Criminal Justice

Mission Statement

The Criminal Justice program at Texas Southmost College is committed to providing students with the necessary knowledge and critical thinking skills that will lead to a successful career in the criminal justice system. Students are provided with the practical tools to be able to critically examine issues in the criminal justice system, crime in society, and the foundation of criminal law. The program is committed to: developing criminal justice professionals through rigor, stimulating student curiosity, promoting academic advancement, and fostering student success.

Program Overview

Students who complete this two-year program will have the option to seek employment or to continue their education. Those pursuing a degree in criminal justice learn concepts in courses designed to develop a strong foundation in the criminal justice system. With dynamic classroom discussion and engagement, the criminal justice course offerings foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The associate of arts degree program is excellent preparation for transfer to an accredited undergraduate program to complete a four-year degree in criminal justice. The associate of applied science degree is a terminal degree that allows current law enforcement officers to receive 24 credit hours for their state law enforcement training. The program also prepares students for entry-level positions in municipal police and sheriff’s departments, corrections, and juvenile services.

Goals

The criminal justice faculty at Texas Southmost College is committed to providing a rigorous program that allows students to demonstrate and expand their knowledge of all facets of the criminal justice system. Students will analyze and discuss crime in society and the fundamental elements of crime that define criminal activity. Students preparing to enter the criminal justice field will gain explicit knowledge of ethics and the application of such in the communities they serve.