roman Catholic school.
Features
At Marist you have the opportunity to double major in criminal justice and psychology. Classes not only cover the causes of crime, but they examine the many responses society (and its systems) have toward crime control. At Marist you will be expected to complete an internship in addition to the coursework, which covers:
Policing in America
Corrections and Penology
Criminal Courts
Juvenile Justice and Delinquency
Notables
Just this past year U.S. News & World Report recognized Marist College as one of “America’s Best Colleges.” Similarly, The Princeton Review and Kiplinger’s called Marist one of the nation’s best and most affordable schools, respectively.
George Washington University
LOCATION
Washington, NC
TUITION
$$$$$
View School Profile
Overview
Located in the nation’s capital, George Washington University (GWU) is a research university. GWU is organized into over a dozen colleges and schools, and it offers nearly 100 academic programs of study. It’s most popular areas, unsurprisingly, are in government, journalism, and international affairs.
Features
George Washington University offers a BA in Criminal Justice through the Department of Sociology. Because of where this program is housed, you can expect to take several classes on sociology and the sociological aspects of criminal justice. For example, at GWU you will the have the opportunity to take unique criminal justice classes such as:
The Sociological Imagination
Economics of Crime
U.S. Constitutional History
Transnational Crime
Notables
GWU is well ranked by Forbes, U.S. News & World Report, and The Princeton Review. The latter, in fact, consistently recognizes GWU in a number of distinctive areas: for having the most politically active student body, for having one of the most popular study abroad programs, and more.
Northeastern University
LOCATION
Boston, MA
TUITION
$$$$$
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Overview
Northeastern University is based in Boston, Massachusetts. It is known for its active and ongoing research endeavors and for its unique co-op program. Students not only earn an education through this program, but they gain real-world experience through professional paid internships.
Features
Northeastern offers a BS in Criminal Justice degree that prepares you for either a professional or a research-driven career in criminal justice. You will learn how to predict and explain crime patterns while also developing community advancement strategies. Through Northeastern’s diverse range of electives you can take classes such as:
The Death Penalty
Human Trafficking
Corruption, Integrity, and Accountability
Crimes Against Humanity
Notables
Northeastern University is ranked 40th among all national universities by U.S. News & World Report. Likewise, The Princeton Review designates it as among the best schools for internship experience. Its criminology program is also considered one of the best in the country.
Michigan State University
LOCATION
East Lansing, MI
TUITION
$$$$$
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Overview
Michigan State University (MSU) is known for its stellar academic programs in an array of areas and disciplines. Its most popular academic degrees include the criminology, psychology, and education programs. MSU is located in Lansing, Michigan and is home to over 50,000 students.
Features
Through MSU you can earn a bachelor’s in criminal justice degree that focuses on the importance of security and civil liberty. You’ll take classes on everything from policing to juvenile justice, private security, and methods of criminal justice research. MSU also offers four unique study abroad opportunities to its criminal justice students:
Comparative Law and Legal Systems in the Caribbean
Australia: Its People, Government, Justice Systems and Public Policies
Madagascar: Paradise in Peril? Exploring Madagascar’s Biodiversity Crisis
The Philippines: Justice and Development Practice in Transitional Societies of Southeast Asia
Notables
A member of the elite Association of American Universities organization, MSU houses dozens of leading research facilities. MSU is also a leading member of the Big Ten Academic Alliance. It is ranked 82nd among all national universities by U.S. News & World Report.
Liberty University
LOCATION
Lynchburg, VA
TUITION
$$$$$
View School Profile
Overview
One of the most conservative Christian colleges in the nation, Liberty University is also the country’s largest evangelical school. Over 110,000 students, most of whom study online, attend Liberty. Campus is located in Lynchburg, Virginia.
Features
Graduates from Liberty’s BS in Criminal Justice program have gone on to become criminologists, fraud investigators, police officers, and crime scene investigators. Liberty ensures its students have many opportunities in the work force by providing a broad-based education in criminal justice. You can even specialize, in:
Homeland Security
Juvenile Justice
Public Administration
Strategic Intelligence Studies
Notables
U.S. News & World Report ranks Liberty in several of its categories, designating it among the best colleges for veterans and for having some of the best online education programs. Liberty is among the nation’s top ten most conservative schools.
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
LOCATION
West Chester, PA
TUITION
$$$$$
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Overview
West Chester University (WCUPA) is part of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. More than 16,000 students attend WCUPA, which was originally founded as a teacher’s school. Today, WCUPA offers dozens of bachelor and master’s degrees in varying professional and academic disciplines.
