BS in Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies

Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies Program Overview

Our online Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies program was created for students who wish to protect and serve their community while bringing about constructive change to the criminal justice system from within. Through this comprehensive and affordable program, you’ll learn about all aspects of the criminal justice system including corrections, courts and law enforcement. Our program uses a multi-disciplinary approach, offering classes from other departments that work closely with the criminal justice profession. The program is comprised of a robust, research-based curriculum. Program courses are taught by faculty who have worked extensively in the criminal justice field. 

Whether you’re a student seeking a major in an increasingly topical field or a current criminal justice professional looking for new skills and credentials to set you apart, you’ll find this program invaluable. Current criminal justice professionals will also appreciate our flexible online courses that accommodate shift work and allow you to complete coursework at your convenience. When you finish your online program, you’ll receive the same respected degree as you would through our campus-based program.


Check out the video below to see a UT Permian Basin alumna share her story:

Tuition Assistance

If you are a law enforcement officer in the state of Texas, you may qualify for tuition assistance under Texas Education Code. Click here to learn more.

Alumni Pathways 

Our online BS in criminology and criminal justice studies program prepares students for rewarding careers in the criminal justice system, providing them with the legal, ethical, and analytical knowledge they need to succeed. Graduates of our online program will thrive as police detectives, private investigators, probation officers, and other related careers within the criminal justice sector. Below are just a few of the organizations our alumni work for:  

  • The State of Texas
  • The City of Odessa, Texas
  • Midland Police Department
  • Denton County Water District Police Department
  • Securitas

Careers for BS in Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies Graduates

A BS in criminology and criminal justice studies from The University of Texas Permian Basin can help prepare you to succeed in a broad range of roles, including:

Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies General Education

Students must complete 42 credits from the following areas of study to complete general education requirements. For Creative Arts - 3 sch are required, for Life/Physical Science - 8 sch are required. 3 or 4 Mathematic sch are required. If a 3 sch Mathematics course is selected, 1 sch is required as a Component area. For Social/Behavioral Science - 3 sch are required. See the catalog for the full list of options or reach out to a faculty member for questions about the courses for this program.

