Becoming a Correctional Officer in Texas

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice has a need for accredited correctional officers at the county, state, and federal levels in their state-run and private facilities. At the state level, Texas is divided into 6 jurisdictions in order to better process and meet the needs of inmates. Some facilities, like Crain Unit, Hilltop Unit, and William P. Hobby Unit exclusively house female offenders. Others, like the Alfred D. Hughes Unit and O.L. Luther Unit are entirely male. This division, while necessary, underscores the need for both male and female corrections officer recruits. While incarceration rates are leveling off, the commitment of the justice system to avoid re-offense means that there is still a growing trend in the corrections workforce. By 2022, BLS.gov predicts that Texas' 41,038 correctional officers will have grown in number to 43,089 employees; the Department of Criminal Justice is a major employer throughout the state. If you're interested in a dynamic and challenging career with lucrative opportunities for advancement, read more about the corrections industry in Texas below.

102
Schools Analyzed
50
Schools Ranked

Top Schools Supporting Careers in Criminal Justice & Corrections

The following rankings are based on student data, published surveys, and other school and career data collected from several sources which include the following government agencies:

Data Sources

  • National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)

By obtaining our base data set from the above data sources, schools were ranked using the criteria below:

  • Schools with less than 10 total graduates per year were omitted in order to maintain statistical integrity
  • Schools must have at least 1 graduate in the field of criminal justice
  • Only 4-year, 2-year, and technical public and private non-profit schools were included

Schools were sorted in order of the highest percentage of total students graduating with a degree in the field of criminal justice (CIPCODES: 43.0102, 43.0110, 43.0113, 43.0103, 43.0104, 43.0107, 43.0109, 43.0111, 43.0112, 43.0199).

1

Jarvis Christian College

PR 7631,Hwy 80 E, Hawkins, TX 75765-1470

The mission of the Jarvis Christian College Criminal Justice Department is to provide students with broad-based learning experiences in law enforcement and the American judicial system. By emphasizing the development of students’ analytical and critical thinking skills, the Criminal Justice program prepares students for careers in law enforcement and the criminal justice system.

Jarvis provides real world, experiential activities for students majoring in criminal justice to include site visits to law enforcement agencies, courthouses, graduate schools and law schools, and opportunities to interact with and shadow local law enforcement officials, court officials, and attorneys.

“Our faculty has the experience and credentials in the law enforcement arena to ensure that our students are well prepared for mid-level careers in law enforcement and are capable of making an immediate impact when hired into a new law enforcement position. Our faculty and college have established relationships with law enforcement professionals and law enforcement organizations and we offer pre-professional chapters on our campus,” stated Calvin B. Lester, Jr., Lead Professor of Criminal Justice.

Jarvis Christian College is the sole historically Black liberal arts, baccalaureate degree-granting institution affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Located in Hawkins, Texas, the mission of the college is to prepare students intellectually, socially, spiritually and personally to function effectively in a global and technological society, to pursue professional and graduate studies, or to begin satisfying and productive careers.

 

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 14.58%
  • Program Graduates: 14
  • Total Graduates: 96

School Details

  • School Type: Private, 4-year
  • Website: jarvis.edu
  • School Size: Less than 1,000
2

Paul Quinn College

3837 Simpson Stuart Rd, Dallas, TX 75241

Paul Quinn College ranks 2nd in our latest rankings with four students graduating from programs in corrections and law enforcement administration out of a total 32 students in the 2012-2013 school year.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 12.50%
  • Program Graduates: 4
  • Total Graduates: 32
  • Programs:
    • Law Enforcement Administration
    • Corrections

School Details

  • School Type: Private, 4-year
  • Website: pqc.edu
  • School Size: Less than 1,000
3

Wiley College

711 Wiley Ave, Marshall, TX 75670

Wiley College ranks 3rd in our rankings with 36 students completing programs in law enforcement administration and criminal justice out of a total 288 graduates.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 12.50%
  • Program Graduates: 36
  • Total Graduates: 288
  • Programs:
    • Law Enforcement Administration
    • Police Science

