Criminology/Criminal Justice Studies Program
We’re on the case.
Do the work to deliver “justice for all.”
A criminal justice practitioner is the face of government. This means protecting the innocent, convicting criminals, reforming offenders, and providing a fair justice process to help keep order across the country. In other words, the criminal justice workers protect the social order and serve the community by preventing disorder—no capes required.
Why Criminology/Criminal Justice Studies at UTPB?
Wages
Median annual wage of +$60K for correctional treatment specialists in May 2021
Outlook
Employment of lawyers is projected to grow 10% through 2031
Hired
Texas is #1 for states employing the most correctional officers
Why should I study criminology/criminal justice studies?
Were you the type to read all the instructions before you started playing the game? Then, you might be right for the criminology program at UT Permian Basin.
A criminologist seeks to understand why people commit crimes, what appropriate punishments are, and how laws impact the prevention of crime. Criminology borrows from the disciplines of sociology, law, political science, history, and psychology.
The best part is our flexibility. Take classes on campus, online, or a combination of both—choose what works for you!
What are my job prospects?
A bachelor’s degree in criminology/criminal justice studies gives you a competitive edge both inside and outside the criminal justice sector. You qualify for an array of criminal justice roles such as:
- Police officer
- Probation officer
- Institutional corrections officer
- Parole officer
- Child Protective Services investigator
- Caseworker
Criminology/Criminal Justice graduates can also go on to pursue a master’s degree or a Juris Doctorate.
What industry-specific skills will I learn?
Criminology/Criminal Justice Studies majors acquire a basic knowledge of:
- Major crime in contemporary America—definitions, volume, and distribution
- Why? The major theoretical explanations of criminal behavior
- How justice systems and their agencies work
Studying criminology builds your understanding of victimization and responses to crime and deviance. Become skilled in gathering and evaluating evidence to make reasoned arguments and ethical judgments using critical thinking skills.
From the classroom to the force: alum joins UTPB Police
George Harris earned his degree in criminology from UT Permian Basin, he's now an officer for the UTPB Police Department.
“I wanted to become a police officer because I wanted to make a difference in my community and help others who are in need. I also like the fact that you never know what is going to happen on your shift which keeps me inspired and ready to take on challenges,” said Harris.
Learn more about Officer Harris