Courses
Duration
Credits
ENGL 1301 - Composition I
16 weeks
3
Composition I offers intensive instruction in the writing process (prewriting, drafting, revising, and proofreading), emphasizing the recursive nature of the process and the importance of the relationship among writer, audience, and subject. The course will also explore the connection between writing and critical thinking and the usefulness of writing as a tool for learning in all fields of knowledge. Students enrolling in Composition I will be expected to have a good command of standard written English.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Whole Spring 2024
ENGL 1302 - Composition II
16 weeks
3
Composition II covers argument, rhetorical analysis and the research paper. In this course students analyze and respond to texts of various kinds through essays and research papers. Students will learn to defend their points of view by using textual evidence and strong rhetoric. Readings and exercises help student learn to write broad-minded, well-informed essays in polished academic prose that moves and educates the reader.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1301 - Composition I
Semesters Offered: Whole Spring 2024
HIST 1301 - History of the United States to 1877
16 weeks
3
A survey of major social, economic, and political developments in the United States from European colonization through Reconstruction.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Whole Spring 2024 Whole Summer 2024 Whole Fall 2024
HIST 1302 - History of the United States Since 1877
16 weeks
3
A survey of major social, economic, and political developments in the United States from 1877 to the present.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Whole Spring 2024 Whole Summer 2024 Whole Fall 2024
ENGL 2322 - British Literature to 1800
16 weeks
3
Chronological survey of major works in British Literature from Anglo-Saxon times, through the Restoration and late 18th century.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1301 - Composition I ENGL 1302 - Composition II
Semesters Offered: Whole Spring 2024 Whole Fall 2024 Whole Spring 2025 Whole Fall 2025
ENGL 2323 - British Literature Since 1800
16 weeks
3
Chronological survey of major works of British Literature from the late 18th century (about 1800) to the Modern Period.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1301 - Composition I ENGL 1302 - Composition II
Semesters Offered: Whole Spring 2024 Whole Fall 2024 Whole Fall 2025
ENGL 2327 - American Literature to 1865
16 weeks
3
Chronological examination of writers, works, and movements in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry through 1865.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1302 - Composition II
Semesters Offered: Whole Spring 2024 Whole Fall 2024 Whole Spring 2025 Whole Fall 2025
ENGL 2328 - American Literature Since 1865
16 weeks
3
Chronological examination of writers, works, and movements in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry from 1865 to the present.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1302 - Composition II
Semesters Offered: Whole Spring 2024 Whole Fall 2024 Whole Spring 2025 Whole Fall 2025
COMM 1301 - Introduction to the Study of Communication
8 weeks
3
An introductory course that surveys the history, development, and future directions of the field of communication. Equal emphasis is placed on understanding application of theory to everyday situations and learning introductory approaches to research.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Summer A 2024 Fall B 2024 Spring B 2025 Summer B 2025
MATH 1314 - College Algebra
16 weeks
4
Study of quadratics, polynomial, rational, logarithmic, and exponential functions; systems of equations; progressions; sequences and series; and matrices and determinants.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Whole Spring 2024 Whole Summer 2024 Whole Fall 2024 Whole Spring 2025 Whole Summer 2025 Whole Fall 2025
MATH 1332 - Contemporary Mathematics I
16 weeks
3
Modern applications of mathematics including graph theory, optimization, data organization, and social decision models.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Whole Spring 2024 Whole Fall 2024
MATH 2412 - Precalculus
16 weeks
4
College algebra (sets, functions, relations, logic), trigonometry (circular functions, logarithms, and exponential functions), and analytic geometry (standard form conic sections).
Prerequisites: MATH 1314 - College Algebra MATH 1324 - Applications of Discrete Mathematics
Semesters Offered: N/A
PLSC 2305 - American National Politics
8 weeks
3
An examination of American national political institutions and processes. Satisfies state requirement in U.S. government.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
PLSC 2306 - State and Local Politics
8 weeks
3
An examination of state and local political institutions and processes. Satisfies state requirement in Texas government.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
COMM 1315 - Introduction to Public Speaking
8 weeks
3
Introduces students to the theory and practice of public speaking, with an emphasis on invention, arrangement, and delivery of informative and persuasive speeches. Further emphasis is given to the reduction of anxieties associated with public speaking.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Summer A 2024 Fall B 2024 Spring B 2025 Summer B 2025
Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies Required Courses

The Bachelor in Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies online requires a minimum of 21 credit hours (7 courses).

Courses
Duration
Credits
CCJS 1301 - Introduction to Criminal Justice Studies
16 weeks
3
An overview of the entire criminal justice system: history and development, law enforcement, prosecution and defense, courts and trial processes, and corrections.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered:
CCJS 3302 - Research Methods in Criminal Justice
16 weeks
3
This course introduces students to the research methodology used in criminal justice research. Emphasis is on the development of a general understanding of why and how research can be and is conducted in the field of criminology and criminal justice.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered:
CCJS 4303 - Theories of Criminal Behavior
16 weeks
3
Principal theories of criminality and the criminal justice system and the application of these theories to the prevention and control of crime.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered:
CCJS 4307 - Senior Internship
16 weeks
3
A supervised field experience in criminal justice, juvenile justice, or social service agency.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered:
CCJS 4308 - Senior Seminar
16 weeks
3
A senior-level seminar course in which students will review and integrate their coursework toward a CCJS degree. This course is available to students who are unable to complete the Senior Internship and must be taken in the student's final semester of study.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered:
Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies Elective Courses

18 credit hours (6 courses). Electives are to be selected from the courses listed below.

