Online Criminal Justice Degrees in Texas: Reviewing Programs
Everything is bigger in Texas — including the need for dedicated criminal justice professionals. Texas boasts one of the nation’s largest law enforcement workforces, with over 57,000 police officers statewide, and continues to demand skilled graduates to keep communities safe. This DFG guide explores online criminal justice degree options available in Texas and highlights some of this year’s top-ranked schools. Additionally, it examines job outlook and earnings trends for criminal justice graduates and lists key student resources. Read on to discover the best online criminal justice schools in the state.
Expertise: Social WorkPsych.Criminal Justice
Expertise: Mental HealthBehavioral HealthAvailable Associate Degrees in Criminal Justice
Associate degrees in criminal justice are typically offered by community or junior colleges and take around two years to complete. These programs offer basic training in criminal justice and prepare students for entry-level positions in corrections and law enforcement. If you’re interested in the field but you’re not ready to make a four-year commitment, an associate degree is an excellent option. It provides a solid social science foundation to build upon and makes it easy to transfer to a bachelor’s program.
Central Texas College
The associate’s degree program at Central Texas College consists of 60 credits and is designed to be completed in about two years. The program prepares graduates for various careers in law enforcement, corrections, and protective service. Students can choose to specialize in corrections for a more in-depth study of the field. The program is offered completely online, and the tuition is notably less expensive than some other options, making it a good choice for students focused on affordability.
Location: Killeen (additional service areas near Waco and the Texas Hill Country)
Mode: Online
Cost: $7,500 (in-district), $9,780 (in-state), $15,000 (out-of-state)
Admissions Requirements:
- Online application
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Transcripts
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Criminal Justice Online Bachelor’s Degrees
Providing comprehensive training in the discipline, a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice is a prominent pathway for a host of careers in the field. Most Texas schools with a criminal justice program offer this degree, either as a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science. In some cases, these programs build upon previous coursework and associate degrees, helping students develop new competencies in criminal justice research, court procedures, and forensics.
West Texas A&M University
Students looking to pursue a four year degree in criminal justice may want to consider the bachelor’s program in criminal justice administration at West Texas A&M University. The program can be completed completely online, offering students the flexibility to learn while still managing responsibilities in other areas of their life. Notably, all criminal justice students at West Texas A&M complete an internship, allowing them to develop real world experience and skills before graduation. For students planning on pursuing an advanced degree, the school also offers pipeline programs in conjunction with the TAMU Bush School of Government and Public Service, Texas A&M School of Law, and the Texas A&M College of Liberal Arts.
Location: Canyon
Mode: Online
Cost: $38,656 (TX residents), $45,504 (nonresidents)
Admissions Requirements:
- Online application
- High school or previous undergraduate transcripts
- Proof of meningitis vaccine, Texas Success Initiative score or proof of exemption
Online Master’s Degrees in Criminal Justice
A graduate degree in criminal justice prepares individuals for higher-paying and more responsible roles in the field. These programs advance knowledge gained at the undergraduate level and deepen skills in criminology and social science. The best criminal justice schools in Texas also provide opportunities to specialize in areas such as criminal justice administration, public policy, or leadership and management. Graduate programs typically conclude in two to three years with a capstone component, internship, or fieldwork experience.
University of Texas – Permian Basin
For working professionals, the online Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration program at the University of Texas – Permian Basin is a convenient and flexible choice. Students can study at their own pace via the 24/7 virtual classroom, learning whenever and wherever is best for their schedule. All courses are taught by professionals in the criminal justice field, offering real-world experience and networking opportunities to students and with full time study, the 30-credit master’s program can be completed in about one year. Plus, the program doesn’t require a GRE for admission.
