Criminal Justice – Dual Credit
About the Career
Emergencies arise at a moment’s notice, and law enforcement officers stand ready to respond. Police and security officers are an essential part of society, and those charged to protect may serve in the following roles: peace officer, state and federal law enforcement officer, probation officer, parole officer, correctional officer and private security officer.
Median hourly pay: $28.97
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Job Market and Salary
Police Officer
| Police Officer | Average Median Salary | Percentage of Growth by 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Houston Region | $53,810 | 1.6% |
| Texas | $52,130 | 1.6% |
| National | $56,980 | 5% |
Attorney
| Attorney | Average Median Salary | Percentage of Growth by 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Houston Region | $110,875 | 15% |
| Texas | $141,240 | 14% |
| National | $113,530 | 10% |
About the Program
The Criminal Justice Program prepares students who are seeking careers as police officers, sheriff’s deputies, state or federal law enforcement officers, prosecutors or probation and parole officers. Classes transfer to a four-year university.
Contact Information
Please speak with the dual credit advisor or college connection advisor at your high school.
Criminal Justice Certificate
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CRIJ 1301 – Introduction to Criminal Justice
This course provides a historical and philosophical overview of the American criminal justice system, including the nature, extent and impact of crime; criminal law; and justice agencies and processes.
Prerequisite: TSI Reading 351
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CRIJ 1306 – Court Systems and Practices
This course is a study of the court system as it applies to the structures, procedures, practices and sources of law in American courts, using federal and Texas statutes and case law.
Prerequisite: TSI Reading 351
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CRIJ 1310 – Fundamentals of Criminal Law
This course is the study of criminal law including application of definitions, statutory elements, defenses and penalties using Texas statutes, the Model Penal Code and case law. The course also analyzes the philosophical and historical development of criminal law and criminal culpability.
Prerequisite: TSI Reading 351
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CRIJ – Correctional Systems and Practices
This course is a survey of institutional and non-institutional corrections. Emphasis will be placed on the organization and operation of correctional systems; treatment and rehabilitation; populations served; Constitutional issues; and current and future issues.
Prerequisite: TSI Reading 351
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CRIJ 2328 – Police Systems and Practices
This course examines the establishment, role and function of police in a democratic society. It will focus on types of police agencies and their organizational structure, police-community interaction, police ethics, and use of authority.
Prerequisite: TSI Reading 351
Schedule
| Semester | Course | Credit Hours Contact Hours |
Days | Times | Tuition (In/Out District) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 – Fall | CRIJ 1301 | 3 / 48 | 2 days/week | 1:30 – 2:50 p.m. | $200 / $250 |
| Year 1 – Spring | CRIJ 1306 | 3 / 48 | 2 days/week | 1:30 – 2:50 p.m. | $200 / $250 |
| Year 2 – Fall | CRIJ 1310 | 3 / 48 | 2 days/week | 1:30 – 2:50 p.m. | $200 / $250 |
| Year 2 – Spring | CRIJ 2313 or 2328 | 3 / 48 | 2 days/week | 1:30 – 2:50 p.m. | $200 / $250 |
TSI Assessment: Reading – 351
Credential: 12 credit hours toward Associate of Arts in criminal justice
COM Next Steps – Stackable Credentials:
- Complete Associate of Arts – Criminal Justice; these courses are transferrable to a four-year university.