Top Criminal Justice Degree Programs In Texas
Texas offers a dynamic environment for building a career in criminal justice, where your skills can directly impact community safety and legal systems. With over 380,000 public safety professionals employed statewide, roles range from police officers and crime scene investigators to cybersecurity analysts and federal agents. An online criminal justice degree gives you the credentials to compete for these positions while maintaining your current job or personal commitments—no need to choose between education and experience.
Salaries in this field reflect Texas’ investment in public safety, with probation officers earning median wages of $54,000 and forensic science technicians reaching $67,000 annually. Federal roles along the state’s extensive border regions often offer higher compensation, with Homeland Security positions frequently exceeding $80,000. The Texas Workforce Commission projects 9% growth for protective service occupations through 2032, driven by population expansion and evolving security needs in cities like Houston and San Antonio.
Major employers actively seeking qualified graduates include the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and county sheriff’s departments in fast-growing areas like Williamson and Collin counties. Reputable programs matter—the University of Houston-Clear Lake delivers coursework aligned with Texas-specific challenges, from border security protocols to urban law enforcement strategies.
Whether you’re aiming to become a corrections supervisor or a digital forensics specialist, online programs adapt to your schedule while connecting you to Texas’ job market. Specialized courses in crisis negotiation, cybercrime, or juvenile justice systems prepare you for real-world scenarios without requiring campus visits. For those exploring next steps, reviewing online criminal justice programs in Texas can clarify how different degrees align with specific career paths, from federal agency work to local community advocacy roles.
This path keeps you engaged with pressing societal issues while building expertise that commands respect across courtrooms, crime labs, and command centers statewide.
Best Online Criminal Justice Degree Programs in Texas
Below are the top-ranked Online Criminal Justice programs in Texas, ranked according to quality, accreditation, cost, and other important factors.
University of Houston-Clear Lake
Criminology and Criminal Justice B.S.
Key Highlights
- This Criminology and Criminal Justice B.S. is designed for students who have completed freshman and sophomore level courses.
- The program focuses on real-world applications within the criminal justice system.
- Graduates will gain knowledge of the criminal justice system, analytical skills, and an understanding of criminal behavior.
- Coursework includes Ethics, Race and Justice, Terrorism and Homeland Security, and Victimology.
- The B.S. can be completed in as little as 2 years.
- Graduates are prepared for careers in public, private, or juvenile justice, or victims' service agencies.
Program Description
The University of Houston-Clear Lake's online Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice program is designed for students who have completed their freshman and sophomore level courses, typically at a community college. The program focuses on real-world applications within the criminal justice system and covers topics such as ethics, race and justice, terrorism and homeland security, and victimology. Graduates are prepared for careers in public, private, or juvenile justice, or victims' service agencies.
Program Features
- Transfer Credits: Accepted
Skills You'll Gain
Knowledge of the criminal justice system, analytical skills, understanding of criminal behavior, research skills, ethical decision-making
Tuition & Costs
- In-State Tuition: $6,600/year
- Out-of-State Tuition: $20,784/year
- Additional Cost Information:Students can save on tuition and fees by taking more courses per semester. Use the tuition calculator to compare costs as course load increases.
Sample Courses
Ethics, Race and Justice, Terrorism and Homeland Security, Victimology
Why Texas is a Smart Choice for Your Online Degree
Choosing Texas for your online criminal justice degree positions you in a state where job opportunities are expanding faster than the national average, with specialized roles driving demand. Projections show Texas outpacing U.S. growth rates in key sectors—for example, postsecondary criminal justice instructor roles are expected to surge by 20% through 2030, adding 170 new positions according to O*NET’s Texas employment trends. This growth reflects Texas’ commitment to training professionals for high-need areas like cybercrime investigation and border security operations, where agencies actively recruit bilingual candidates and those with technical certifications.
You’ll benefit from financial incentives unique to the state, such as the TDCJ’s tuition reimbursement program, which lets you earn while completing your degree if you’re employed in corrections or related fields. Employers like county sheriff’s departments and federal agencies increasingly partner with Texas-based online programs to create pipelines for roles in crisis negotiation, forensic accounting, and homeland security—specializations aligned with the state’s urban expansion and international border dynamics.
Texas’ job market also offers geographic flexibility. While cities like Austin and Dallas lead in cybersecurity hiring, rural regions are expanding probation services and community advocacy roles to address growing populations. The diversity of career paths here goes beyond traditional law enforcement. Networking becomes seamless through statewide professional groups like the Texas Criminal Justice Association, which connects graduates directly to employers hosting virtual recruitment events.
With Texas’ protective service occupations growing nearly twice as fast as the national average in critical specialties, your online degree becomes a strategic entry point. Take the next step—explore how an online criminal justice degree aligns with Texas’ evolving security landscape and positions you for roles that shape communities across the state.
Where Can You Work After Graduation?
After earning your online criminal justice degree in Texas, you’ll find diverse opportunities across state agencies, local law enforcement, and specialized roles. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice consistently hires for positions like correctional officers and parole officers, with entry-level roles often including paid training and state benefits. Their job portal lists over 100 active postings statewide, emphasizing field operations and community supervision. You might work in correctional facilities managing inmate rehabilitation programs or conduct home visits as a parole officer, with opportunities to advance into administrative or investigative roles.
