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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
Associate in Science - Criminal Justice Field of Study, A.S.
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. The requirements below must be completed in addition to Field of Study Curriculum the degree requirements in order to complete all program requirements for this specialization..
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Associate in Science, A.S.
- Duration
- 2 years (full time)
- Program Format
-
- In-Person
- Hybrid
- Campus Location
- Total Minimum Credits: 60
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View the Associate in Science - Criminal Justice Field of Study, A.S. degree plan to see the total credit hours required.
- Cost
-
Enter the semester credit hours into the Tuition & Cost Calculator to estimate tuition.
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.
STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO:
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Demonstrate outcomes set forth in TCOLE Course 1000 (WECM statement of end-of-course outcomes.)
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Articulate key concepts in police science and criminal justice.
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Analyze and apply research to Texas Penal Code Law, Code of Criminal Procedure, Family Code, Health and Safety Code, and Transportation Code.
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Demonstrate knowledge of and commitment to law enforcement professional, ethical, and legal obligations.
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Rodney Jackson
- Duration
- 2 years (full time)
- Program Format
-
- In-Person
- Campus Location
- Total Minimum Credits: 60
-
View the Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement, A.A.S. Program degree plan to see the total credit hours required.
- Cost
-
Enter the semester credit hours into the Tuition & Cost Calculator to estimate tuition.
Basic Peace Officer Licensing, C1
The Basic Peace Officer Licensing program prepares students for a career as a Texas Peace Officer. Upon successful completion, students take the state licensure examination. Students must be at least 21 years of age and a US citizen, submit to fingerprinting for a criminal history report, physical examination and drug screen, psychological evaluation, achieve an acceptable score in English and reading on the COMPASS test, and have a high school diploma or GED. Students must meet stringent requirements that exceed general college rules for enrollment and completion of this program. Students may enroll in day (full or part-time) or night (part-time) classes.
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.
The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) establishes eligibility. HCC requires documentation that a cadet is ready for college-level reading and writing prior to admission. A member of our staff will examine your transcript to determine if you meet the academic prerequisites.
The general requirements:
High School Diploma or GED
College-Ready Reading & Writing
21 Years of Age Before Graduation from the Academy
Generally No Prior Convictions, Community Supervision, or Deferred Adjudication
Examination by a Physician, Including a Drug Screening
Examination by a Psychologist
Honorable Discharge if Prior Military Service
Valid Texas Driver's License
United States Citizen
Social Security Car
The HCC Police Academy Occupational licensure and/or certification program graduates are licensed by Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE).
TCOLE welcomes law enforcement officers from other areas considering a career move to Texas. Please carefully review the “Out of State/Federal Application” found under the Forms and Applications section.
Please note, every attempt is made to ensure the above information is accurate and up to date; however, some information is subject to change.
If you have any questions or encounter problems contacting the appropriate licensing board, please contact the
Program Director at (713) 718-8361.
| Program/Aligned Award |
Agency Standard |
HCC Standard |
2021-2022 Pass Rate (#Passed) |
2022-2023 Pass Rate (#Passed) |
2023-2024 Pass Rate (#Passed) |
2023-2024 Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice AAS |
80% | 80% | 96% (52) | 100% (162) |
100% (1197) |
Above Expectations |
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Rodney Jackson
- Duration
- 2 semesters (full time)
- Program Format
-
- In-Person
- Campus Location
- Total Minimum Credits for the Level 1 Certificate: 24
-
View the Basic Peace Officer Licensing, C1 to see the total credit hours required.
- Cost
-
Enter the semester credit hours into the Tuition & Cost Calculator to estimate tuition.
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.
Basic Peace Officer Licensing, CE Certificate
- Program Format
-
- In-Person
- Campus Location
- Total minimum contact hours for this certificate: 776
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View the Continuing Education Certificate catalog listing to see the total courses required.
- Cost
-
Total cost: $1,629