Features
West Chester students gain both a theoretical and hands-on learning experience when earning a BS in Criminal Justice degree. While taking classes that can be tailored to meet your academic and vocational goals, you’ll also be expected to complete an exhaustive internship too. Some classes you can expect to take at West Chester include:
Theories of Crime and Delinquency
Corrections
Policing in America
Criminal Procedure
Notables
U.S. News & World Report has heaped much praise and many rankings on West Chester. The university is counted among the best in its region, the best college for veterans, and one of the most affordable college in the country. Likewise, its online programs are known for their excellence too.
Park University
LOCATION
Parkville, MO
TUITION
$$$$$
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Overview
Park University is primarily located in Parkville, Missouri but also has 40 other campuses across the country, 33 of which are located on military installations, not to mention many online options. Park is a private school with approximately 16,500 students. It offers nearly 54 degrees (38 Bachelor’s, eight Master’s, and eight Associates), 27 certificates (16 graduate and 11 undergraduate)
Features
Park University offers a BS in Criminal Justice degree that provides students with an in-depth understanding of the U.S. criminal justice system. In this program you will explore society and crime through theoretical, philosophical, and practical applications. And at Park there are three ways to further specialize in criminal justice, by enrolling in one of the three tracks:
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement
Criminal Justice and Corrections
Criminal Justice and Security
Notables
In addition to its regional academic ranking, Park University is known for its committed service to student vets. It is ranked 1st among all private schools for “Best for Vets Colleges” by The Military Times. Similarly, Washington Monthly designates it as one of the best colleges for adult learners.
Sam Houston State University
LOCATION
Huntsville, TX
TUITION
$$$$$
View School Profile
Overview
Sam Houston State University (SHSU) is located just outside of downtown Houston in Huntsville. SHSU is one of the oldest public universities in Texas and it is a member of the Texas State University System. Over 20,000 students attend.
Features
Offered through one of the best criminal justice colleges in the country, Sam Houston’s BS in Criminal Justice and Victim Studies degrees are unparalleled. You’ll investigate sociological aspects of crime and victimology while also gaining hands-on experience through an internship. You can even take classes online. Sam Houston’s curriculum covers:
Cyber Crime
Global Terrorism
White Collar Crime
Victimology
Notables
Sam Houston State University consistently shows up on the annual national rankings from Forbes, U.S. News & World Report, and Washington Monthly. SHSU is most known, and praised, for its criminal justice programs, and the College of Criminal Justice is ranked in the top five nationally by the Journal of Criminal Justice.
Rutgers University-Newark
LOCATION
Newark, NJ
TUITION
$$$$$
View School Profile
Overview
Rutgers is a public school with multiple campuses located throughout New Jersey. It is a huge, sprawling research university with more than 70,000 combined undergraduate and graduate students. Rutgers is a senior member in the Big Ten Academic Alliance and the Universities Research Association.
Features
Rutgers’ BS in Criminal Justice degree is notably interdisciplinary. You’ll take classes in a range of disciplines, each of which provides a unique lens to better understanding crime and criminal justice. Also, Rutgers offers an accelerated BS/MA program in criminal justice for those who know they want an advanced degree. Core classes include:
Rutgers, one of only nine colonial colleges founded before the American Revolution, is one of the oldest universities in the country. It is ranked among the top 100 best universities in the country by ARWU, U.S. News & World Report, and Washington Monthly.
Sam Houston State University is located approximately one hour north of downtown Houston in the hills, lakes, and forests region of East Texas in Huntsville. It is one of the oldest purpose-built institutions for the instruction of teachers west of the Mississippi River and the first such institution of its type in Texas. The school is named for Sam Houston, who made his home in the city and is buried there.
SHSU is a member of the Texas State University System and has an enrollment of more than 18,400 students across over 80 undergraduate, 54 masters’, and 6 doctoral degree programs. The university also offers more than 20 online bachelor’s and graduate degrees, and its programs are ranked high by U.S. News & World Report. It was the first institution classified as a Doctoral Research University by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education within the Texas State University System, and while education continues to be the most popular major among students at the university, SHSU has nationally-recognized programs in banking, performing arts, mathematics and criminal justice.
The oak-studded Sam Houston State University main campus sits on 316 acres in the central area of Huntsville. Two large agricultural complexes feature a 1,600 acre teaching and research farm and a rodeo arena. The campus also features a planetarium, an observatory, a body farm, and an 18-hole golf course named Raven Nest. The mall area of the main campus includes Blatchley Bell Tower and Clock and a fountain.