School Details

  • School Type: Private, 4-year
  • Website: wileyc.edu
  • School Size: 1,000 - 5,000
4

Texas College

2404 N. Grand Avenue, Tyler, TX 75702

Texas College ranks 4th in our rankings with twenty-three students graduating from programs in law enforcement administration out of a total 280 graduates from the 2012-2013 school year.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 8.21%
  • Program Graduates: 23
  • Total Graduates: 280

School Details

  • School Type: Private, 4-year
  • Website: texascollege.edu
  • School Size: Less than 1,000
5

Sam Houston State University

1806 Ave J, Huntsville, TX 77340

Sam Houston State University ranks fifth in our latest rankings with 690 students graduating from programs in corrections, securities services administration and management, and criminal justice out of a total eight thousand graduates in the 2012-2013 school year.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 8.05%
  • Program Graduates: 690
  • Total Graduates: 8,568
  • Programs:
    • Law Enforcement Administration
    • Criminal Justice
    • Securities Services Administration and management
    • Corrections

School Details

  • School Type: Public, 4-year
  • Website: shsu.edu
  • School Size: 10,000 - 20,000
6

Sul Ross State University

HWY 90 East, Alpine, TX 79832

Sul Ross State University ranks 6th in our rankings with sixty-six students completing programs in criminal justice out of a total 1,130 graduates.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 5.84%
  • Program Graduates: 66
  • Total Graduates: 1,130

School Details

  • School Type: Public, 4-year
  • Website: sulross.edu
  • School Size: 1,000 - 5,000
7

University of Houston-Downtown

1 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002-1014

University of Houston-Downtown ranks seventh in our rankings with 269 students graduating from programs in securities services administration and management and criminal justice out of a total 4,872 students from the 2012-2013 school year.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 5.52%
  • Program Graduates: 269
  • Total Graduates: 4,872
  • Programs:
    • Criminal Justice
    • Securities Services Administration and management

School Details

  • School Type: Public, 4-year
  • Website: uhd.edu
  • School Size: 10,000 - 20,000
8

Texas A & M International University

5201 University Blvd, Laredo, TX 78041-1900

Texas A & M International University ranks 8th in our latest rankings with 106 students graduating from programs in criminal justice and law enforcement administration out of a total two thousand students.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 5.14%
  • Program Graduates: 106
  • Total Graduates: 2,064
  • Programs:
    • Law Enforcement Administration
    • Police Science

School Details

  • School Type: Public, 4-year
  • Website: tamiu.edu
  • School Size: 5,000 - 10,000
9

Kilgore College

1100 Broadway, Kilgore, TX 75662-3299

Kilgore College ranks 9th in our rankings with 150 students graduating from programs in criminal justice and law enforcement administration out of a total 2,934 graduates in the 2012-2013 school year.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 5.11%
  • Program Graduates: 150
  • Total Graduates: 2,934
  • Programs:
    • Law Enforcement Administration
    • Police Science

School Details

  • School Type: Public, 2-year
  • Website: kilgore.edu
  • School Size: 5,000 - 10,000
10

Temple College

2600 S 1st St, Temple, TX 76504-7435

Temple College ranks 10th in our latest rankings with 69 students graduating from programs in criminal justice out of a total a thousand graduates from the 2012-2013 school year.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 4.76%
  • Program Graduates: 69
  • Total Graduates: 1,450

School Details

  • School Type: Public, 2-year
  • Website: templejc.edu
  • School Size: 5,000 - 10,000
11

Angelina College

3500 South First, Lufkin, TX 75902-1768

Angelina College ranks eleventh in our rankings with sixty-three students graduating from programs in criminal justice and criminal justice out of a total 1,412 graduates in the 2012-2013 school year.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 4.46%
  • Program Graduates: 63
  • Total Graduates: 1,412
  • Programs:
    • Corrections
    • Criminal Justice
    • Police Science

School Details

  • School Type: Public, 2-year
  • Website: angelina.edu
  • School Size: 5,000 - 10,000
12

