Pursuing a career in criminal justice is a noble and rewarding path. Texas, with its diverse range of top-tier universities and online programs, serves as an excellent launching pad for aspiring criminal justice professionals. In this blog post, we will explore the best campus-based and online criminal justice schools in Texas, along with various career opportunities, financial aid options, and resources available to students pursuing this path. Get ready to embark on an exciting journey towards a fulfilling career in criminal justice.
What you’re about to learn in this guide:
Explore top campus-based criminal justice programs in Texas offered by TCU, SHSU and TSU.
Learn about online criminal justice programs at SHSU and UNT with degree options & specializations.
Discover financial aid opportunities, job outlooks, career paths & resources for TX Criminal Justice students.
Top Campus-Based Criminal Justice Programs in Texas
Texas is home to several prestigious universities that offer comprehensive criminal justice programs, providing students with a solid foundation for their future careers. Among these institutions, Texas Christian University, Sam Houston State University, and Texas State University stand out for their unique offerings and opportunities for students.
We will further examine the best criminal justice schools, including criminal justice colleges, and the criminal justice programs they offer in the succeeding sections.
Texas Christian University
Texas Christian University (TCU) is highly acclaimed as one of the top educational institutions for criminal justice in Texas. It has a history of excellent faculty and cutting edge programs. This prestigious institution provides:
Undergraduate and graduate programs in criminal justice
Core instruction, electives, internships, and study abroad opportunities
An online master’s program with scholarship and career resources
TCU is a well-rounded choice for those pursuing a degree in this field.
TCU’s undergraduate criminal justice program offers electives covering a range of topics including:
Social work
Sustainability
Victimology
Cyberspace policing
This variety equips students with the tools they need for a range of Texas criminal justice jobs, assuring preparedness for the challenges of their future careers.
Scholarship opportunities and career resources are provided to TCU’s criminal justice students, including those interested in criminal justice corrections. This support not only helps students finance their education but also sets them on the right track for a successful career in the criminal justice field.
Graduates from TCU’s criminal justice programs are equipped to explore job opportunities in law enforcement, corrections, and related fields. The university’s outstanding reputation guarantees that its graduates are ready for successful careers in Texas’s criminal justice sector.
Sam Houston State University
Sam Houston State University is another prominent criminal justice university in Texas, offering a range of programs from Bachelor to PhD. The university’s programs focus on:
Victimology
White-collar crime
Terrorism
Cybercrime
Leadership and management
These advanced programs prepare graduates for higher-ranking and better-remunerated positions in the criminal justice field, as well as the expertise to instruct others in the necessary skills and tactics for assessing evidence and resolving criminal cases.
The College of Criminal Justice at Sam Houston State University offers a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a Bachelor of Arts in Victim Studies. This diverse range of degree options allows students to tailor their education to their specific career goals and interests.
In addition to its exceptional academic programs, Sam Houston State University is affiliated with the Crime Victims’ Institute and five Professional Development and Training Institutes. These research institutes provide valuable resources and opportunities for students, further enhancing their learning experience and preparing them for success in their chosen career paths.
Graduates from Sam Houston State University’s criminal justice programs are well-prepared to take on any opportunity that comes their way. The university’s criminal justice programs offer:
Advanced courses and curriculum
Real-world application and hands-on experience
Skills and knowledge necessary to excel in Texas criminal justice careers
Texas State University
Texas State University offers comprehensive criminal justice programming at every degree level, from undergraduate to doctoral programs. The university provides students with a solid foundation in criminal justice, allowing them to explore various career paths upon graduation, such as:
Forensics
Law enforcement
Various positions within the legal sector
The School of Criminal Justice at Texas State University San Marcos offers Criminal Justice (General), Law Enforcement, and Corrections tracks. This diversity allows students to specialize in their chosen area of interest, ensuring they are well-prepared for their future careers.
The admission process for the criminal justice program at Texas State University necessitates the following:
A completed online application
A nonrefundable application fee of $55
A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university
A minimum GPA of 3.25 in the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework
This ensures that the university attracts highly motivated and dedicated students, setting them up for success in their criminal justice careers.
