Criminal Justice

Explore on This Page

• Our Program
• Degrees & Certificates
• How Much Time & Money to Finish?
• Earn More Choices & More Money
• Start on Your Pathway!

Our Program

Why Choose Criminal Justice?

• Serve your community through the diverse, exciting, and rewarding career options law enforcement offers
• Earn the 2-year degree more state and 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 and 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

About Basic Peace Officer Certification

Licensing Notice: Texas House Bill 1508

This program prepares you for an occupational license. However, you may not be eligible for licensing if you have a prior criminal history.

For more details, see Texas House Bill 1508 Licensing Requirements

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

Explore the TCC Catalog and view the list of courses you will need to take for your degree or certificate.

Degree

• Criminal Justice, AAS

Certificate

Level 1

• Basic Peace Officer Certification
• Criminal Justice and Policing

Occupational Skills Award

• Security Management

Credits for Transfer

These courses provide transferable credit only and do not lead to a degree or certificate.

Northeast, Northwest, Trinity River & TCC Connect Campuses

• Criminal Justice Field of Study

Continuing Education Programs

• Basic Peace Officer

How Much Time & Money to Finish?

2026–2027 Academic Year

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

• Talk to your advisor about planning for transfer
• Explore transfer schools

Start on Your Pathway!