BAAS in Criminal Justice: Focus in Corrections
Built by the Field, for the Field.
your training counts: upgrade your career with a BAAS degree
The Bachelor of Applied Arts & Sciences (BAAS) in Criminal Justice is built for corrections professionals who are ready to take the next step. This competency-based education (CBE) program is designed for you whether you work in a prison, jail, juvenile facility, or community supervision. Build on what you already know for a faster, more affordable path to a bachelor's degree.
Key Benefits
- Prepare for the next step in your criminal justice career
- Develop the qualifications needed for administrative and leadership roles
- Strengthen your credentials with stackable certificates that support promotion and growth
- 100% online with flexible scheduling
- Work through course materials at your own pace
- Start whenever you're ready
- Affordable tuition priced at $178 per credit hour
- No textbooks or other fees
- Receive credit for prior education, job training, and military training
- Potentially aligns with employer tuition assistance
Who this program serves
-
INSTITUTIONAL CORRECTIONS
- Correctional Officers & Senior Officers
- Jail Staff & Detention Officers
- Facility Based Positions
- Corrections Administrators & Executive Leadership
-
Juvenile Justice
- Juvenile Case Manager
- Youth Intervention Specialist
- Juvenile Detention Supervisor
- Professionals with TJJD & Affiliated Agencies
-
Adult Community Corrections
- Probation Officers & Supervisors
- Parole Officers & Case Managers
- Pretrial Services Officer
- Community Supervision Professionals
Micro-Certificates
Students can earn career-relevant credentials while working toward their bachelor's degree.
- CJCB 4117 Organizational Theory & Correctional Processes
- CJCB 4118 Organizational Culture & Change in Corrections
- CJCB 4119 Sustainable Cultural Change in Corrections
- CJCB 3104 Purposes of Punishment
- CJCB 4108 Correctional Rehabilitation and Reintegration
- CJCB 4109 Assessment in Corrections
- CJCB 4105 Professionalism and Accountability in Corrections
- CJCB 4106 Effective Authority in Corrections
- CJCB 4107 Professional Integrity & Compliance in Corrections
- CJCB 4132 Risk Reduction in Correctional Settings
- CJCB 4133 Situational Awareness in Correctional Settings
- CJCB 4134 Emergency Response and Recovery in Correctional Settings
- CJCB 4130 Communication Strategies in Correctional Settings
- CJCB 4113 Interpersonal Interactions in Corrections
- CJCB 4131 Administrative Communication in Corrections
- CJCB 3100 Reasoning and Judgment in Criminal Justice
- CJCB 4100 Professional Discretion in Corrections
- CJCB 3101 Legal Compliance in Criminal Justice
- CJCB 4135 Interpreting Evidence-Informed Research in Corrections
- CJCB 4136 Data-Informed Practice in Corrections
- CJCB 4137 Program Implementation in Corrections
- CJCB 4114 Substance Use and Abuse Awareness in Corrections
- CJCB 4115 Mental Health Response in Corrections
- CJCB 4116 Health Care Response in Corrections
- CJCB 4110 Building Community Partnerships in Corrections
- CJCB 4111 Working with Community Partners in Corrections
- CJCB 4112 Sustaining Community Partnerships in Corrections
- CJCB 4102 Examining Special Populations in Corrections
- CJCB 4103 Special Populations Management in Corrections
- CJCB 4104 Special Populations Interventions in Corrections
- CJCB 3105 Emotional Self-Awareness for Criminal Justice Professionals
- CJCB 3106 Wellness Resources for Criminal Justice Professionals
- CJCB 3107 Balanced Well-Being for Criminal Justice Professionals
- CJCB 3102 Problem Solving and Growth Mindsets in Criminal Justice
- CJCB 3103 Critical Thinking Under Pressure in Criminal Justice
- CJCB 4101 Professional Growth and Adaptability in Corrections
What our partners are saying...
-
Bobby Lumpkin, TDCJ Executive Director
"By working together, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and the Sam Houston State University College of Criminal Justice are advancing corrections through meaningful collaboration, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to strengthen communities across Texas."
-
Christie Haney, CMIT Executive Director
"For over 30 years, we have supported correctional professionals across the country with the learning opportunities needed to advance in the field. The BAAS in Criminal Justice competency-based program is a strong example of how higher education can evolve to better serve working professionals and meet the needs of today’s corrections workforce."
Agency Partnerships
Our CBE courses were built in collaboration with our Advisory Board, comprised of leaders in corrections and public safety.
- American Correctional Association
- American Jail Association
- American Probation & Parole Association
- Correctional Management Institute
- Texas Juvenile Justice Department
- Texas Department of Criminal Justice
Learn More
join us for an information webinar
Use the button below to reserve your spot in an upcoming webinar.
Transfer Students
May 13, 2026: Noon to 1 p.m.
May 27, 2026: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
June 16, 2026: Noon to 1 p.m.
Working professionals
June 23, 2026: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
July 9, 2026: Noon to 1 p.m.
veterans and Military service members
May 13, 2026: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
June 25, 2026: Noon to 1 p.m.
Ready to Apply?
Start your journey toward a bachelor's degree today! Our team is ready to help as you take your next steps.
Contact Us
Patricia Macias-Fisher
Undergraduate Pathways Coordinator
Phone
936-294-1035