College of the Mainland

1200 Amburn Road, Texas City, TX 77591-2499

College of the Mainland ranks twelfth in our latest rankings with fifty-nine students graduating from programs in criminal justice and criminal justice out of a total 1,344 graduates from the 2012-2013 school year.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 4.39%
  • Program Graduates: 59
  • Total Graduates: 1,344
  • Programs:
    • Criminal Justice
    • Police Science

School Details

  • School Type: Public, 2-year
  • Website: com.edu
  • School Size: 1,000 - 5,000
13

Lamar Institute of Technology

855 E Lavaca, Beaumont, TX 77705

Lamar Institute of Technology ranks 13th in our rankings with fifty-one students completing programs in criminal justice out of a total a thousand graduates in the 2012-2013 school year.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 4.37%
  • Program Graduates: 51
  • Total Graduates: 1,168

School Details

  • School Type: Public, 2-year
  • Website: lit.edu
  • School Size: 1,000 - 5,000
14

Remington College - North Houston

11310 Greens Crossing Blvd, Ste 300, Houston, TX 77067

Remington College-North Houston Campus ranks fourteenth in our rankings with thirty-one students completing programs in law enforcement administration out of a total 758 students from the 2012-2013 school year.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 4.09%
  • Program Graduates: 31
  • Total Graduates: 758

School Details

15

Mountain View College

4849 West Illinois Ave., Dallas, TX 75211-6599

Mountain View College ranks 15th in our rankings with 64 students graduating from programs in criminal justice out of a total a thousand graduates in the 2012-2013 school year.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 3.89%
  • Program Graduates: 64
  • Total Graduates: 1,646

School Details

16

Huston-Tillotson University

900 Chicon St, Austin, TX 78702-2795

Huston-Tillotson University ranks 16th in our rankings with eleven students completing programs in law enforcement administration out of a total 284 students from the 2012-2013 school year.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 3.87%
  • Program Graduates: 11
  • Total Graduates: 284

School Details

  • School Type: Private, 4-year
  • Website: htu.edu
  • School Size: Less than 1,000
17

Eastfield College

3737 Motley Dr, Mesquite, TX 75150-2099

Eastfield College ranks seventeenth in our latest rankings with 78 students completing programs in criminal justice out of a total 2,028 graduates.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 3.85%
  • Program Graduates: 78
  • Total Graduates: 2,028

School Details

18

Remington College - Houston

3110 Hayes Road Suite 380, Houston, TX 77082

Remington College-Houston Campus ranks 18th in our rankings with 21 students completing programs in law enforcement administration out of a total 556 graduates.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 3.78%
  • Program Graduates: 21
  • Total Graduates: 556

School Details

19

Galveston College

4015 Ave Q, Galveston, TX 77550-7496

Galveston College ranks nineteenth in our rankings with 33 students completing programs in criminal justice and criminal justice out of a total 936 graduates in the 2012-2013 school year.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 3.53%
  • Program Graduates: 33
  • Total Graduates: 936
  • Programs:
    • Criminal Justice
    • Police Science

School Details

  • School Type: Public, 2-year
  • Website: gc.edu
  • School Size: 1,000 - 5,000
20

Navarro College

3200 W 7th Avenue, Corsicana, TX 75110

Navarro College ranks 20th in our rankings with 112 students graduating from programs in criminal justice out of a total three thousand students.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 3.49%
  • Program Graduates: 112
  • Total Graduates: 3,206

School Details

21

Alvin Community College

3110 Mustang Rd, Alvin, TX 77511-4898

Alvin Community College ranks 21st in our latest rankings with 68 students graduating from programs in criminal justice and criminal justice out of a total 2,000 graduates from the 2012-2013 school year.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 3.40%
  • Program Graduates: 68
  • Total Graduates: 2,000
  • Programs:
    • Criminal Justice
    • Police Science

School Details

22

South Texas College

3201 W Pecan, McAllen, TX 78502-9701

South Texas College ranks 22nd in our rankings with 263 students graduating from programs in criminal justice and criminal justice out of a total 7,926 graduates.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 3.32%
  • Program Graduates: 263
  • Total Graduates: 7,926
  • Programs:
    • Criminal Justice
    • Police Science

