Criminal Justice

Longview University Center

A criminal justice degree from The University of Texas at Tyler prepares you for a dynamic career in a wide-ranging and growing field. Criminal justice career options range from positions in local police departments to federal jobs with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security, the U.S. Customs Agency, CIA, FBI and private security opportunities. Majoring in criminal justice can also prepare you for law school or a career in probation, parole, or any social service or government agency. 

A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice provides students with a competitive edge as they pursue employment opportunities. It is also beneficial once they have entered the profession and begin competing for promotions with officers who have not yet completed a four-year degree.

  • The criminal justice program at UT Tyler has a reputation for excellence and complies with the national standards for curriculum established by the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences – the preeminent professional organization for criminal justice professionals.
  • Instructors at UT Tyler all have Ph.D. degrees and are recognized as leaders in the field.  The graduates of the CJ program at UT Tyler have placed in the top 10% on a national standardized exam of criminal justice.
  • Graduates of the UT Tyler criminal justice program are highly sought after for positions in federal, state and county government.
  • Graduates of the UT Tyler criminal justice program are currently employed in positions with: law enforcement, adult and juvenile probation, child protective services, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Secret Service. 

Prospective students should call 903.663.8102 or 903.566.7371 to discuss program requirements and the registration process with an on-site advisor. Information is also available upon request by emailing longview@uttyler.edu. Additional information is also available by visiting the criminal justice website.

If you are a high school student, or the parent of a high school student, check out our Roadmap to Success partnerships with area community colleges. They will help students to begin preparing to successfully complete our programs while they are still in high school.