Courses
Duration
Credits
CCJS 3320 - Juvenile Delinquency and Justice
16 weeks
3
A study of the juvenile justice system, theories of causation, the distribution and frequency of delinquency, correctional treatments, and prevention programs in modern society.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered:
CCJS 3344 - Probation and Parole
16 weeks
3
The history, philosophy, and development of adult and juvenile probation and parole in the United States are examined.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered:
CCJS 3360 - Criminal Justice Administration
16 weeks
3
Administrative problems and their solutions in correctional and law enforcement programs.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered:
CCJS 3361 - Child Abuse and Neglect
16 weeks
3
The overall objective of this course is help students develop an understanding of the various forms of child abuse, identify the underlying causes of this multifaceted problem, and to appropriately identify the types of services that will benefit maltreated children and their families. The nature and impact of child maltreatment, the ways in which society prevents or responds to it, and the system of responses to child maltreatment are addressed. The course will also cover the importance of promoting social and economic justice for the children and ways to empower children and their parents though the helping process.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered:
CCJS 3389 - Selected Topics
16 weeks
3
Undergraduate courses which will be only offered once or will be offered infrequently or which are being developed before a regular listing in the catalog.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered:
CCJS 4340 - Violence and Murder in the Family
16 weeks
3
The purpose of this course is to provide students with an overview of the theoretical paradigms examining the definitions of, causes or, and interventions for family violence with a specific emphasis on parents who kill their children/stepchildren.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered:
CCJS 4341 - Terrorism
16 weeks
3
This is an introductory course in terrorism. Covered topics include: definitions, origins and history, causes, the role of the media, types of terrorism (state, dissident, religious, international, and domestic), counter-terrorism, homeland security, and future trends.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered:
CCJS 4342 - Police and the Community
16 weeks
3
Examination of the role of police in a democratic society. Topics include professionalism, police discretion, police-community relations, police-minority relations, use of force, and control of police behavior, as well as other selected contemporary issues.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered:
CCJS 4360 - Ethics in Criminal Justice
16 weeks
3
An examination of major ethical issues confronted by persons who work in the criminal justice system. Important appellate court decisions pertaining to those issues will also be reviewed.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered:
CCJS 4361 - Drugs and Behavior
16 weeks
3
This course explores the origins, categories, and treatments on mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders ranging from relatively mild stress and anxiety disorders to the more severe schizophrenias and organic mental disorders. This course is cross-listed with PSYC 4305 and SOCI4305.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered:
CCJS 4389 - Selected Topics
16 weeks
3
Undergraduate courses which will be only offered once or will be offered infrequently or which are being developed before a regular listing in the catalog.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered:

Admission Requirements

The SAT and ACT Exams are optional for the 2023-2024 school year. Test scores will be used as supporting documents to determine admission and scholarship opportunities.

Transfer Student Admission Requirements

  • Minimum of 24 transferable credit hours from a regionally accredited college or university
  • GPA of 2.0 or higher in previous college-level coursework
  • Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
    • Dual-credit high school courses must be included
  • Completed application

Use our transfer calculator to find out how your classes will transfer to UT Permian Basin and which classes will count toward your degree.

Incoming Freshman Admission Requirements

If you have completed less than 24 hours of transferable college-level work from a regionally accredited college or university after graduating from high school or receiving your GED, please provide the following:

  • Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended (including dual-credit work while in high school)
  • Official high school transcript showing GPA, class rank, and expected graduation date or GED scores
  • SAT and/or ACT scores from within the last five years (see below for minimum score requirements)
  • Completed application

Official Transcripts

Official copies of transcripts must come directly from the school in a sealed envelope and should be mailed to:

UT Permian Basin
Office of Admissions
4901 E. University Blvd.
Odessa, TX 79762

Official transcripts in electronic format can be sent to admissions@utpb.edu.

Minimum Score Requirements for Freshman Admission

High School Graduation Class Rank SAT ACT
Top 25% No minimum score No minimum score
2nd Quarter 1020 20
3rd Quarter 1160 24
4th Quarter 1280 27

Application Fee

The application fee is $40.

