Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Criminal Justice
The Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (BAAS) in Criminal Justice is designed for transfer student, working professionals and military-affiliated learners seeking a flexible, career-aligned path to a bachelor's degree.
- Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences
- Online
- Huntsville
- Competency-Based Education
- Face to Face
- Online
3 Years
Use your training to get ahead
The BAAS in Criminal Justice offers competency-based education (CBE) courses designed for working professionals and adult learners. Offered at a reduced tuition rate, these courses provide an affordable, flexible, and self-paced path to degree completion where students progress by demonstrating mastery of clearly defined skills.
How is this program different?
The BAAS in Criminal Justice allows you to apply technical, occupational, or military education and training by recognizing prior learning.
Why choose the BAAS in Criminal Justice?
- 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
- Work-Based Mentorships: Earn up to 12 hours of credit working with your current employer
- Competency-based pathway available: Progress at your own pace by demonstrating mastery of clearly defined skills through applied assessments
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. 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
You may receive up to 36 semester credit hours toward the BAAS in Criminal Justice if you have credit toward or completed an Associate of Applied Science (AAS), Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS), Associate of Applied Business (AAB), or Associate of Specialized Technology (AST).
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Occupational Credit
Law Enforcement Trainings and Certifications: You may receive applied credit for completed training certified by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE).
Corrections Trainings and Certifications and Other Professional Development: You may receive applied credit for verified continuing education units (CEUs), professional development, and industry-based criminal justice training.
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Military Credit
You may receive credit for military training confirmed on your Joint Services Transcript (JST).
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
- May 5, 2026: 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- May 13, 2026: Noon to 1 p.m.
- May 27, 2026: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Working professionals
- May 13, 2026: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- May 27, 2026: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
veterans and Military service members
- May 4, 2026: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- May 14, 2026: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
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.