School Details

23

Northwest Vista College

3535 N. Ellison Drive, San Antonio, TX 78251

Northwest Vista College ranks 23rd in our latest rankings with ninety students completing programs in criminal justice out of a total two thousand graduates in the 2012-2013 school year.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 3.29%
  • Program Graduates: 90
  • Total Graduates: 2,738

School Details

  • School Type: Public, 2-year
  • Website: alamo.edu
  • School Size: 10,000 - 20,000
24

Wharton County Junior College

911 Boling Hwy, Wharton, TX 77488

Wharton County Junior College ranks twenty-fourth in our rankings with fifty-eight students completing programs in criminal justice out of a total a thousand graduates.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 3.27%
  • Program Graduates: 58
  • Total Graduates: 1,776

School Details

  • School Type: Public, 2-year
  • Website: wcjc.edu
  • School Size: 5,000 - 10,000
25

The University of Texas - Pan American

1201 W University Dr, Edinburg, TX 78539-2999

The University of Texas-Pan American ranks 25th in our latest rankings with 236 students graduating from programs in law enforcement administration out of a total 7,234 graduates from the 2012-2013 school year.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 3.26%
  • Program Graduates: 236
  • Total Graduates: 7,234

School Details

  • School Type: Public, 4-year
  • Website: portal.utpa.edu
  • School Size: More than 20,000
26

Palo Alto College

1400 W Villaret Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78224-2499

Palo Alto College ranks twenty-sixth in our latest rankings with 60 students graduating from programs in criminal justice out of a total a thousand students in the 2012-2013 school year.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 3.21%
  • Program Graduates: 60
  • Total Graduates: 1,870

School Details

  • School Type: Public, 2-year
  • Website: alamo.edu
  • School Size: 5,000 - 10,000
27

Texas A & M University - Central Texas

1001 Leadership Place, Killeen, TX 76549

Texas A & M University-Central Texas ranks twenty-seventh in our rankings with forty-five students graduating from programs in law enforcement administration and criminal justice out of a total 1,408 graduates in the 2012-2013 school year.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 3.20%
  • Program Graduates: 45
  • Total Graduates: 1,408
  • Programs:
    • Law Enforcement Administration
    • Criminal Justice

School Details

  • School Type: Public, 4-year
  • Website: tamuct.edu
  • School Size: 1,000 - 5,000
28

Blinn College

902 College Ave, Brenham, TX 77833-4098

Blinn College ranks twenty-eighth in our rankings with 74 students completing programs in corrections, criminal justice, and criminal justice out of a total 2,378 graduates in the 2012-2013 school year.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 3.11%
  • Program Graduates: 74
  • Total Graduates: 2,378
  • Programs:
    • Corrections
    • Criminal Justice
    • Police Science

School Details

  • School Type: Public, 2-year
  • Website: blinn.edu
  • School Size: 10,000 - 20,000
29

Wayland Baptist University

1900 W 7th St., Plainview, TX 79072

Wayland Baptist University ranks 29th in our rankings with 134 students completing programs in law enforcement administration out of a total four thousand students in the 2012-2013 school year.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 2.88%
  • Program Graduates: 134
  • Total Graduates: 4,658

School Details

  • School Type: Private, 4-year
  • Website: wbu.edu
  • School Size: 5,000 - 10,000
30

Remington College - Fort Worth

300 E. Loop 820, Fort Worth, TX 76112-1225

Remington College-Fort Worth Campus ranks 30th in our latest rankings with 20 students completing programs in law enforcement administration out of a total 712 graduates in the 2012-2013 school year.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 2.81%
  • Program Graduates: 20
  • Total Graduates: 712

School Details

31

Remington College - Dallas

1800 Eastgate Dr, Garland, TX 75041

Remington College-Dallas Campus ranks thirty-first in our rankings with forty-five students completing programs in law enforcement administration out of a total a thousand graduates in the 2012-2013 school year.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 2.79%
  • Program Graduates: 45
  • Total Graduates: 1,612