Texas State University’s commitment to providing high-quality criminal justice education makes it an excellent choice for students looking to excel in this field. Some reasons why Texas State University is a great choice for criminal justice education include:
A variety of degree options and specializations
Internship experiences that provide real-world training
Graduates who are well-prepared to embark on their Texas criminal justice careers
Top Online Criminal Justice Programs in Texas
For those who prefer the flexibility of online education, Texas also boasts two leading online criminal justice programs offered by Sam Houston State University and the University of North Texas. Both institutions provide high-quality education and resources to ensure their online students receive the same level of instruction and support as their on-campus counterparts.
We will examine these top online criminal justice programs in more detail in the subsequent sections.
Sam Houston State University
Sam Houston State University offers both online and on-campus undergraduate and graduate criminal justice programs, with a focus on:
Victimology
White-collar crime
Terrorism
Cybercrime
Leadership and management
The university provides Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS) in Criminal Justice degrees online, with core curriculum courses available in both face-to-face and online formats. Students wishing to complete their degree entirely online can choose the online options for the core courses, ensuring they receive the same high-quality education as their on-campus peers.
The online criminal justice program at Sam Houston State University offers:
Accreditation by SACSCOC, ensuring students receive a recognized and respected education
Esteemed instruction
Intimate class sizes
Plentiful chances to specialize
Cost-effectiveness
These features make it an excellent choice for those seeking a flexible and high-quality online criminal justice education.
Students enrolled in the online criminal justice program at Sam Houston State University have access to the same resources and opportunities as their on-campus counterparts, ensuring they are well-prepared for their future careers. Some of the resources and opportunities available to online criminal justice students include:
Access to online library resources
Virtual career fairs and networking events
Online tutoring and academic support services
Opportunities for internships and field experiences in their local communities
In addition, over 40 scholarships are offered specifically for criminal justice majors at Sam Houston State University, providing financial support to both online and on-campus students.
Sam Houston State University’s online criminal justice program prepares graduates for a wide range of career opportunities in the criminal justice field. With a focus on advanced subjects and real-world application, students can be confident that they are receiving a top-notch education that will set them up for success in their Texas criminal justice careers.
University of North Texas
The University of North Texas provides undergraduate and graduate degrees in criminal justice, available online and on-campus. The university employs a blend of synchronous and asynchronous tools to deliver course content, ensuring students receive a well-rounded and engaging learning experience. Specializations in criminology and policy are offered through the master’s degree program, allowing students to tailor their education to their specific career goals.
Admission requirements for the University of North Texas’s online criminal justice program include:
Submitting an application through Apply Texas
Submitting official transcripts
Paying the application fee
Providing two letters of recommendation
The GRE is not utilized in admissions, making the process more accessible for a wider range of students.
The University of North Texas also provides criminal justice students with field-specific scholarships and financial aid opportunities. This support helps students finance their education while also ensuring they have access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed in their chosen careers.
With a variety of degree options, specializations, and flexible online and on-campus programs, the University of North Texas is an excellent choice for students looking to pursue a criminal justice education. Graduates are well-prepared for a wide range of career opportunities in the criminal justice field, ensuring they can confidently embark on their Texas criminal justice careers.
Types of Criminal Justice Degrees Available in Texas
There are numerous degree options and starting points available for students interested in pursuing a career in criminal justice in Texas. With over 300 programs available at various schools, both traditional and non-traditional, students have a wealth of choices when it comes to selecting a criminal justice program that aligns with their career goals and aspirations.
Degree options range from associate degrees to doctoral programs, with many institutions offering online and on-campus options for students at every level. By selecting a degree program that aligns with their specific career goals, students can tailor their education to ensure they are well-prepared for their future criminal justice careers through criminal justice degree programs.
Students must thoroughly investigate academic institutions relevant to their preferred career path when choosing a criminal justice program. This research aids students in making well-informed educational choices, ensuring they select a program that aligns with their career ambitions.
