What is Criminal Justice?

Criminal Justice is an interdisciplinary study of the components of the criminal justice system, the police, the courts, corrections, and the juvenile system. The academic discipline of Criminal Justice examines these components as well as the agents that operate within the applicable departments.

An Associates Degree in Criminal Justice will prepare the student for employment in many of these departments, agencies, and institutions including, but not limited to, policing, probation, corrections, parole, and rehabilitation and reentry programs. 

Choosing to pursue a degree or certificate in criminal justice at Lone Star College-Montgomery is a great way to get started in a growing, exciting field. All indications are that the criminal justice field is outpacing other career opportunities in the local, regional and national arenas. Additionally, by choosing LSC-Montgomery as your starting point, you will have access to excellent instructors, small class sizes, and outstanding student support. Also, your tuition will be significantly lower than by getting started at a major university.

What careers can a criminal justice major pursue?

While many criminal justice majors pursue careers in law enforcement and policing, the coursework also provides a starting point for those interested in other fields. Corrections is a growing industry, both in the public and private arenas. Demand for qualified correctional employees is consistent and strong. Additionally, many criminal justice majors are interested in becoming lawyers, paralegals, and other types of law-related personnel. Many legal professions require only an Associate's Degree, such as courtroom administrators and bailiffs. Criminal justice majors may also pursue careers in the social and human services arena, as well as private investigation. Victims’ services and offender reentry are two less-traditional yet growing fields in the criminal justice system.  

There is currently a healthy demand for those pursuing criminal justice-related careers. In Texas, in particular, criminal justice is a growth industry for the foreseeable future. However, certain jobs are requiring higher and higher standards in terms of education and training. Therefore, LSC-Montgomery’s criminal justice program is designed to flow directly into most bachelor degree programs, so that students can get the most extensive, up-to-date knowledge prior to entering the field.

All criminal justice classes at LSC-Montgomery are fully transferable to any criminal justice program in Texas, and are transferable as electives to most other programs. The University Center, conveniently located on the LSC-Montgomery campus, offers a bachelor's degree in criminal justice through Sam Houston State University. Many colleges and universities offer bachelor's and master's degrees in criminal justice.

Course Offerings

All required courses for the Criminal Justice degree plan are currently offered in both Spring and Fall semesters. Online sections are available on a alternating schedule. CRIJ 1307 is offered at least once a calendar year.

CRIJ 1301

This course provides a historical and philosophical overview of the American criminal justice system, including the nature, extent, and impact of crime; criminal law; and justice agencies and processes.

CRIJ 1306

This course is a study of the court system as it applies to the structures, procedures, practices, and sources of law in American courts, using federal and Texas statutes and case law.

CRIJ 1310

This coure is the study of criminal law including application of definitions, statutory elements, defenses and penalties using Texas statutes, the Model Penal Code, and case law. The course also analyzes the philosophical and historical development of criminal law and criminal culpability.

CRIJ 2313

This course is a survey of institutional and non-institutional corrections. Emphasis will be placed on the organization and operation of correctional systems; treatment and rehabilitation; populations served; Constitutional issues; and current and future issues.

CRIJ 2328

This course examines the establishment, role and function of police in a democratic society. It will focus on types of police agencies and their organizational structure, police-community interaction, police ethics, and use of authority.

How can I get started?

Take advantage of LSC-Montgomery's continuous registration and enroll today! Admission is available for those who meet ANY ONE of the following criteria:

• Graduated from an accredited high school.
• Transferred from another college or institution.
• Successfully completed the GED (General Education Development).
• Received individual approval from the Division of Behavior Science, English, Language, and Speech at 936.273.7374.
• Completed an assessment placement test.

Register Now!

Faculty & Staff