Location: Midland, Odessa
Mode: Online
Cost: $11,729
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
- Minimum 3.0 GPA in last 60 credit hours
- Resume showing relevant professional experience
- Personal essay
- Three letters of recommendation from employers and/or professors
Online Doctorates & Graduate Certificates in Criminal Justice
For professionals interested in working at the highest levels in the industry, a doctorate in criminal justice is an option. Degree-holders typically work in academic or research-oriented roles in areas such as forensic investigation, policy administration, and postsecondary education. Candidates usually graduate within five years, but timelines can vary widely since students usually must complete and defend original dissertation projects in addition to core coursework in topics such as victimology and crime mapping.
Another option is a non-degree graduate certificate. Graduate certificates in criminal justice give working professionals with some academic experience the chance to gain new skills without committing to an entire degree program. This means you can maintain your current professional position and advance your career at the same time. Many certificate programs only take a year to complete and most focus on a single skill or topics like correctional practice, leadership and management, or criminal investigation.
Sam Houston State University
Sam Houston State University offers an online certificate in Criminal Justice Leadership and Management. The certificate program consists of 18 credit hours and can be completed in about one year. Students enroll in two 7.5-week classes per semester, making the program a manageable choice for working professionals. And if you’re considering an advanced degree, upon completion of the certificate program, students will have half the credits necessary for a Master of Science in Criminal Justice Leadership and Management.
Location: Huntsville
Mode: Online
Cost: $13,353 (TX resident), $20,733 (nonresident)
Admissions Requirements:
- Online application
- Undergraduate degree from an accredited institution with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 for the final 30 credits
- Official transcripts
- Resume and evidence of current employment in the criminal justice field, with at least one year of experience
- Personal essay
FAQs from Texas Students: Online CJ Programs
How important is accreditation for criminal justice programs in Texas?
Accreditation ensures that a school lives up to a certain standard and that it’s worth your time and money. If you plan on transferring credits perhaps toward a bachelor’s degree or applying for financial aid, regional or national accreditation is a must.
Can I get help paying for my criminal justice degree in Texas?
Although some of the best criminal justice schools in Texas offer affordable tuition rates, costs for any degree program can still be significant. Financial aid can help alleviate some of the financial burden. Grants and scholarship awards are excellent ways to finance your education because they do not need to be repaid and are sometimes renewable.
Many Texas criminal justice schools extend financial aid opportunities to new and returning students, especially at the graduate level. Such awards are typically need- or merit-based and are often limited to enrolled students. Organizations like the Texas Jail Association and the Texas Corrections Association also extend scholarships to criminal justice students. For more information on financial aid opportunities, see our scholarship listing and our main financial aid guide.
What kind of degree do I need to work in criminal justice?
It depends. An associate’s degree may be sufficient if you’re interested in a role as a police officer or correctional officer (although some states don’t require a degree for these roles). If you’re already a working professional with a bachelor’s degree, a graduate-level certificate will allow you to focus on a particular sub-set of criminal justice without the time commitment of a full degree. Meanwhile, if you want to pursue a career as a college professor, you’ll probably need a doctoral degree in criminal justice.
How much do criminal justice jobs pay in Texas?
Your specific location and role will determine your salary. For example, the mean wage for police and sheriff’s patrol officers in Texas is $76,550. Comparatively, if you pursue a PhD and a career as a college professor in criminal justice, you can expect a mean wage of $83,470 in Texas. In general, individuals with advanced degrees will have higher earning potential and more career advancement opportunities.
How much do criminal justice programs cost in Texas?
Costs vary widely according to degree type, duration, and more. For example, an in-district student at Central Texas College will pay $7,500 for an associate degree while a bachelor’s degree at West Texas A&M University will cost more than $45,000 for those who aren’t residents of Texas. Keep in mind, however, that financial aid is available, and given the flexibility and convenience of studying at home and on your own schedule, online programs can eliminate the costs associated with travel time to and from campus.