Criminal justice departments typically seek out individuals who demonstrate a high level of motivation and possess a strong sense of dedication to serving others. By pursuing a criminal justice degree in Texas, students can set themselves up for success in their chosen careers while also contributing to the betterment of their nation, state, and locality.
Financial Aid Opportunities for Texas Criminal Justice Students
Though obtaining a criminal justice degree may require substantial investment, numerous financial aid opportunities exist to assist students in funding their education. Non-repayable and potentially renewable grants and scholarships offer significant benefits for education financing.
Texas criminal justice schools provide varied financial aid programs to their students. These opportunities especially benefit students at the graduate level, both current and incoming. These awards are usually need-based or merit-based and are typically only available to enrolled students, as opposed to those offered on a nationwide basis.
In addition to institutional scholarships, Texas Jail Association, the Texas Corrections Association, and similar organizations offer financial aid scholarships. These associations are committed to advancing education for criminal justice students. These scholarships can provide valuable financial support to students pursuing a criminal justice degree and help relieve some of the financial burden associated with higher education.
By exploring the various financial aid opportunities available to criminal justice students in Texas, individuals can ensure they have the necessary resources to finance their education and achieve success in their chosen careers.
Employment and Earnings Outlook for Texas Criminal Justice Graduates
Texas criminal justice program graduates can anticipate a promising employment and income outlook, with job growth and salary rates surpassing those of many other professions. Criminal justice professionals in Texas can expect to earn competitive salaries in various positions, including:
Law enforcement
Federal agents
Correctional officers
Judges
Lawyers
Analysts
Lab technicians
Statisticians
Crime analysts
Professors
In Texas, a detective or criminal investigator can expect to earn an average annual salary of $73,650, whereas a correctional officer’s average yearly salary is $38,210. Paralegals and legal assistants in Texas can expect to earn an average annual salary of $53,190. In certain instances, the salary of professionals in Texas is either equivalent to or higher than the national average.
The projected job growth rate for criminal investigators in Texas from 2020 to 2030 is 8%, indicating a growing demand for professionals in this field. This growth, combined with competitive salaries, makes pursuing a criminal justice degree in Texas a wise investment for those interested in this field.
Equipped with a robust education from a recognized criminal justice program, graduates are poised to explore a myriad of career opportunities both within Texas and beyond. Some of the promising career paths for Texas’s criminal justice graduates include:
Law enforcement officer
Probation officer
Correctional officer
Forensic scientist
Legal assistant
The employment and income prospects for Texas’s criminal justice graduates ensure their readiness for success in their chosen professions.
Texas Criminal Justice Organizations and Resources
There are several organizations and resources available to criminal justice professionals and students in Texas, providing valuable support and opportunities for networking, professional development, and continued education. Some of these organizations include:
Correctional Management Institute of Texas
Texas Corrections Association
Texas Criminal Justice Coalition
Texas Department of Criminal Justice
Texas Jail Association
The Correctional Management Institute of Texas offers training programs and resources for criminal justice professionals, while the Texas Corrections Association provides various services, including conferences, workshops, and networking opportunities for its members.
The Texas Criminal Justice Coalition is an advocacy organization dedicated to improving the criminal justice system in Texas through policy reform, research, and criminal justice administration. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice is one of the largest employers in the state, offering numerous career prospects for those with criminal justice or related qualifications.
Lastly, the Texas Jail Association offers scholarships and resources to criminal justice students, ensuring they have access to financial support and opportunities for professional growth. By engaging with these organizations and resources, criminal justice professionals and students in Texas can enhance their knowledge, skills, and career prospects in the field.
Criminal Justice Careers and Job Opportunities in Texas
Criminal justice graduates in Texas have a wide range of career paths and job opportunities available to them, including:
Law enforcement
Federal agents
Correctional officers
Judges
Analysts
Lab technicians
Statisticians
Crime analysts
Professors
The diverse range of positions ensures that graduates can find a career that aligns with their interests and passions.