The campus stood in for the fictional Austin University in the motion picture The Life of David Gale.
Studying psychology and counseling at Sam Houston State University is possible at the undergraduate and graduate levels with programs offered in many formats that include on-campus and online study. Available degrees include a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology, a Master of Arts in Psychology, and a Specialist Degree in School Psychology.
Additional programs include a Doctorate of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology, a Graduate Certificate in General Psychology, a Master of Arts in Counseling, and a Master of Education in School Counseling. Each of the counseling and psychology programs at Sam Houston State University has benefits for students who have different career goals.
For example, one student may want to become a counselor in a high school and will choose the school counseling degree. Another student may want to simply expand his or her expertise in psychology with the graduate certificate program. Students will learn about many of the core topics in psychology within the university’s programs with classes on developmental psychology, cognition, learning, neuropsychopharmacology, and physiology.
Students who have never attended college before will likely begin with the Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree, which is available on-campus or online at SHSU. Students will need to attend some classes on campus even if they choose the online option. Careers available to graduates include those in law enforcement, mental health services, higher education administration, and case management.
Prospective applicants to SHSU who already have a bachelor’s degree can take a look at the Master of Arts in Psychology option, which is available as an on-campus degree program. Students can complete the program with or without a thesis and may also concentrate in many related fields like business or criminal justice. The degree requires that students complete a total of 36 credit hours.
Those who would like to become skilled clinicians of psychology may consider the Doctorate of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology. Students who are accepted into the program work with a mentor during their time at the university. Enrollees will also receive significant coursework on forensics, which many allow graduates to act as experts in court settings. The program requires that students complete 108 credit hours, and the program begins each fall.
Sam Houston State University Accreditation Details
Sam Houston State University is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, which allows the institution to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Students can also transfer their degrees to and from other accredited institutions, as well as participate in the federal government’s student loan program when they earn a degree from an accredited institution like SHSU.
Additional approvals for various schools, colleges, and programs within the university have been earned over the course of the university’s long history. Accreditations include approval from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business for the programs offered by the College of Business Administration, as well as from the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission for the graduate degree in forensic science.
Sam Houston State University Application Requirements
Admission standards for students interested in attending Sam Houston State University must meet the standards of the State of Texas Uniform Admission Policy. Those requirements include having completed a high school program that includes recommended college preparatory classes, earning a high school diploma or an equivalent, and meeting the minimum scores on the SAT or ACT.
Applicants must earn a 1500 out of 2400 on the verbal, math, and writing portion of the SAT, or earn between an 18 and a 24 on the ACT’s various subject tests. Documents required during the application process include the Apply Texas Application, standardized tests score reports, and official high school transcripts. Students who are in the top 25 percent of their high school graduating class are exempt from having to submit SAT or ACT scores.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Undergraduate students who are Texas residents will pay $5,241.50 for an average course load of 15 semester hours. Books and supplies are estimated at $500 and a place in a residence hall ranges from $2,112 to $3,292. A meal plan ranges from $1,955 to $2,080, and the overall approximate cost comes to $10,517.50 per semester.
Undergraduate students who are from outside the State of Texas will pay $11,571.50 for their tuition and will pay the same as Texas residents for other costs. Graduate students who reside in Texas and enroll in nine credits for the semester will pay $4,007.75 in tuition and fees and may also need to buy a parking pass for $198.00 each year. Graduate students who aren’t Texas residents will pay $7,742.75 for the semester in tuition and fees.
Students who want to qualify for financial and scholarships from Sam Houston State University will first fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid and will access their financial aid award information online through the university’s My Sam account access program. Some students may need to take further steps beyond the FAFSA to complete their financial aid application. Additional forms required may include tax returns or transcripts.
Applicants will work with the scholarship team from the Financial Aid & Scholarships Office to apply for institutional and outside scholarships and may need to submit additional scholarship forms to qualify. Students at Sam Houston State University may receive scholarships based on academic achievement or merit.
There are numerous well-respected criminal justice programs in Texas that can help prepare you for, or advance your career in, criminal justice. Programs available include associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees and certificates in such emphasis areas as police administration, border and homeland security, corrections, and law enforcement technology. Schools such as Abilene Christian University, Lamar University, and Sam Houston State University also offer online criminal justice degrees. Continue reading to learn more about your options for studying criminal justice in Texas.
