Applied Arts and Sciences in Criminal Justice
This flexible program prepares students for advancement in their criminal justice careers by strengthening applied skills in communication, leadership, and critical thinking.
- Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences
- Online
- Huntsville
- Online
- Face to Face
3 Years
Build on your experience
The BAAS in Criminal Justice is designed for transfer students, working professionals, and military-affiliated learners seeking a flexible, career-aligned path to a bachelor’s degree. This program allows you to apply technical, vocational, or military education and training, and recognizing prior learning. Students also have the option to follow a competency-based pathway, allowing them to progress at their own pace by demonstrating mastery of clearly defined skills.
A Flexible, Affordable, Skills-Focused CBE Pathway
The BAAS in Criminal Justice includes a competency-based education (CBE) pathway designed for working professionals and adult learners.
This pathway is offered at a reduced tuition rate for CBE courses, providing an affordable option for students seeking a flexible and efficient path to degree completion.
Learn more about the CBE pathway
What makes this program different
- Apply prior learning: Transfer up to 36 hours of technical coursework, including credit from an AAS degree, workforce training, and/or military education
- Career-aligned curriculum: Coursework is designed with input from criminal justice professionals to ensure relevance to today’s workforce
- Online and flexible: Earn your degree while balancing work and personal commitments
- Competency-based pathway available: Progress at your own pace by demonstrating mastery of clearly defined skills through applied assessments
- Work-Based Mentorships: Earn up to 12 hours of credit working with your current employer
Learn More
Join us for an Information Webinar
To participate in an upcoming webinar or receive updates, email us at cjcbe@shsu.edu.
Transfer Students
- April 23, 2026: Noon to 1 p.m.
- May 27, 2026: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Working professionals
- April 21, 2026: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- May 5, 2026: Noon to 1 p.m.
veterans and Military service members
- April 29: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- May 12: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Turn what you've learned into credit
The BAAS in Criminal Justice is designed to help you make the most of the education and training you’ve already completed.
After admission, your prior learning is reviewed to determine how it applies to your degree - helping you reduce the number of courses needed to graduate.
Many students enter the program with a significant portion of their degree already completed, lowering both the time and cost required to earn their degree.
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Technical Credit
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Occupational Credit
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Military Credit
Where this degree can take you
This program is designed to support career growth for individuals already working in the field, as well as those looking to move into new roles.
Graduates may advance in roles like policing, corrections, security, federal, state and local government.
This degree may also prepare you for graduate study in criminal justice or related fields.
Expert Criminal Justice Faculty
The BAAS in Criminal Justice program at SHSU is supported by expert faculty members with extensive experience as field practitioners, renowned researchers, and experts in global criminal justice systems.
Become a Bearkat
Ready to see what a degree can do for you or to start your application to SHSU? Our Admissions team is here to help.