Texas Community Colleges

Criminal Justice

Degree and Certificate Programs

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Do you desire to make your community a better place? If so, a degree in Criminal Justice from Western Texas College offers many opportunities to use your skills for the greater good.


PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

  • WTC designed the Criminal Justice Program to have a real-world perspective. 
  • Faculty use their real-life work experience to enhance the instructional curriculum.
  • Work-based credit: If you have completed basic police or corrections academy training, you may be eligible to receive college credit toward your Criminal Justice degree. 

DEGREE & CERTIFICATES OFFERED

The Criminal Justice Program offers the Associate of Applied Science Degree (2 years) and two certificate options.

  • Criminal Justice Certificate (1-year)
  • Security/Loss Prevention Specialist Certificate (1-year)* 

For course descriptions and tuition and fee information, please see the Course Catalog.

Download the White Paper

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES & OUTLOOK

WTC prepares graduates for entry-level jobs in many Criminal Justice fields, including:

  • Corrections
  • Investigation
  • Juvenile Justice
  • Law Enforcement
  • Probation/Parole
  • Security and Loss Prevention. 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, most positions will see growth through 2030, including police and detectives (7%), probation and correctional treatment specialists (4%), and security (15%).

GAINFUL EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION

TAKE THE NEXT STEP

Ready to apply? Check out our New Student Checklist. For more information on applying to the program, please contact:

Brian Martinez
Instructor
brian.martinez@wtc.edu

Shawn Fonville
Dean of Career & Technical Education
Building 15, Room 108
shawn.fonville@wtc.edu
325-574-7645

 

*Pending approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.