The College of Criminal Justice at Sam Houston State University is one of the largest and oldest criminal justice programs in the nation. In 1970, the College became one of the first programs in the U.S. to offer the doctoral degree in Criminal Justice and is the first in the state of Texas to offer the Masters of Science in Forensic Science. Students will benefit from a close-knit learning environment led by an expert faculty with members specializing in criminology, law, psychology, criminal justice, sociology, history, and political science.
Currently, the College of Criminal Justice offers five masters degrees and one doctoral degree.
Students interested in issues related to criminal justice and law can benefit from working one-on-one with a faculty mentor through the newly formed Institute for Legal Studies in Criminal Justice (ILSCJ). ILSCJ is dedicated to increasing faculty mentorship on legal research and publication, coordinating the legal research and publications of faculty and students, and exploring additional opportunities for legally oriented collaborative research.
The College offers additional learning opportunities through its Beto Chair Lecture Series, which brings in top scholars in criminology and criminal justice to speak on crucial crime and law enforcement topics. Graduate students are invited to attend an exclusive question and answer reception with the visiting speaker.
Students will also have an opportunity for field placement experience through our internship program. Past graduate students have interned with such organizations as the F.B.I., Air Security International, Harris County Sheriff’s Office, San Diego Police Department Crime Lab, and Scotland Yard.
Graduate students also have many opportunities for social networking through various student organizations.
With graduates who have gone on to become criminal justice leaders in Texas, the U.S. and throughout the world, the College of Criminal Justice has earned a reputation as a national and international leader in criminal justice education. Whether you are planning a career as a law enforcement officer, federal agent, attorney, forensic scientist, correction or probation officer, criminal investigator, or teacher, the College of Criminal Justice offers the graduate-level training necessary to become a leader in your field.