Quick Facts
There are 120 schools offering criminal justice degrees in Texas (see below).1
64 colleges and universities offer associate’s degrees in criminal justice.1 57 colleges and universities offer bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice.1
30 colleges and universities offer master’s or doctoral degrees in criminal justice.1 32 colleges and universities offer criminal justice degree programs online.1
3 schools ranked in Kiplinger’s Best Values in Public Colleges in 2018.2
8 schools ranked in College Factual’s Best Criminal Justice & Corrections Colleges in 2018.3
4 schools ranked in Criminal Justice Degree Schools Best Online Bachelor’s Programs in 2018.4
8 schools ranked in US News Best Online Graduate Criminal Justice Programs in 2018.5
*For not-for-profit colleges and universities with criminal justice degree programs.
Featured Online Programs
Explore program formats, transfer requirements, financial aid packages, and more by contacting the schools below.
Criminal Justice Degree Programs in Texas
Criminal justice degrees are offered at a number of colleges and universities throughout Texas – in fact, there are over 100 associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs in criminal justice in Texas from which to choose. Earning a degree in criminal justice can open pathways to a variety of careers – from saving lives as a police officer to analyzing blood evidence in the lab as a forensic science technician. Police officers in Texas typically are required to have at least a two-year or associate’s degree in criminal justice. The Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio police departments are just some of the nationally-recognized organizations currently seeking new police officers with at least an associate’s degree. Those seeking opportunities with the federal government in border patrol and security along the Texas-Mexico border are typically well-served by earning a bachelor’s degree. On any career track, earning a criminal justice degree in Texas can help you become a more competitive applicant, expand your opportunities for increased starting salaries and promotion, and help you succeed in on-the-job training.
Top-Ranked Schools with Criminal Justice Programs in Texas
Kiplinger’s Best Values in Public Colleges*
Texas A & M University (#24 in-state, #64 out-of-state)
University of Houston (#89 in-state, #91 out-of-state)
University of Texas at Dallas (#41 in-state, #54 out-of-state)
College Factual’s Best Criminal Justice & Corrections Colleges
Texas Christian University (#15)
Sam Houston State University (#50)
St. Mary’s University (#58)
Texas State University – San Marcos (#67)
Texas A&M University – College Station (#76)
Abilene Christian University (#105)
University of North Texas (#136)
The University of Texas at Arlington (#171)
Criminal Justice Degree Schools Best Online Bachelor’s Programs
West Texas A&M University
University of North Texas
Lamar University
Angelo State University
US News Best Online Graduate Criminal Justice Programs
Sam Houston State University (#1)
Texas A & M University-Commerce (#24 tie)
Texas A & M University-Central Texas (#28 tie)
Lamar University (#31 tie)
University of North Texas (#34 tie)
Angelo State University (#51-#67)
Tarleton State University (#51-#67)
University of Houston-Downtown (#51-#67)
Profiles of Well-Known Schools in Texas
Sam Houston State University: The College of Criminal Justice at Sam Houston State University has one of the top criminal justice graduate and doctoral programs in Texas and in the country according to US News & World Report. The undergraduate degrees include a BA/BS in Criminal Justice and a BA in Victim Studies while the graduate programs include an MA in Criminal Justice and Criminology, an MS in Forensic Science, an MS in Security Studies, and an MS in Criminal Justice Leadership and Management (Intensive Weekend or Online). The doctoral program at SHSU is one of the most competitive in the country in terms of admissions. The College of Criminal Justice has five research institutes like the Crime Victims’ Institute, as well as five Professional Development and Training Institutes. The faculty here comprise one of the most internationally respected collections of criminal justice specialists.
Texas Southern University: Texas Southern University houses the School of Public Affairs, through which 11 different degree programs are offered. Undergraduates can pursue a BS in Administration of Justice, a BA in Political Science, a BS in Public Affairs, or a major in Military Science. Both a Master and a PhD in Administration of Justice are available through the school, as well as a Traditional or Executive Masters in Public Administration, and a Masters or PhD in Urban Planning and Environmental Policy. There are two research centers in the college, the Barbara Jordan Institute and the Mickey Leland Center. Over 30 faculty teach in this school and all are world-renowned experts in criminal justice or related fields.
Texas State University-San Marcos: Texas State University-San Marcos offers three tracks to earning a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice through its School of Criminal Justice. Students can follow degree plans with concentrations in Criminal Justice (General), Law Enforcement, or Corrections. Each track includes a recommended internship experience in a local, state, or federal agency aligned with student career interests. Beyond the core curriculum, students may take advantage of the School of Criminal Justice faculty’s diverse experience with specialized courses such as Ethics of Social Control, Crime Theory and Victimization, and Advanced Criminal Justice Management. Further learning opportunities are available through the school’s Center for Geospatial Intelligence and Investigation and the Advance Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training Center. Students looking to earn an advanced degree in criminal justice may also be interested in the school’s Master of Science in Criminal Justice and Ph.D. in Criminal Justice degree programs.