In Houston, the police department stands out as a major employer, offering competitive salaries averaging $71,380 annually for police officers according to 2024 criminal justice program rankings. The city also has growing demand for crime scene investigators, particularly in forensic units that collaborate with regional labs. Smaller municipalities across Texas, like those in Dallas-Fort Worth or San Antonio, frequently post sheriff’s deputy and court coordinator roles on platforms like Indeed’s criminal justice job board, which lists thousands of openings ranging from juvenile case managers to victim advocates.
County-level roles provide another pathway—for example, Harris County regularly recruits probation officers to manage caseloads in its community supervision programs. These positions often include hybrid schedules and tuition reimbursement for advanced certifications. Private sector options include security management firms in Austin, where you could design safety protocols for corporate campuses or event venues.
To maximize your job search, create alerts on TDCJ’s portal and filter Indeed listings by keywords like “compliance” or “case management.” Attend Texas Criminal Justice Association conferences or regional public safety career fairs to connect directly with recruiters. Many agencies prioritize candidates with bilingual skills or crisis intervention training, so highlight these competencies in applications.
What Can You Earn With a Criminal Justice Degree in Texas?
Earning potential with a criminal justice degree in Texas varies based on experience, specialization, and location. Entry-level roles like probation officers or correctional treatment specialists typically start around $31,658 annually according to Talent.com’s 2025 Texas salary data, which aligns with entry-level positions requiring minimal experience. As you gain 3–7 years of experience, salaries often rise to mid-career ranges. ZipRecruiter’s 2025 statewide report shows an average annual salary of $60,563 ($29.12/hour) for criminal justice professionals at this stage, reflecting roles like police detectives or federal investigators. Senior positions with 8+ years of experience can reach $82,594 per year (Talent.com), particularly in leadership roles such as prison wardens or forensic supervisors.
Salaries for degree holders often outpace non-degree roles. For example, ZipRecruiter’s 2025 analysis of degree-specific pay shows criminal justice graduates in Texas earn an average of $26.33/hour, with top earners making $62.58/hour in specialized fields like cybersecurity or federal law enforcement. These figures exceed Texas’ overall hourly average of $23.06 (Talent.com) and suggest a 7–15% premium for degree holders compared to non-degreed professionals.
Geographic location within Texas significantly impacts pay. Urban areas like Houston or Dallas often offer salaries 10–20% higher than rural counties due to higher demand and cost of living. Certifications such as Certified Criminal Justice Specialist (CCJS) or Crisis Intervention Training can boost earnings by $5,000–$12,000 annually, while specializations in forensic accounting or digital forensics command salaries closer to the $70,000–$82,000 range.
While Texas salaries slightly trail the national criminal justice average of $63,000 (BLS 2023), roles in federal agencies or private security firms often match or exceed U.S. norms. Demand for criminal justice professionals in Texas is projected to grow 8% by 2032 (BLS), driven by expansions in cybercrime units and border security initiatives. Fields like crime scene investigation and legal analysis are expected to see faster-than-average wage growth, particularly for bilingual candidates or those with advanced technical skills.
FAQs About Online Criminal Justice Degree Programs in Texas
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take to complete an online criminal justice degree in Texas?
A: Most bachelor’s programs take 4 years full-time, but accelerated options exist. At University of Houston-Clear Lake, taking more courses per semester reduces completion time—use their tuition calculator to estimate timelines based on course load. Part-time students typically finish in 5-6 years.
Q: Can you transfer credits from community colleges to these programs?
A: Yes—most Texas universities accept transfer credits from regionally accredited community colleges. Check if your courses align with program requirements using tools like the Texas Core Curriculum system. Some schools offer credit evaluations during application.
Q: Are there scholarships available for online students in Texas?
A: Yes, including the TDCJ’s tuition reimbursement program for employees and state-specific scholarships like the Texas Public Safety Grant. Universities like UH-Clear Lake also offer institutional aid based on academic performance or financial need.
Q: What jobs can you get with a criminal justice degree in Texas?
A: Roles include probation officer ($54k median salary), federal border patrol agent, crime analyst, or private security manager. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice hires graduates for correctional case manager and parole specialist positions statewide.
Q: Do online programs offer internship opportunities?
A: Many do—programs often partner with local agencies like sheriff’s departments or victim advocacy groups. UH-Clear Lake’s criminology program connects students with fieldwork placements, though requirements vary by school.
Q: How do Texas programs compare to out-of-state options?
A: Texas programs emphasize state-specific needs like border security and cybercrime, with lower in-state tuition rates. Out-of-state online programs may cost 20-40% more unless they offer flat-rate tuition for all students.
Q: Is prior law enforcement experience required for admission?
A: No—most programs only require a high school diploma or GED for bachelor’s degrees. Experience can strengthen applications but isn’t mandatory.
Q: What support services do online students receive?
A: Services include 24/7 tech support, virtual academic advising, and career coaching. UH-Clear Lake provides a dedicated tuition planning tool to help budget for coursework.