Criminal Justice

Quick Facts

Criminal justice professionals protect lives and communities.

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Job Titles & Career Info

Our Program

Why Choose Criminal Justice?

  • Serve your community through the diverse, exciting & rewarding career options law enforcement offers
  • Earn the 2-year degree more state & local law enforcement agencies now require
  • Be able to continue your studies by transferring your associate degree credits to a 4-year institution
  • Choose from a diverse selection of careers

Prepare for What You Will Do at Work

  • Police officers maintain order and keep their communities safe by enforcing the law and patrolling the communities. They also search for or arrest criminals.
  • Correctional officers supervise those who have been arrested and are awaiting trial. They also transport prisoners between the courtroom and other secure facilities.
  • Security guards patrol and monitor premises to prevent crime and infractions of rules. They may also operate metal detectors or other similar equipment.

Marketable Skills You Will Learn

  • Critical thinking
  • Reasoning
  • Communication
  • Personal & social responsibility
  • Teamwork
  • Computer literacy

Before You Enroll, Think About:

  • Our Criminal Justice A.A.S. does not result in Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) certification.
  • Some careers in criminal justice will require education in addition to a 2-year A.A.S.
  • Law enforcement is a physically and mentally demanding occupation.
  • Law enforcement requires excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • 3 skills or work style traits that will help you succeed in this field:
    • Stress tolerance
    • Perceptiveness
    • Integrity

Need a boost to get ready for college?

Talk to your advisor about Developmental Studies if your TSI scores say you need some help in math or reading and writing.

Degrees & Certificates

Degree

Certificate

Level 1

Occupational Skills Award

Transfer

Northeast, Northwest, Trinity River & TCC Connect Campuses

How Much Time & Money to Finish?

2023–2024 Academic Year

Degree or Certificate Program Title Semester Credit Hours Total Tuition & Fees
AAS Criminal Justice 60 $4,140
CRT1 Basic Peace Officer Certification 18 $1,242
OSA Security Management 9 $621
FOS Criminal Justice Field of Study 15 $1,035

Notes:

  • Tuition is based on in-state, in-county rates.
  • Totals do not include textbooks and other materials.

Continuing Education Programs

Time commitments and fees vary depending on the course.

Earn More Choices & More Money

Transfer to a college or university to continue your studies. Earning a bachelor’s degree opens the door to promotion opportunities.

For example, you will be ready to work toward:

  • Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice
  • Bachelor of Arts in Victim Studies
  • Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security Studies

Next steps

Start on Your Pathway!

Contact

Northwest Campus

Jason Clark-Miller
Program Coordinator

Call 817-515-7570

Email jason.clarkmiller@tccd.edu

Northwest Campus

Cade Hart
Career Advisor—Public Services Division

Call 817-515-7289

Email cade.hart@tccd.edu

Please call or email me to make an appointment.

Northwest Campus

Donna Herndon
Administrative Assistant

Call 817-515-7660

Email donna.herndon@tccd.edu

Please call or email me to make an appointment.

Updated February 07, 2024