Sample Criminal Justice courses and electives include:
- Community Resources in Corrections
- Correctional System and Practices
- Court Systems and Practices
- Crime in America
- Criminal Investigation
- Juvenile Justice System
- Fundamentals of Criminal Law
- Legal Aspects of Law Enforcement
- Police Systems and Practices
Additional courses such as sociology, public speaking, speech communication, math, composition, computers, Spanish and more will give you a well-rounded education.
Credit Courses, Degrees and Certificates
Our catalog provides detailed information about the Criminal Justice credit courses we offer and the courses required for Criminal Justice degrees and certificates.
Important note: Before applying to any law enforcement agency, please check with its recruiters to see how many hours of study are required for admission. Requirements vary from agency to agency and it is your responsibility to know the credit hours needed for the position you are seeking.
Peace Officer Training and TCLEOSE Licensing
Cedar Valley College, located in Lancaster, and Eastfield College, located in Mesquite, both offer state-certified Basic Peace Officer training courses and certification licensed through the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education (TCLEOSE). These programs are administered through the Continuing Education Divisions at each college.
Students who successfully complete the Basic Peace Officer course are eligible to take the Texas Peace Officer examination, offered at both Cedar Valley and Eastfield colleges, and to perform law enforcement jobs at entry level. Specialized courses may also be used to fulfill the TCLEOSE-mandated 40 hours of training required for peace officers every two years.
Get more information on Cedar Valley College’s Law Enforcement Academy.
Get more information on Eastfield College’s Criminal Justice Training Center.
Other Degree and Certificate Options
Dallas County Community College District offers nearly 350 career and technical degrees and certificates, plus more than 50 academic degrees. For more information, see a chart of our degree plans by location or visit our credit programs home page.