News
Sam Houston Criminal Justice Program Ranked No. 15 in the Nation
Media Contact:
Victor Henson II, Communications and Events Specialist
vhh001@shsu.edu
Office (936) 294-4689
Huntsville (April 1, 2021) - Sam Houston State University’s Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology program has been ranked as the 15th best program in the nation according to the U.S. News & World Report.
This is just one of the many high ranks that is associated with the department at Sam Houston. The Criminal Justice and Criminology Department also offers the second-best on-line master’s degree program in the nation and is the best criminal justice and criminology program in Texas, according to U.S. News & World Report.
“The Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology has led the state and nation for some time,” Said College of Criminal Justice Dean Dr. Phillip Lyons. “Our highly qualified faculty are ranked among the most research-productive faculty in the country and our engagement with the field is unsurpassed. Therefore, I am pleased, but not surprised, to see this ranking.”
Dr. William Wells, Department Chair and Professor, credits the amazing effort from faculty, staff, and students for the ranking, but predicts a brighter future for the College of Criminal Justice.
“We are very excited to get this recognition and to see that our ranking increased quite a bit. This is due to the outstanding, collaborative work of many people, including our faculty, staff, and students. We’re pleased with this ranking, but we know that great things are on the horizon at SHSU.”
Wells believes that research plays an integral role in the ranking as well. Students and faculty lead research on a diverse set of topics that results in better outcomes for criminal justice agencies.
“A driving factor in this ranking is the robust research portfolio our faculty and students have created. Our work addresses a diverse set of research questions and the results often lead directly to improved criminal justice outcomes for agencies and the communities they serve.”
The College of Criminal Justice at SHSU gives students an opportunity to learn from and research with industry leaders, who are dedicated to the advancement of criminal justice agencies across the globe. Students have access to a variety of resources that assist their studies as well as prepare them for life after graduation.
About SHSU
Named after Texas’ greatest hero, Sam Houston State University, always strives to honor its roots in academic excellence and outstanding teaching. Its motto “The measure of a life is its service” is apparent across the student body and its eight colleges. Though the university remains loyal to its roots, the 142-year-old institution strives to accommodate to the needs of contemporary students by offering a variety of online and in-person classes. Sam Houston has been a great name in education and continues to prepare students for success after college.
About the College of Criminal Justice
A prominent figure in the industry, the College of Criminal Justice at Sam Houston State University stands as one of the most prestigious criminal justice programs in the nation. Since 1963, the college has been associated with outstanding academic research and professional development. The faculty is made up of industry leading researchers, many with direct experience in the field. With four departments, Criminal Justice and Criminology, Forensic Science, Security Studies, and Victim Studies, the college exposes students to all aspects of criminal justice. The college offers a variety of resources to its students, preparing them for success in any criminal justice path that they decide to embark on.