TARLETON STATE UNIVERSITY • DEPARTMENT OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Justice Starts Here.
Prepare for a career that matters through flexible degree programs, specialized certificates, professional training, research, internships and global learning experiences.
FOLLOW THE STORY
Stay Connected
See Criminal Justice in action.
LEARN • LEAD • SERVE
Criminal Justice Education Built for the Real World
Tarleton State University combines rigorous criminal justice education with practical experience, research, professional development and career-focused learning. Whether you are beginning your degree, advancing your career, adding a specialized credential or preparing for graduate study, you can build a pathway that fits your goals.
5
Certificates
3
Specialized Minors
2
Undergraduate Programs
19
Faculty
PROGRAMS & DEGREES
Choose Your Criminal Justice Path
From your first undergraduate course through doctoral research, Tarleton provides pathways for students at every stage of their criminal justice education.
UNDERGRADUATE
B.S. in Criminal Justice
Build a broad foundation in criminal justice, criminology, law, research, policing, courts and corrections while preparing for professional service or graduate education.
FLEXIBLE UNDERGRADUATE PATHWAY
B.A.A.S. in Criminal Justice Administration
A flexible degree-completion pathway designed to help working professionals and transfer students turn prior education, workforce training and experience into progress toward a bachelor’s degree.
GRADUATE • ONLINE
Master of Criminal Justice
Advance your knowledge of criminal justice systems, research, policy, administration and applied practice through graduate-level study designed for emerging and experienced professionals.
DOCTORAL
Ph.D. in Criminal Justice
Prepare to transform criminal justice practice through advanced research, policy analysis, applied scholarship and leadership in Tarleton’s cohort-based doctoral program.
BUILD YOUR SPECIALTY
Certificates & Minors
Add targeted expertise in crime analysis, cybersecurity, homeland security, alternative dispute resolution, criminal law or conservation law enforcement.
Undergraduate Crime Analysis Certificate
15 credit hours • Crime mapping • Statistics • Research • Data-informed decision-making
Undergraduate Cyber Security Certificate
15 credit hours • Digital evidence • Computer forensics • Ethical hacking • Network defense • Cybercrime
Specialized Undergraduate Minors
Criminal Law Minor
18 hours focused on criminal law, courts, investigations, evidence and constitutional procedure.
Homeland Security Minor
18 hours focused on terrorism, cybersecurity, international affairs and contemporary security challenges.
Conservation Law Enforcement Minor
Connect law enforcement with wildlife law, conservation, environmental policy and natural-resource protection.
GRADUATE CERTIFICATE
Homeland Security
12 credit hours • Terrorism • Homeland security • Global cybersecurity • Transnational threats
GRADUATE CERTIFICATE
Graduate Crime Analysis
12 credit hours • 100% online • Crime mapping • Applied research • Courses apply toward the MCJ
GRADUATE CERTIFICATE
Alternative Dispute Resolution
12 credit hours • Mediation • Negotiation • Communication • Arbitration • Conflict management
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
Learn by Doing
Turn coursework into experience through internships, international programs, professional organizations and academic recognition.
Internships
Gain supervised professional experience, build practical skills and explore career options through the Criminal Justice Internship Program.
Study Abroad: Prague
Study criminal justice, law, democratization, human rights, history and culture through immersive learning in the heart of Europe.
Study Abroad: Taipei
Explore policing, courts, technology, democracy, culture and criminal justice in one of East Asia’s most dynamic societies.
Alpha Phi Sigma
Join the national Criminal Justice Honor Society and receive recognition for academic excellence, leadership, service and achievement.
Criminal Justice Society
Connect with fellow students, build professional relationships, participate in activities and become more engaged with the Criminal Justice community.
FOR WORKING PROFESSIONALS
Turn Experience Into Opportunity
Tarleton offers pathways designed to recognize professional preparation and help criminal justice practitioners continue their education.
Credit for Prior Training
Eligible law enforcement, corrections, military, academy and criminal justice workforce training may qualify for college credit toward the B.A.A.S. in Criminal Justice Administration.
Peace Officer Tuition Exemption
Eligible Texas peace officers may receive an exemption from tuition and laboratory fees for qualifying undergraduate criminal justice courses.
FACULTY & RESEARCH
Learn From Faculty Who Connect Theory, Research & Practice
Our faculty bring expertise across criminology, policing, crime analysis, cybersecurity, corrections, courts, victimization, law, homeland security, international justice, research methods and criminal justice administration.
Students learn from faculty engaged in scholarship, professional service, applied research and partnerships with criminal justice agencies and communities.
FACULTY RESEARCH & IMPACT
Research That Addresses Real-World Challenges
Our faculty lead interdisciplinary research institutes that connect rigorous scholarship with law enforcement agencies, community partners, students and practitioners.
POLICING • DATA • TECHNOLOGY
Institute for Predictive and Analytical Policing Science
The Institute advances education and evidence-based research in predictive and analytical policing. Faculty and students work with law enforcement agencies to conduct applied research, provide crime-analysis training and transform data into actionable intelligence.
INSTITUTE DIRECTOR
Dr. Olga Semukhina
Professor & Department Head
RESEARCH & ENGAGEMENT
Crime analysis • Spatial analysis • Predictive policing • Data-driven policing • Law enforcement partnerships • Crime analyst training
VICTIMIZATION • RESEARCH • COMMUNITY
Institute on Violence Against Women & Human Trafficking
The Institute supports research, education and outreach addressing violence against women and human trafficking. Faculty and students collaborate with community organizations and public agencies on solution-based research, training and experiential learning.
INSTITUTE DIRECTOR
Dr. Tara O’Connor Shelley
Professor & Associate Dean
RESEARCH & ENGAGEMENT
Violence against women • Human trafficking • Intimate partner violence • Victimization • Evidence-based response • Community partnerships
Faculty & Student Stories
TEXAN VOICES
Experience Criminal Justice Through Their Stories
Students, faculty and alumni share how Tarleton Criminal Justice transforms education into research, professional experience and meaningful careers.
STUDENT PERSPECTIVE
“
I chose the criminal justice program because it pushes you to be your best. At Tarleton, I’ve been encouraged to challenge myself, grow academically and personally, and explore opportunities that will prepare me to help people get the justice they deserve.
Samuel Ruiz
B.S. Student
Class of 2027
ALUMNA PERSPECTIVE
“
Tarleton’s doctoral program strengthened my ability to lead with purpose, apply research to practice, and support the emergency dispatchers who serve as calm, compassionate voices during people’s most critical moments.
Sofia Brabham
Public Safety & Mental Health Analyst
Tarrant 9-1-1 District
ADJUNCT PERSPECTIVE
“
As a police chief and longtime law enforcement practitioner, I bring the realities of leading an agency, serving a community, and adapting to changes in public safety directly into the classroom.
Jonathan White
Chief of Police
Rosenberg Police Department
Your Criminal Justice Story Starts Here.
Join a community of students, scholars and professionals making an impact.
Department of Criminal Justice
O.A. Grant Building • Stephenville, Texas • 254-968-9106 • cjadmin@tarleton.edu