School Details

32

Tarleton State University

1333 W. Washington, Stephenville, TX 76401-0000

Tarleton State University ranks thirty-second in our rankings with 131 students completing programs in law enforcement administration and criminal justice out of a total 4,696 students.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 2.79%
  • Program Graduates: 131
  • Total Graduates: 4,696
  • Programs:
    • Law Enforcement Administration
    • Criminal Justice

School Details

  • School Type: Public, 4-year
  • Website: tarleton.edu
  • School Size: 10,000 - 20,000
33

Prairie View A & M University

FM 1098 Road & University Drive, Prairie View, TX 77446

Prairie View A & M University ranks 33rd in our rankings with 80 students graduating from programs in criminal justice and juvenile corrections out of a total 2,900 graduates from the 2012-2013 school year.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 2.76%
  • Program Graduates: 80
  • Total Graduates: 2,900
  • Programs:
    • Criminal Justice
    • Juvenile Corrections

School Details

  • School Type: Public, 4-year
  • Website: pvamu.edu
  • School Size: 5,000 - 10,000
34

Northeast Texas Community College

2886 FM 1735, Mount Pleasant, TX 75455

Northeast Texas Community College ranks thirty-fourth in our rankings with thirty-three students completing programs in criminal justice out of a total a thousand graduates.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 2.74%
  • Program Graduates: 33
  • Total Graduates: 1,206

School Details

35

Laredo Community College

West End Washington St, Laredo, TX 78040-4395

Laredo Community College ranks 35th in our latest rankings with eighty-seven students graduating from programs in criminal justice and criminal justice out of a total 3,260 graduates.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 2.67%
  • Program Graduates: 87
  • Total Graduates: 3,260
  • Programs:
    • Criminal Justice
    • Police Science

School Details

  • School Type: Public, 2-year
  • Website: laredo.edu
  • School Size: 5,000 - 10,000
36

San Antonio College

1300 San Pedro Ave, San Antonio, TX 78212-4299

San Antonio College ranks 36th in our latest rankings with 131 students graduating from programs in criminal justice, criminal justice, and corrections out of a total four thousand students.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 2.63%
  • Program Graduates: 131
  • Total Graduates: 4,972
  • Programs:
    • Corrections
    • Criminal Justice
    • Police Science

School Details

  • School Type: Public, 2-year
  • Website: alamo.edu
  • School Size: More than 20,000
37

South Plains College

1401 S. College Ave, Levelland, TX 79336

South Plains College ranks 37th in our rankings with seventy-two students completing programs in law enforcement administration and criminal justice out of a total 2,792 students in the 2012-2013 school year.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 2.58%
  • Program Graduates: 72
  • Total Graduates: 2,792
  • Programs:
    • Law Enforcement Administration
    • Criminal Justice
    • Police Science

School Details

38

Austin Community College District

5930 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, TX 78752

Austin Community College District ranks 38th in our rankings with 128 students completing programs in criminal justice and corrections out of a total 4,992 students from the 2012-2013 school year.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 2.56%
  • Program Graduates: 128
  • Total Graduates: 4,992
  • Programs:
    • Corrections
    • Police Science

School Details

  • School Type: Public, 2-year
  • Website: austincc.edu
  • School Size: More than 20,000
39

Central Texas College

6200 West Central Texas Expressway, Killeen, TX 76549-4199

Central Texas College ranks thirty-ninth in our latest rankings with 184 students graduating from programs in criminal justice and criminal justice out of a total 7,518 graduates.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 2.45%
  • Program Graduates: 184
  • Total Graduates: 7,518
  • Programs:
    • Criminal Justice
    • Police Science

School Details

  • School Type: Public, 2-year
  • Website: ctcd.edu
  • School Size: More than 20,000
40