If you are a freshman applicant, you may request a fee waiver when you apply by sending us your official college application fee waiver form provided by the SAT or ACT. You may also request a fee waiver if the Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) listed on your Student Aid Report is zero.

Lecturer
Coordinator, Criminal Justice Online (CCJO) Program
College of Arts and Sciences
hammon_g@utpb.edu

Professor Hammon teaches many of the UT Permian Basin criminal justice courses offered online. He received an undergraduate degree in criminology from The University of Texas Permian Basin in 1990 and earned his master's degree from Sul Ross State University in 1991. Professor Hammon has been teaching at the college level since 2001, both on campus and online. He has over 15 years of experience in law enforcement and earned a Master Peace Officer Proficiency Certification from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. Professor Hammon also has several years of experience in corrections and child protective services.

Adjunct Professor Criminal Justice
College of Arts and Sciences
gallivan_d@utpb.edu

After serving in the U.S. Air Force for four years, Mr. Gallivan earned a degree in finance from UT Permian Basin before attending Baylor Law School, where he earned his MBA. He has been an attorney for more than 20 years. Mr. Gallivan started off his career working with the Ector County District Attorney, where he prosecuted habitual criminals. Following that, he was in private practice for about 12 years, before going back to the Ector County District Attorney’s Office. He is currently the District Attorney for Ector County. In January 2016, Mr. Gallivan began his adjunct teaching career at UT Permian Basin, teaching eight different courses, including a graduate-level course.

Adjunct Professor Criminal Justice
College of Arts and Sciences
burton_t@utpb.edu

Mr. Burton began his 35-year law enforcement career in 1982 as a police officer for the city of Portland, Maine, attaining the title of police chief in 2005. In 2008, he accepted a position as chief of police for the city of Odessa, Texas and served in that capacity until retiring in 2017. His experience includes four years as a division commander, seven years as a bureau commander, and more than 12 years as a major city police chief. He is a recognized police policy expert and is also currently the criminal justice diversion manager for the National Alliance on Mental Illness in Massachusetts. Mr. Burton received a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology from the University of Southern Maine in 1991 and a Master of Science in Business from Husson University in 1996. He has eight years of experience teaching graduate-level business courses at Husson in addition to several years of teaching undergraduate criminal justice courses at Odessa College, York County Community College, and The University of Texas Permian Basin.

Adjunct Professor Criminal Justice
College of Arts and Sciences
coleman_h@utpb.edu

Henry Coleman has been a career fire and arson investigator. He’s held numerous positions with the Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office, worked as the Bexar County Fire Marshal and Emergency Management Coordinator, and Fire Prevention Administrator for the San Angelo Fire Department. While in San Antonio, he served on the Lonestar Fugitive Task Force with the United States Marshal’s Service. Mr. Coleman holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Texas State University, a master’s in Public Administration from Sul Ross State University, as well as a master’s in Criminal Justice, also from Sul Ross State University. Additionally, Mr. Coleman is a graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program. 

LengthApplication DeadlineDocument DeadlinePayment DeadlineCourses BeginCourses End
Whole Spring1/2/241/8/241/12/241/16/245/2/24
Spring A1/2/241/8/241/12/241/16/243/8/24
Spring B3/4/243/11/243/15/243/18/245/10/24
SemesterApplication DeadlineDocument DeadlinePayment DeadlineCourses BeginCourses End
Whole Summer5/20/245/27/245/31/246/3/248/8/24
Summer A4/29/245/6/245/10/245/13/246/28/24
Summer B6/17/246/24/246/28/247/1/248/15/24
LengthApplication DeadlineDocument DeadlinePayment DeadlineCourses BeginCourses End
Whole Fall8/12/248/19/248/23/24 8/26/2412/13/24
Fall A8/12/248/19/248/23/248/26/2410/18/24
Fall B10/7/2410/14/2410/18/2410/21/2412/13/24
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