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Criminal Justice
The Criminal Justice program at Houston City College offers an AA transfer pathway and an AAS degree with concentrations in law enforcement, corrections, or juvenile justice. A Basic Peace Officer Licensing certificate is also available. Students must be 21 or older to enter the police academy, and Texas requires a four-year degree for careers such as probation officer or protective services worker.
Programs
Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement, A.A.S.
This two-year program prepares students for a career in Law Enforcement. Upon successful completion of the program, students obtain an AAS degree and the opportunity to take the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) State Licensing Exam. This program satisfies all the educational requirements for such agencies as the Houston Police Department and the Department of Public Safety. Most of the coursework may be taken at any of the HCC campuses; however, the last semester must be taken at HCC Northeast Campus.
This two-year program prepares students for a career in Law Enforcement. Upon successful completion of the program, students obtain an AAS degree and the opportunity to take the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) State Licensing Exam. This program satisfies all the educational requirements for such agencies as the Houston Police Department and the Department of Public Safety. Most of the coursework may be taken at any of the HCC campuses; however, the last semester must be taken at HCC Northeast Campus.
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) allows students to earn only one AAS in Criminal Justice.
In addition, please note that a student may only earn one Occupational Skills Award (OSA) per academic year.
You can not be placed in any Law Enforcement AAS plan until you have completed the TCOLE certificate (Basic Peace Officer Academy).
TSI testing required prior to first enrollment for all AAS degrees and Level II certificates.
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Rodney Jackson
Basic Peace Officer Licensing, CE Certificate
The Criminal Justice program consists of the AA transfer plan for Criminal Justice, the AAS in Criminal Justice with concentrations in law enforcement, corrections, or juvenile justice, and the following certificate: Basic Peace Officer Licensing. Texas requires a four-year degree to qualify as a probation officer or protective service worker. Students must be 21 or older to enter the police academy.
Have Questions?
We are here to help.