Bachelor of Applied Arts in Criminal Justice: Law Enforcement
Competency-Based Education. Transforming Law Enforcement Education and Professional Development. Built by the Field, For the Field.
Introducing a new way to earn your degree through Competency-Based Education (CBE), backed by more than 60 years of criminal justice excellence at Sam Houston State University.
Your training counts
upgrade your career with a Bachelor of Applied Arts & Sciences (BAAS) in Criminal Justice
Our newest program, the BAAS in Criminal Justice, is designed for law enforcement professionals. The Competency-Based Education (CBE) program awards up to 36 hours of applied credit for your professional training.
Sam Houston State University is the only Texas public university offering qualifying Texas peace officers the opportunity to apply the Texas Peace Officer Exemption to its criminal justice curriculum.
Key Benefits
- Peace Officers, EMTs, and Firefighters employed for more than 20 hours per week are eligible for the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) exemption
- 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
- Multiple entry points throughout the year
- 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
SHSU's competency-based BAAS in Criminal Justice
Learn More
Join us for an information webinar
Use the button below to reserve your spot in an upcoming webinar.
upcoming dates
- July 9, 2026: Noon to 1 p.m.
- July 15, 2026: 12:00 p.m.
- July 23, 2026: 12:00 p.m.
- July 23, 2026: 6:00 p.m.
- July 28, 2026: 6:00 p.m.
- August 4, 2026: 12:00 p.m.
- August 18, 2026: 6:00 p.m.
- August 25, 2026: 12:00 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
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Jimmy Womack, DCJ, LCC, MPO
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Patricia Macias-Fisher