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:
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.
The Bachelor in Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies online requires a minimum of 21 credit hours (7 courses).
18 credit hours (6 courses). Electives are to be selected from the courses listed below.
Admission Requirements
The SAT and ACT Exams are optional. 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.
