Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice Programs in Texas
Texas has always been at the forefront of the criminal justice field in the United States, thanks to its large size and ever-growing population. Because of this, this state is often first to explore new measures and research that protect victims, reduce recidivism, and strengthen society. If you would like to work toward these goals alongside other professionals, find out more about bachelor’s in criminal justice programs in Texas by contacting the schools listed below.
One of the biggest areas of change in Texas is juvenile justice reform. When legislators and researchers realized that youth offenders are less likely to reoffend when they are part of a community-based program, they made it a goal to increase the number of these programs in Texas. You may use your education and training to set juvenile offenders on the right path for their lives.
Working in criminal justice requires flexibility, tact, and the ability to cooperate with those in legislation and other parts of the government. Strong criminal justice professionals can help create bills that are less likely to be vetoed and build up the criminal justice system of the state.
Getting Your Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice in Texas
Each school in Texas has its own criminal justice requirements, so it may be worth your time to look into different programs, explore their curricula, and find out what you are expected to learn by the time you graduate. This can help you choose a school that fits in with your learning goals. In many cases, schools hope to produce graduates that are confident in any criminal justice setting, well-versed in Texas laws and statutes, invested in the safety of their community, and dedicated to the ethical treatment of all people.
These can be some fairly lofty goals, which is why you have to take so many courses throughout your education. By the time you graduate, you may have completed classes like Courtroom Procedures, Corrections Systems and Practices, Police Systems and Practices, Fundamentals of Criminal Law, Penology, Statistics for Criminal Justice, and Modern Criminal Justice Topics.
Throughout Texas, there are several scholarship opportunities for students who display academic growth or financial need. Examples of school-based scholarships include the Steve Willis Criminal Justice Memorial Scholarship and the Keith Ruiz Criminal Justice Memorial Scholarship. Another source of scholarships in Texas is the Sheriffs’ Association of Texas, which awards scholarships to current college students.
Working With Your Criminal Justice Degree in Texas
You may earn a range of salaries as a criminal justice professional in Texas. Texas bailiffs claim a median income of $41,800 per year, while forensic science technicians report earning an average of $43,700 per year (O*Net, 2014).
Anticipated job growth rates in this area are very exciting. Between 2012 and 2022, forensic science technicians may have a 17% increase in job openings (O*Net, 2012). Bailiffs may see their demand jump by 18% during this time period (O*Net, 2012).
Take the first step to a criminal justice career today and contact criminal justice schools in Texas.