Howard College

1001 Birdwell Lane, Big Spring, TX 79720

Howard College ranks forty in our latest rankings with thirty-eight students graduating from programs in criminal justice, law enforcement administration, and corrections out of a total 1,560 students in the 2012-2013 school year.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 2.44%
  • Program Graduates: 38
  • Total Graduates: 1,560
  • Programs:
    • Corrections
    • Law Enforcement Administration
    • Criminal Justice
    • Police Science

School Details

41

Texas State University

601 University Dr, San Marcos, TX 78666

Texas State University ranks forty-first in our rankings with 355 students completing programs in law enforcement administration, corrections, and criminal justice out of a total fifteen thousand students.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 2.34%
  • Program Graduates: 355
  • Total Graduates: 15,152
  • Programs:
    • Corrections
    • Law Enforcement Administration
    • Criminal Justice
    • Police Science

School Details

  • School Type: Public, 4-year
  • Website: cj.txstate.edu
  • School Size: More than 20,000
42

El Paso Community College

9050 Viscount Blvd, El Paso, TX 79925

El Paso Community College ranks 42nd in our latest rankings with 195 students graduating from programs in corrections and criminal justice out of a total 8,360 graduates from the 2012-2013 school year.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 2.33%
  • Program Graduates: 195
  • Total Graduates: 8,360
  • Programs:
    • Criminal Justice
    • Corrections

School Details

  • School Type: Public, 2-year
  • Website: epcc.edu
  • School Size: More than 20,000
43

Grayson College

6101 Grayson Drive, Denison, TX 75020-8299

Grayson College ranks 43rd in our rankings with 44 students graduating from programs in criminal justice and criminal justice out of a total a thousand students from the 2012-2013 school year.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 2.30%
  • Program Graduates: 44
  • Total Graduates: 1,910
  • Programs:
    • Criminal Justice
    • Police Science

School Details

  • School Type: Public, 2-year
  • Website: grayson.edu
  • School Size: 5,000 - 10,000
44

The University of Texas at San Antonio

One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249-1644

The University of Texas at San Antonio ranks forty-fourth in our rankings with 263 students completing programs in criminal justice out of a total eleven thousand graduates in the 2012-2013 school year.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 2.22%
  • Program Graduates: 263
  • Total Graduates: 11,836

School Details

  • School Type: Public, 4-year
  • Website: copp.utsa.edu
  • School Size: More than 20,000
45

Cedar Valley College

3030 North Dallas Ave, Lancaster, TX 75134-3799

Cedar Valley College ranks 45th in our rankings with 43 students graduating from programs in criminal justice out of a total 1,952 students in the 2012-2013 school year.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 2.20%
  • Program Graduates: 43
  • Total Graduates: 1,952

School Details

46

Texas A & M University - Corpus Christi

6300 Ocean Dr., Corpus Christi, TX 78412-5503

Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi ranks 46th in our rankings with 85 students graduating from programs in criminal justice out of a total 3,878 students.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 2.19%
  • Program Graduates: 85
  • Total Graduates: 3,878

School Details

  • School Type: Public, 4-year
  • Website: cla.tamucc.edu
  • School Size: 10,000 - 20,000
47

Victoria College

2200 E Red River, Victoria, TX 77901

Victoria College ranks 47th in our rankings with twenty-four students graduating from programs in criminal justice out of a total 1,102 students from the 2012-2013 school year.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 2.18%
  • Program Graduates: 24
  • Total Graduates: 1,102

School Details

48

Hill College

112 Lamar Dr, Hillsboro, TX 76645

Hill College ranks forty-eighth in our latest rankings with thirty students completing programs in corrections and law enforcement administration out of a total a thousand students from the 2012-2013 school year.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 2.16%
  • Program Graduates: 30
  • Total Graduates: 1,388
  • Programs:
    • Corrections
    • Law Enforcement Administration
    • Criminal Justice

School Details

  • School Type: Public, 2-year
  • Website: hillcollege.edu
  • School Size: 1,000 - 5,000
49

Hardin-Simmons University

2200 Hickory, Abilene, TX 79698-0001

Hardin-Simmons University ranks forty-ninth in our latest rankings with twenty-one students graduating from programs in criminal justice out of a total 1,012 students in the 2012-2013 school year.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 2.08%
  • Program Graduates: 21
  • Total Graduates: 1,012

School Details

  • School Type: Private, 4-year
  • Website: hsutx.edu
  • School Size: 1,000 - 5,000
50

The University of Texas at El Paso

500 W. University Ave, El Paso, TX 79968-0691

The University of Texas at El Paso ranks 50th in our rankings with 189 students graduating from programs in criminal justice out of a total 9,214 graduates.

