Criminal Justice

associate degree options

Associate of Applied Science (AAS) - Criminal Justice

Midland College offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Criminal Justice . The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Criminal Justice degree provides education and training for developing a marketable skill in law enforcement and may qualify the graduate for admission into a Bachelor of Applied Science program at certain colleges or universities.

Associate of Arts Degree in General Studies (AA)

Midland College has developed a guide for students who intend to transfer to a four-year institution and major in Criminal Justice. Students who complete the courses outlined in this guide and who meet the Requirements for a Degree will be awarded an Associate of Arts (AA) degree in General Studies. The courses listed in the Criminal Justice transfer guide include the State’s Core Curriculum. Students should consult their MC advisors or the most recent catalog of the university that they plan to attend to determine current transfer requirements.

Certificate - Criminal Justice

Midland College also offers a certificate in Criminal Justice and is available to individuals who need to document certain coursework. 

FIELD OF STUDY - CRIMINAL JUSTICE

The AAS and certificate in Criminal Justice, along with the Criminal Justice transfer guide for the AA in General Studies, include the five Criminal Justice Field of Study (CJFOS) courses designated by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. These courses are guaranteed to transfer to any Texas public university and apply toward a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.

CREDIT FOR LICENSURE - CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Students who have current, active certifications or licenses in fields aligned with Criminal Justice curricula may be eligible to receive credit in specific courses. Students should contact the Department Chair for additional information. 

 

Universities offering advanced degrees in Criminal Justice

• Sul Ross State University
• University of Texas of the Permian Basin
• Angelo State University
• University of Texas at Arlington
• Sam Houston State University

Midland College has articulation agreements with a variety of schools and programs to assist our students with transferring to a university. Our curriculum maps, located in the catalog, provide a guided path for general transfer to our top five receiving institutions; however, your Pathways Advisor can assist you with a personalized plan for your specific transfer based on university and program. It is strongly recommended and encouraged that you contact your Pathways Advisor for assistance with course selection if you plan to transfer.

Marketable Skills

Pursuing a degree in this field of study will provide marketable skills in these areas:

• Speaking – Talking to others
• Critical Thinking – Analyzing and evaluating in order to make an informed judgment
• Reading Comprehension – Reading work-related information with understanding and ability to apply the law and policy and procedures
• Learning Strategies – Knowing how to learn, based on effective training and learning strategies
• Active Listening – Listening to others to better identify the needs, challenges and successes of employers and the public
• Instructing – The ability to teach a subject or skill
• Writing – The ability to convey thoughts and ideas in clearly and comprehensively
• Active Learning – The ability to apply ideas and concepts to solve problems, either individually or collaboratively
• Judgment and Decision Making – The ability to consider options and come to sensible conclusions while applying the law and policy and procedures 
• Monitoring – Keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
• Complex Problem Solving – The capability to solve new, ill-defined problems by considering alternative solutions
• Time Management – Effectively and productively managing your time and the time of other people

Career Opportunities

Depending on the levels of education and experience achieved, possible career paths include:

• Police office
• Probation officer
• Border patrol officer
• Compliance officer
• Corrections officer
• A sheriff or deputy sheriff
• A state police officer, trooper or highway patrol officer
• Security director

Demand

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment is projected to grow 7% from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations. The continued need for public safety is expected to lead to new openings for officers, although demand may vary by location.

Local, State Law Enforcement Agencies

• Texas Commission on Law Enforcement
• Texas Department of Public Safety
• Midland Police Department
• Midland County Sheriff's Office
• Lubbock Police Department
• Texas Parks and Wildlife
• University of Texas System Police

Federal Law Enforcement Agencies

• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
• U.S. Marshals Service
• U.S. Secret Service
• U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)
• Department of Homeland Security

State Criminal Justice Agencies

• Texas Department of Criminal Justice
• Texas Bureau of Pardons and Paroles
• Texas Attorney General
• Texas Courts

To be considered for a scholarship, please follow the link below:

General Scholarships