Your Path to a Career in Criminal Justice Starts at UTPB

For many students at The University of Texas Permian Basin, studying criminology is more than an academic path. It is a commitment to understanding and improving the communities they call home. Guided by faculty with real-world experience in law enforcement, research, and policy, students gain valuable insight into the complexities of the criminal justice system both inside and outside the classroom. Through hands on learning and close mentorship, UTPB’s criminology and criminal justice program equips students with the knowledge and experience needed to pursue careers in the field while making a meaningful impact locally and beyond. Whether you are looking to earn a master's, bachelor's, or a minor, UTPB offers a program that fits your goals.

UTPB offers:

• Master's of Science Criminal Justice Administration
• Master's of Science Criminal Justice Administration – Online
• Bachelor's of Science Criminology/Criminal Justice Studies
• Bachelor's of Science Criminology – Online
• Criminology Minor

Student Experience and Community Impact

In criminology and criminal justice courses, students gain a well-rounded understanding of the theories and patterns of criminal behavior, and the criminal justice system. Students will also develop a strong sense of communication and written skills, a necessary requirement for any career in the criminology and criminal justice field.

UTPB offers smaller class sizes which help create a strong sense of community where ideas flow, and students feel comfortable asking questions. In addition to lectures, students participate in hands-on learning through group work, discussions, and presentations. Scenario-based exercises bring course material to life. In one class session, students may discuss the reasons behind criminal behavior, and in the next, they may act out a scenario while classmates investigate.

For students who cannot attend classes in-person, there are flexible options available. Hybrid courses offer the chance to connect with classmates online while still engaging in structured learning. Some classes also meet at the same time as an in-person course, creating opportunities for shared discussion and broader perspectives. For those who need more flexibility, there are fully online options that allow students to complete coursework on their own schedule. Criminology and criminal justice faculty are just as accessible to online students and make it easy to connect, whether through virtual meetings, email, or other communication tools.

Faculty Expertise

Students at UTPB have the opportunity to learn from a group of talented faculty. Professors and lecturers in the criminology/criminal justice program bring years of professional experience and doctoral level education to the classroom. Their diverse backgrounds provide students with practical, hands-on learning experiences.

Assistant Professor Rebecca Morrow and Senior Lecturer Karen Hale have both earned a Ph.D. in Sociology and serve as advisors. Along with teaching classes, Dr. Morrow is conducting research at UTPB about the harassment female streamers experience. Before becoming a college educator, Dr. Hale started her career in the Texas Department of Health and Human Services as a case manager, learning about the ins and outs of victim advocacy.

Senior Lecturer John Smietana comes to UTPB with a Ph. D. in Criminal Justice and a combined 35 years of experience in Border Patrol and criminal intelligence. His background provides a unique educational advantage to students interested in law enforcement careers.

Senior Lecturer Kubra Gultekin earned a Ph.D. in Information Science focusing on criminology and criminal justice. She began working in the Turkish National Police Academy, giving her a strong foundation in international law. Her research is focused on policing, gender and crime, terrorism, and the use of technology in law enforcement, providing students with a look into how technology shapes modern criminal justice careers.

The faculty in the criminology and criminal justice studies program at UTPB are committed to preparing students for their futures and offering mentorship and guidance to help them reach their goals.

Opportunities Outside of the Classroom

Along with opportunities for growth during class, there are opportunities to grow professionally. UTPB offers resources with our Career Services team to help students find internships and other opportunities. Faculty members are also available to guide students who are interested in internships, research, or career planning.

Students can also join a variety of clubs and organizations on campus to build connections and gain valuable experience that supports their professional development.

Career Opportunities

A degree in criminology and criminal justice opens the door to many career paths. This field offers strong job availability and diverse opportunities. After earning your degree, career options include policing, investigation, victim advocates, case managers, and domestic abuse support, resource officers at schools, federal agencies, and many more. There are also careers that require more education, like a crime scene investigator or a detective supervisor who would earn a criminal justice administration masters; or an attorney or prosecutor would need to go to law school. Overall, a degree in criminology and criminal justice provides flexibility and allows students to build careers based on their interests and goals.

Why UTPB?

UTPB offers a variety of pathways to success for students, whether they attend classes online or on campus. One of the greatest strengths of the program is the faculty, whose real-world experience enhances classroom learning and encourages critical thinking. Additional benefits include affordability and smaller class sizes with flexible course formats that allow students to balance their education with other responsibilities.

For students who may need financial assistance, there are many scholarships available each year, as well as the Falcon Free program. Students whose household income is less than 100k may qualify for Falcon Free, which covers tuition and mandatory fees. For more information about the various types of financial aid offered at UTPB, check out the financial aid webpage.