Texas A & M University (Online): The Bush School of Government and Public Service, part of Texas A & M University, offers an online Graduate Certificate in Homeland Security. This is a 15-credit hour course of study and students must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year university. All of those enrolled in the program must complete and pass courses in Homeland Security and the Department of Defense, Government and Homeland Security, and US Law and Homeland Security. Eight expert faculty teach both the on-site and online programs of the Bush School’s Certificate in Homeland Security.
Notable Alumni from Texas Universities
Dallas County, TX Sheriff Lupe Valdez – University of Texas at Arlington
Dallas, TX Police Chief David Brown – University of Texas at Austin, Dallas Baptist University
Houston, TX Police Chief Charles McClelland – University of Houston
Collin County, TX Sheriff Terry Box – Abilene Christian College, Grayson County Junior College
Police Quote: “Before joining the Houston Police Department, I was an officer for the NYPD, and the best advice I ever received was from my Sergeant at the time. The advice he provided, and what I would share with aspiring officers is, always treat fellow officers and people you encounter on the street as you would want to be treated. If you do that, you will have a long and fruitful career. Another piece of advice I would pass on to aspiring officers is to always strive to learn, attend additional training, and complete some form of higher education. As someone who holds a master’s degree in Homeland Security Management, a higher education opens doors within a department, and will continue to do so in the future.”
Joe Gamaldi, Board Member of the Houston Police Officers’ Union
Texas Criminal Justice Careers
Texas is among the fastest-growing states in the United States, with the Dallas, Houston, and Austin metropolitan areas among the top fastest-growing cities in the nation. With a rapidly growing population, it is likely that demand for qualified criminal justice professionals will increase significantly.
In addition to local law enforcement, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) is one of the larger employers in the state and provides many career opportunities for individuals with criminal justice or related degrees. Salaries are very competitive and come with a rich benefits package, which includes longevity pay after just two years of service. There is strong competition for jobs with the TDCJ, and a degree can often give you a competitive edge. Law enforcement agencies in Texas also patrol the longest stretch of the US-Mexico border, which means that federal career opportunities are available for US citizens interested in applying their criminal justice expertise to customs and border protection. Other jobs in the criminal justice field include correctional officers, parole officers, criminologists, and forensic psychologists.
The average annual salary for a police officer in Texas is $58,710 and those in leadership roles as first-line supervisors earn an average salary of $89,690.6,8 Professionals working in the many corrections facilities in Texas as correctional officers earn an average salary of $38,210.5 Detectives and criminal investigators in the state earn an average salary of $73,650.7 Paralegals and legal assistants working at the numerous law firms in Dallas and other areas of Texas earn an average salary of $53,190.9
Texas Criminal Justice Salary and Jobs
OCCUPATION NUMBER EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
Correctional Officers and Jailers 48,280 $38,210
First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives 2,790 $89,690
Detectives and Criminal Investigators 16,940 $73,650
Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers 60,790 $58,710
Data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics as of May 2015.5,6,7,8
Texas’ Criminal Justice Employment Outlook
As of May 2016 the unemployment rate for Texas was 4.4%, slightly below the national average of 4.7%.10 The state’s 10-year unemployment peak was in July 2011 at 8.2%.10 Government-related employment is a good proxy for Texas criminal justice jobs. Projections Central includes the following criminal justice job estimates for Texas:
Police and Sheriff Patrol: 3,160 annual openings; 46% in these positions report completing at least some college, with 24% holding an associate’s degree.11,12
Correctional Officers: 2,080 annual openings; 37% in these positions report completing at least some college, with 15% holding a post-secondary certificate.11,13
Detectives and Criminal Investigators: 600 annual openings; 37% in these positions report completing at least some college, with 21% holding an associate’s degree.11,14
Security Guards: 3,370 annual openings; 4% in these positions report completing at least some college.11,15
Paralegals and Legal Assistants: 1,100 annual openings; 86% in these positions report completing at least some college, with 30% holding an associate’s degree and 44% holding a bachelor’s degree.11,16
Note that these position estimates are based on jobs growth as well as replacements.
The Mercatus Center is a conservative think tank that analyzed and rated the long-term solvency of each state’s government. Based on an analysis of budgeting processes, cash and tax collection, and pensions, Texas was ranked 16th in the nation.17 This means that new hires can be fairly confident in the state’s ability to fulfill employee pension obligations.
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