BAAS in Criminal Justice: Corrections
your training counts: upgrade your career with a BAAS degree
The Bachelor of Applied Arts & Sciences (BAAS) in Criminal Justice is built for Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) professionals who are ready to take the next step. Featuring courses developed in partnership with corrections experts working in the field, this competency-based education (CBE) program is designed for you whether you work in a prison, state jail, 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 in TDCJ
- Strengthen your credentials with stackable certificates that support promotion and growth
- Flexible, 100% online coursework that fits around your career, family and life
- 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
- Eligible for employer tuition assistance through EmpowerEDU
- Receive credit for prior education, job training, and military training
- Accepted TDCJ training examples:
- Pre-Service
- In-Service
- Leadership
- HR
- TDCJ Online Professional Development
- Accepted TDCJ training examples:
Who this program serves
- Correctional Officers & Senior Officers
- State Jail Staff & Officers
- Facility Based Positions
- Corrections Administrators & Executive Leadership
- Probation Officers & Supervisors
- Parole Officers & Case Managers
- Pretrial Services Officer
- Community Supervision Professionals
Earn Career-Relevant Credentials
Students have the opportunity to earn stackable credentials that earn them credit towards a BAAS in CJ degree.
Undergraduate Certificates
Corrections Micro-Certificates
- Building Positive Correctional Culture
- Correctional Models & Intervention Approaches
- Correctional Standards & Staff Accountability
- Crisis & Emergency Management for Correctional Safety
- Effective Communication for Correctional Staff
- Ethics & Law in Correctional Settings
- Evidence-Informed & Data-Driven Practice in Corrections
- Managing Health in Corrections
- Partnering with Communities & Corrections
- Specialized Supervision in Corrections
- Staff Wellness & Resilience in Corrections
- Strategic Thinking & Adaptability in Corrections
What Our Partners Are Saying...
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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."
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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.
- Texas Department of Criminal Justice
- American Correctional Association
- American Jail Association
- American Probation & Parole Association
- Correctional Management Institute
- Texas Juvenile Justice Department
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