In addition to traditional criminal justice careers, there are also nontraditional job opportunities available in Texas, such as:
Amarillo Airport Police
Dallas County Hospital District Police Department
San Antonio Park Police
Port of Galveston Police
These unique positions allow criminal justice professionals to apply their skills and knowledge in a variety of settings and industries.
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) is one of the more prominent employers in the state, offering numerous career prospects for those with criminal justice or related qualifications. TDCJ employees enjoy a competitive benefits package, including longevity pay after two years of successful service.
With a strong foundation in criminal justice education and the wide range of career opportunities available in Texas, graduates can confidently embark on their chosen career paths. The diverse job market ensures that criminal justice professionals will always have exciting and rewarding opportunities available to them.
Texas Criminal Justice Job Outlook
The job outlook for criminal justice in Texas is progressive, with higher median salaries and expected expansion in criminal investigator positions. The median annual remuneration for Criminal Investigators in Texas is $84,200, reflecting the competitive nature of the job market in this field.
The anticipated employment figure for criminal investigator positions in Texas by 2020 is 21,040, indicating a growing demand for professionals in this sector. The projected job growth rate for criminal investigators in Texas from 2020 to 2030 is 8%, further highlighting the favorable job outlook for criminal justice professionals in the state.
Equipped with a robust education from a recognized criminal justice program, graduates are poised to explore a myriad of career opportunities both within Texas and beyond. Some of the promising career paths for Texas’s criminal justice graduates include:
Law enforcement officer
Probation officer
Correctional officer
Forensic scientist
Legal assistant
Private investigator
The employment and income prospects for Texas’s criminal justice graduates ensure their readiness for success in their chosen professions.
List of Accredited Criminal Justice Programs in Texas
There are numerous accredited criminal justice programs available in Texas, including online and campus-based options, at various degree levels. Some of the top accredited criminal justice programs in Texas are offered by Texas Christian University, Sam Houston State University, and Texas State University.
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley also provides Bachelor and Master’s programs in criminal justice, offering students additional options for pursuing a degree in this field. Scholarships and internships are available to students who enroll in the university’s criminal justice programs, ensuring they have access to financial support and valuable professional experiences.
These accredited programs provide students with a solid foundation in criminal justice, preparing them for a wide range of career opportunities in Texas and beyond. By selecting a program that aligns with their career goals and interests, students can ensure they receive a well-rounded education that sets them up for success in the criminal justice field.
Students should conduct extensive research and choose an accredited criminal justice program that aligns with their needs and career goals. By earning a degree from a recognized institution, graduates are set up for success in their prospective criminal justice careers in Texas.
Summary
In conclusion, Texas provides a wealth of opportunities for individuals pursuing a career in criminal justice. With top-tier universities offering comprehensive campus-based and online programs, various degree options and starting points, and a favorable job outlook, graduates can look forward to a bright future in the criminal justice field. As you start your journey towards a fulfilling criminal justice career, remember that the knowledge and skills you gain in Texas will not only benefit you but also contribute to the betterment of society as a whole.
Frequently Asked Questions
What colleges offer criminal justice degrees in Texas?
Texas offers a wide variety of criminal justice degree programs, including those at Austin Community College, Collin College, Houston Community College, and Texas Southern University.
What degree is best for criminal justice?
A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice is the best choice for those wishing to pursue a career in law enforcement, corrections, social services and other related roles. Courses may include criminal law, crime prevention, juvenile justice, criminology, forensic science, paralegal work and more.
Is Texas A&M a good school for criminal justice?
Texas A&M University offers two great options for studying criminal justice, ranking No. 70 and No. 39 in the U.S., making it an excellent choice for those looking to pursue a career in criminal justice.
Does University of Texas have a good criminal justice program?
The University of Texas offers an impressive Criminal Justice program, with excellent undergraduate and graduate programs to prepare students for successful careers.
What are some of the top criminal justice programs in Texas?
Texas Christian University, Sam Houston State University, and Texas State University are three of the top criminal justice programs available in Texas.