Criminal Justice Salaries and Careers in Texas
| Area | Occupation | 10th Percentile | 90th Percentile | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | Correctional Officers and Jailers | $41,660 | $60,010 | $48,030 |
| Texas | Court, Municipal, and License Clerks | $32,140 | $55,120 | $43,040 |
| Texas | Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary | $36,820 | $133,600 | $76,680 |
| Texas | Detectives and Criminal Investigators | $47,530 | $136,120 | $89,390 |
| Texas | Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers | $48,610 | $97,700 | $74,010 |
| Texas | Private Detectives and Investigators | $34,660 | $95,150 | $49,740 |
| Texas | Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists | $40,210 | $64,730 | $47,470 |
| Texas | Security Guards | $24,330 | $46,760 | $31,530 |
| Texas | Social Workers | $38,890 | $121,080 | $82,910 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | Occupation | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | Correctional Officers and Jailers | 41,300 | 40,290 | -1,010 | -2.40% |
| Texas | Court, Municipal, and License Clerks | 15,690 | 17,340 | 1,650 | 10.50% |
| Texas | Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,170 | 1,280 | 110 | 9.40% |
| Texas | Detectives and Criminal Investigators | 18,760 | 20,100 | 1,340 | 7.10% |
| Texas | Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers | 59,930 | 66,550 | 6,620 | 11.00% |
| Texas | Private Detectives and Investigators | 2,720 | 3,390 | 670 | 24.60% |
| Texas | Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists | 7,160 | 7,880 | 720 | 10.10% |
| Texas | Security Guards | 92,620 | 110,280 | 17,660 | 19.10% |
| Texas | Social Workers | 3,630 | 4,200 | 570 | 15.70% |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Student Resources for Texas Criminal Justice Students
Whether you’re a criminal justice student or a recent graduate, it’s important to stay connected to what’s going on in the sector, including hiring trends and legislative news. The following criminal justice resources can offer information, provide networking opportunities, and give a deeper understanding of the field.
- Correctional Management Institute of Texas: This Huntsville-based institute is affiliated with Sam Houston State University and works to enhance corrections by conducting field research. It also sponsors training and continuing education opportunities in criminal justice and law enforcement.
- Fighting for Justice Scholarship: Offered by Texas-based firm Barbieri Law, this selective scholarship is reserved for criminal justice students who are residents of the state or attend school there.
- Reimagining Justice Podcast: From the Texas Judicial Commission on Mental Health, this podcast explores the intersection between mental health and the criminal justice system. The podcast interviews mental health professionals, judges, and public safety professionals for their insight and expertise.
- Texas Center for Justice & Equity: This organization partners with local sponsors and criminal justice professionals to build safer communities and reform correctional practices. It maintains an extensive resource center, crafts white papers, and hosts regional events.
- Texas Corrections Association: This association supports local criminal justice and corrections professionals through professional development opportunities and mentorship. It offers scholarships to qualified criminal justice students, recognizes outstanding work in the field, and updates its members with new job ads.
- Texas Department of Criminal Justice: This state agency oversees criminal justice efforts throughout Texas and manages several correctional facilities. It keeps an active job board for new openings, publicizes relevant news, and generates an active directory of facilities and initiatives.
- Texas Incarcerated Families Association – Criminal Justice Blogs: This website is a great resource for individuals navigating the criminal justice system in Texas—whether personally or professionally. The site also has a list of blogs that include first-hand accounts from incarcerated individuals.
- Texas Jail Association: Established in 1986, the Texas Jail Association represents correction officers employed in local jails across the state. It hosts industry conferences, extends scholarships and awards, and develops policy positions on key issues.
- Texas Sheriffs’ Association: This site has a link to the current sheriffs’ handbook, legislative updates, and information on scholarships. It’s a great resource for anyone considering a career in a county sheriff’s department.
- University of Texas Arlington – Society of Criminal Justice Students: Many schools have their own criminal justice societies or associations, so this is just one example. The society affiliated with UT-Arlington brings in speakers in the profession, hosts career fairs, and more.
Top-Rated Online Criminal Justice Programs in Texas
To help you in your search for a top-notch school in Texas, we ranked criminal justice schools based on criteria such as student outcomes, affordability, and the percentage of online course offerings. And before we even a consider a school for our rankings list, we check to make sure it’s accredited and offers essential student services such as academic and career counseling. For more detailed information, view the About the Rankings link below.