Criminal Justice Degree

The criminal justice degree program at Central Texas College prepares students for instruction that focuses on the criminal justice system, its organizational components and processes, and its legal and public policy contexts. Students who graduate from the criminal justice degree program will have knowledge in criminal law and policy, police and correctional systems organization, the administration of justice and the judiciary, and public attitudes regarding criminal justice issues. Get more details below including other Texas colleges that offer criminal justice degrees.

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Central Texas College

3030 North Dallas Ave, Lancaster, TX

Central Texas College (CTC) is a two-year public community college that offers associate degrees and certificates in academic, professional and vocational areas. The main campus for Central Texas College is in Killeen, Texas. CTC has recently opened a campus in Fort Hood, Texas, and also has satellite campuses and learning centers in other locations in Texas and around the world, including military installations and overseas embassies. CTC also offers study-at-sea programs. The distance learning programs offered through CTC are ranked number five in the United States for enrollments in degree granting programs.

Students hoping to transfer to a four-year university can follow one of the Central Texas College's transfer study programs and benefit from the many articulation agreements the college has with four-year institutions nationwide.

The CTC has been named one of the top 20 military-friendly schools in the U.S. for four consecutive years. This honor is based on the education and support services the school provides to military personnel through worldwide contracts, and also for its participation in the employment opportunities program for military spouses.

Central Texas College Mission Statement:

Central Texas College provides education for a global community through responsive, innovative instruction and educational services for diverse student populations.

History

Central Texas College (CTC) was founded in 1965 by the citizens of Central Texas to serve Bell County, and Burnet, Coryell, Hamilton, Lampasas, Llano, Mason, Mills, San Saba, McCulloch and Williamson counties.  The college opened its doors in 1967 with 2,068 enrolled students.

CTC established additional learning sites in Fort Hood and Europe in the 1970s. Additional sites were opened worldwide by 1976, and military programs were expanding through the 1980s.

Academics

For most of its core programs, the academic calendar for Central Texas College follows the semester format, with fall, spring and summer semesters. Varied and flexible scheduling is offered at satellite campuses and learning sites.

Colleges and Schools

The academic units for Central Texas College are divided into departments and programs of study, rather than colleges or schools. CTC students may pursue a degree program for an Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Associate of Applied Science, and a variety of certificate programs. Classroom courses are offered in more than 100 locations. Distance learning courses provide many options for study at CTC.  There are also military-specific programs offered.

Student Life

There are more than 20 student organizations and clubs available at Central Texas College, covering interests ranging from political, social, and academic, to recreational, athletic and religious. Campus activities include guest speakers, meetings, picnics, barbecues, fundraising events and field trips.

The Roy J. Smith Student Center has more information about all Student Life activities. The Upper Student Center houses the Student Government Association, and offers meeting rooms, a game room, recreational center, and student lounge.

On-campus housing is available through Morton Hall, a co-ed housing facility for 120 students. Married students may reside in one of the more than 50 unfurnished apartments available for full-time CTC students. A playground and free Internet services, and shared laundry room are available at the apartment complex.

Athletics

Intramural sports are available at CTC for recreation, but the school does not currently participate in intercollegiate competitive sports.

Satellite Campuses

CTC has two primary campuses in Texas: Central Campus and Fort Hood Campus. It operates five other campuses, which are the Continental Campus, the Europe Campus, the Service Area Campus, the Navy Campus, and the Pacific Far East Campus. Included within each campus are many learning sites. Some campuses, like the Navy Campus, offer programs only for military personnel, while others enroll military, civilians and incarcerated students.

Community Life

CTC serves the community by offering continuing education classes and other programs to citizens of Killeen and Fort Hood, as well as Bell County, and Burnet, Coryell, Hamilton, Lampasas, Llano, Mason, Mills, San Saba, McCulloch and Williamson counties.

Programs for high school students in the area include:

American Preparatory Institute (API): Local students can complete a high school diploma through the American Preparatory Institute (API) or a GED through the Adult Education community-based programs.

College Now: High school sophomores and juniors can get a jump on earning college credits by applying for early admission and participating in dual and concurrent credit courses.

Fast Track: Graduating seniors can explore what CTC has to offer and be guaranteed a letter of acceptance upon graduation from high school.

Students Enrolled in the Criminal Justice Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Central Texas College has offered the following academic levels for students:

• Less Than Two-Year Award
• Associate's Degree

Students by Academic Level (2019)

Students by Gender (2019)

Students by Race (2019)

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

Career Options for Graduates

Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary

Description

Teach courses in criminal justice, corrections, and law enforcement administration. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers

Description

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of correctional officers and jailers.

First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives

Description

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of members of police force.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, first-line supervisors of police and detectives employment is expected to grow at a rate of 4.2% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Dallas-Plano-Irving, TX Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 340
  • Average Hourly Rate: $52.14
  • Average Annual Salary: $108460
• Fort Worth-Arlington, TX Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 230
  • Average Hourly Rate: $45.14
  • Average Annual Salary: $93890

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).