B.A.A.S. in Criminal Justice Administration

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Program Facts

College: College of Liberal & Fine Arts

Major: Criminal Justice Administration

Offered Minors: Minor in Criminal Justice, Minor in Criminal Law, Minor in Homeland Security, Minor in Conservation Law Enforcement

Degree Level: Bachelor's

Delivery Format:
  • On-Campus
  • 100% Online
Campuses & Locations:

Credit Hours: 120

Duration: This degree can be completed in as little as 2 years, giving you the flexibility to move quickly toward your professional goals. With personalized guidance and the opportunity to earn credits for prior learning, you can tailor your path and graduate faster. Start planning your future today!

Tuition & Fees

Estimated costs available via the calculator.

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Accreditation

Police officer smiling while seated in a patrol vehicle, wearing sunglasses and uniform with a visible shoulder patch.

Overview

The Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (B.A.A.S.) in Criminal Justice Administration prepares students for leadership and management roles across the justice system. The program is uniquely designed for individuals who have completed professional training in law enforcement, CJ related workforce credits, corrections, the military, or court services, allowing that documented experience to count toward academic credit.

Students gain a broad and practical understanding of criminal justice administration, policy development, and organizational leadership. Coursework emphasizes decision-making, ethical practice, personnel management, and the effective allocation of public resources. Through applied projects and case studies, students learn how theory connects to real-world challenges in policing, corrections, and the courts. Graduates are well prepared for advancement within their current agencies or for pursuing new career opportunities across local, state, and federal criminal justice organizations.

Program Benefits

  • Earn Credit for Experience: Receive up to 33 semester credit hours for documented professional training through TCOLE, corrections, or criminal justice related military service.
  • 100% Online and Flexible: Designed for working professionals balancing career, family, and education.
  • Faculty with Real-World Expertise: Learn from seasoned criminal justice leaders, including current and former law enforcement professionals, court officials, and policy experts.
  • Career Advancement Focus: Strengthen your skills in leadership, supervision, policy development, and evidence-based decision-making to move up within your agency.
  • Personalized Support: Benefit from small classes, dedicated advising, and faculty mentorship.
  • Tuition Assistance Options: Qualify for the Texas Peace Officer Exemption and other cost-saving opportunities for public safety professionals.

Courses

Visit the University Catalog

More About the Program

The BAAS in Criminal Justice Administration is specifically structured for working professionals who have completed substantial law enforcement, corrections, criminal justice related military training, community college transfer students with workforce credits, or other documented training closely relating to criminal justice. Students can receive up to 33 semester credit hours for documented professional training, allowing you to shorten your path to degree completion.

Courses are taught by experienced faculty with professional and academic backgrounds as judges, law enforcement executives, corrections administrators, and public policy specialists. The curriculum emphasizes real-world application through case studies, policy analysis, and leadership development.

The program can be completed fully online, providing flexibility for working adults. Students often balance their coursework with full-time employment, and advising support is tailored to the needs of adult learners. Tarleton’s Criminal Justice team also assists students in navigating the Texas Peace Officer Exemption for full-time law enforcement professionals.

Offered Concentrations

Learning Outcomes

1. Analyze criminal justice policy, practice, and procedure using empirical research and data.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of constitutional and criminal law, ethics, and procedural safeguards.
3. Manage and supervise criminal justice operations, personnel, and resources effectively.
4. Use quantitative and qualitative methods to evaluate program performance and outcomes.
5. Communicate professionally and persuasively to varied stakeholders (public, agencies, courts, communities).
6. Exhibit leadership, critical thinking, and adaptive problem-solving in justice settings.

Career Outcomes

• Police Sergeant, Lieutenant, or Captain — supervisory and administrative roles in local law enforcement.
• Correctional Administrator — managing facilities, staff, and rehabilitation programs.
• Probation or Parole Supervisor — oversight of community supervision operations.
• Court or Judicial Administrator — managing budgets, case flow, and personnel.
• Emergency Management Coordinator — developing response strategies for public safety.
• Criminal Justice Policy Analyst — evaluating justice programs and reform efforts.
• Federal Agency Roles — positions with DHS, DEA, FBI, U.S. Marshals, or similar agencies.
• Training & Development Coordinator — developing and implementing officer training programs.

Admissions Requirements

  1. Review the program requirements and confirm your eligibility (prior training, transfer hours, etc.).
  2. Visit the Tarleton undergraduate admissions website and begin the application process.
  3. Submit official transcripts from all colleges attended and any professional/military training documentation for credit review.
  4. Meet with an academic advisor in the School of Criminology, Criminal Justice & Public Administration to plan your remaining coursework and schedule.
  5. Once admitted, register for your first term and begin working toward your degree!

Credit for Prior Learning

CJLE, CJSA, or CRIJ. Credits for LGLA may be accepted, too.

Learn about Credit Prior to Learning

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I receive credit for professional training?

    You may receive up to 33 semester hours of credit for approved professional training (e.g., TCOLE, corrections, or military police training). Submit documentation using the Training Assessment Form available at the program page.

  • Can I complete the program online?

    Yes. The criminal justice program is offered 100% online for maximum flexibility.

  • What is the Texas Peace Officer Exemption?

    Eligible peace officers may qualify for a tuition exemption for CRIJ courses (required fees are not waived). See the Criminal Justice Peace Officer Exemption page for details and deadlines.

  • How long does it take to complete the degree?

    Most students complete the program in 2–3 years, depending on transferred credits and prior learning credit awarded.

  • What is the difference between the Criminal Justice and Criminal Justice Administration program?

    The Criminal Justice program (B.S) is geared toward more the traditional student with minimal or no experience with CJ. The Criminal Justice Administration program (B.A.A.S.) is tailored to meet the needs of the non-traditional student seeking advancement into an administrative role. The Criminal Justice Administration program allows credit for your documented training from a governing authority.

  • When will the training credits be applied to my degree plan?

    The training credits are not automatically applied to your degree. A committee reviews all documentation to ensure the credentials meet university requirements.

Resources

Advising Guide

Criminal Justice Administration

View the Advising Guide (PDF)

Related Programs

Masters of Criminal Justice