A criminal justice major seems to be one of the most pursued degrees around today. Since Texas is the second most populous state in the United States, it has many colleges, universities, and schools that offer criminal justice studies.
Today, we’re looking at colleges and universities in Texas that offer some of the best degree options in this field. So, let’s explore some colleges in Texas with criminal justice majors.
Popular Colleges in Texas With Criminal Justice Majors
The options we picked are based on the degree value, acceptance rate, and university reputation/accreditation. So, here are 8 on-campus and online criminal justice degrees offered by Texas universities and colleges.
Online Criminal Justice Degrees in Texas
1: University of North Texas – Online BS in Criminal Justice
The University of North Texas is one of the best options for criminal justice in Texas state. The university offers a very achievable acceptance rate and relatively affordable annual costs. As for the program, the online BS in Criminal Justice is excellent for many reasons.
- Program Title: Online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
- Acceptance Rate: 79%
- Average Cost: $15,000
The focus courses on Criminal Law, Police Systems, and Correctional Systems aside, the opportunities are what make it great. The university also features prestigious faculty and outstanding resources. Thus making it one of the top online options available in Texas today.
2: Sam Houston State University – BS/BA in Criminal Justice
Sam Houston State University is another top university that offers incredible online degree(s) in criminal justice. There are two options, a BA and a BS in Criminal Justice, and both are available online and on-campus.
- Program Title: BS/BA in Criminal Justice (Online and On-Campus)
- Acceptance Rate: 85%
- Average Cost: $15,000
Both programs focus on Cyber Crime, Police Systems and Practices, and Correctional Systems and Practices. Therefore, there are various doors of opportunity after graduating with this degree, including cyber security, police work, investigator, etc.
3: University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) – Online BA in Criminal Justice
University of Texas at El Paso is a renowned university and another good option for those looking for an online criminal justice degree. The university virtually guarantees entry upon applying, as it also happens to be quite affordable
- Program Title: Online Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Average Cost: $10,000
As for the program itself, courses like Research Methods in Criminal Justice, Criminology, and Criminal Procedure. This qualifies you to lead policymaking and work in law enforcement, private security, or general police work.
4: West Texas A&M University – Online Criminal Justice Degree
West Texas A&M University is another well-known university that offers some of the best online programs in Texas. This includes the online criminal justice degree here. While it’s not as affordable as other options, it’s still comparatively in reach.
- Program Title: Online Criminal Justice Degree
- Acceptance Rate: 92%
- Average Cost: $20,000
The online degree in criminal justice here focuses on critical courses like Law of Correction, Crime in America, Court Systems and Practices, etc. Once again, pushing toward a career in lawmaking, police work, and analyzing the impact of crime on society.
On Campus Criminal Justice Degree Texas
1: Texas State University – BSCJ In Criminal Justice
Texas State University is one of the best universities in the state. It has all the elements you’d look for in a university like this, such as a high acceptance rate and a very reachable annual tuition fee. Besides that, you have advanced programs like BSCJ.
- Program Title: Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (BSCJ)
- Acceptance Rate: 88%
- Average Cost: $15,000
This criminal justice degree focuses on courses like Police Systems and Practices, The Courts and Criminal Procedure, and Correctional Systems and Practices. Thus, it gives you just the right push towards a career in criminal justice.
2: University of Texas at San Antonio – Bachelor’s in Criminology and Criminal Justice
University of Texas at San Antonio is another top university with a great degree option. With an 87% acceptance rate and an affordable average cost, the university stands out as one of the best options. Then, you have the Bachelor’s in Criminology and Criminal Justice program here.
- Program Title: Bachelor’s in Criminology and Criminal Justice
- Acceptance Rate: 87%
- Average Cost: $13,000
The program leads with courses like Criminological Theory, Policing, and Corrections. So, it doesn’t only provide a thorough insight into every key aspect of this field but also opens up doors to various careers. This includes careers as probation officers, detectives, investigators, and intelligence analysts.
3: The University of Texas at Tyler – BS In Criminal Justice
The University of Texas at Tyler is another top name in the UT system, which it has earned through top-notch degrees. It might be a bit difficult to get accepted into compared to others, but it’s still just as affordable.
- Program Title: Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
- Acceptance Rate: 65%
- Average Cost: $13,000
The degree options here include the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, which is a top program for anyone looking to chase this field. This degree offers concentrations in Homeland Security, Forensic Science, Juvenile Justice, and Generalist. Thus, it allows you to go after a career in national or state security quickly.
4: University of North Texas at Dallas – Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice
The University of North Texas at Dallas should be on your list of universities to consider, mainly because of the popular criminal justice programs. Besides, the high acceptance rate and lower-than-average tuition are two other attractive factors about this university.
- Program Title: Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice
- Acceptance Rate: 94%
- Average Cost: $9,000
The degree itself will help you become a Police Officer, Parole/Probation Officer, Correctional Officer, or Federal Agent. This program lays the proper groundwork needed to work in those professions through courses focusing on crime in society, impact, and prevention strategies.
Criminal Justice Majors in Texas Requirements
Much like any other state in the United States, Texas universities will also require you to complete the 120 semester/credit hours to complete a program. Besides, you will be required to have specific certifications to enroll in the program.
Associate’s or bachelor’s program will require academic qualifications, while a master’s degree necessitates work or practical experience. Here are some requirements simplified:
| Degree | Requirement |
| Bachelor’s |
|
| Associate’s |
|
| Master’s |
|
Therefore, you must research the university and program you enroll in and understand their specific requirements.
Why Get a Degree With a Criminal Justice Major?
If you’ve wanted to become a police officer, lawyer, law enforcer, FBI agent, or similar you can enroll in programs that’ll provide training and education—enough to help you go on patrols, handle the neighborhood watch, etc. However, if you want to become an extension of law and justice, then you need a criminal justice major.
A degree in criminal justice won’t only offer a comprehensive understanding of the legal system but also teach you specifics of criminal behavior. Besides, these degrees also emphasize the elements that cause crime in society. So, you will be able to become not only a policeman/woman but also pursue work in:
- Law Enforcement
- Corrections
- Federal Agencies
- Cyber Security
- Private Security
- National Security
- Social Work
A majority of the people who pursue these degrees lead to higher earning potential and job security. Because the work for law enforcement around the United States is always available abundantly. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for this field is around 4%.
Besides, the average pay for people with this degree is quite hefty, too, as median annual wages for them look like this:
| Profession | Median Pay |
| Detectives/Criminal Investigators | $91,000 |
| Police/Sheriff’s Patrol Officers | 72,000 |
| Transit/Railroad Police | 72,000 |
| Fish/Game Wardens | 60,000 |
Source: BLS
So, a promise of job security, more than average pay, and job abundance is why you should pursue a criminal justice major.
Conclusion
These are some of the best universities and colleges in the state of Texas that provide criminal justice degrees. The wealth of options in universities and institutions makes Texas one of the most affordable states to pursue this degree.
However, you might want to count the additional/out-of-state fee for people from outside of this state. Other than that, the options in universities, both online and on-campus, make it a fine place to pursue this field.