Ranking Details

  • Percent of Graduates: 2.05%
  • Program Graduates: 189
  • Total Graduates: 9,214

School Details

Continued List of All Criminal Jusitice Programs in Texas

ProgramWebsite

The University of Texas at Brownsville

One West University Boulevard, Brownsville, TX 78520
Phone: (956) 882-8200

Midland College

3600 N Garfield, Midland, TX 79705
Phone: (432) 685-4500

Del Mar College

101 Baldwin Blvd., Corpus Christi, TX 78404-3897
Phone: (361) 698-1255

East Texas Baptist University

One Tiger Drive, Marshall, TX 75670-1498
Phone: (903) 935-7963

Texas Wesleyan University

1201 Wesleyan St, Fort Worth, TX 76105-1536
Phone: (817) 531-4444

Texas Southern University

3100 Cleburne St, Houston, TX 77004
Phone: (713) 313-7011

Coastal Bend College

3800 Charco Rd, Beeville, TX 78102
Phone: (361) 358-2838

Texas A & M University-Texarkana

7101 University Avenue, Texarkana, TX 75503
Phone: (903) 223-3000

Tyler Junior College

1400 East Fifth Street, Tyler, TX 75701
Phone: (903) 510-2200

University of North Texas

1501 W.Chestnut Ave., Denton, TX 76203-1277
Phone: (940) 565-2000

Southwest Texas Junior College

2401 Garner Field Rd, Uvalde, TX 78801-6297
Phone: (830) 278-4401

Amarillo College

2011 S. Washington, Amarillo, TX 79109
Phone: (806) 371-5000

McLennan Community College

1400 College Dr, Waco, TX 76708
Phone: (254) 299-8622

Cisco College

101 College Heights, Cisco, TX 76437
Phone: (254) 442-5000

The University of Texas at Tyler

3900 University Blvd, Tyler, TX 75799-6699
Phone: (903) 566-7000

Tarrant County College District

1500 Houston St, Fort Worth, TX 76102-6524
Phone: (817) 515-5100

Angelo State University

2601 W. Avenue N, San Angelo, TX 76909
Phone: (325) 942-2555

St Mary's University

One Camino Santa Maria, San Antonio, TX 78228-8586
Phone: (210) 436-3011

Lubbock Christian University

5601 19th Street, Lubbock, TX 79407-2099
Phone: (806) 796-8800

Texarkana College

2500 N Robison Rd, Texarkana, TX 75599
Phone: (903) 823-3456

Vernon College

4400 College Dr., Vernon, TX 76384-4092
Phone: (940) 552-6291

Odessa College

201 W University Blvd, Odessa, TX 79764
Phone: (432) 335-6400

Houston Community College

3100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002
Phone: (877) 422-6111

Midwestern State University

3410 Taft Blvd, Wichita Falls, TX 76308-2099
Phone: (940) 397-4000

The University of Texas at Arlington

701 S. Nedderman Dr., Arlington, TX 76013
Phone: (817) 272-2011

Stephen F Austin State University

2008 Alumin Drive, Rusk 206, Nacogdoches, TX 75961
Phone: (936) 468-2011

Brazosport College

500 College Dr, Lake Jackson, TX 77566-3199
Phone: (979) 230-3000

University of Houston-Victoria

3007 N. Ben Wilson, Victoria, TX 77901
Phone: (877) 970-4848

Our Lady of the Lake University

411 SW 24th St, San Antonio, TX 78207-4689
Phone: (210) 434-6711

Texas A & M University-Commerce

2600 South Neal, Commerce, TX 75429-3011
Phone: (903) 886-5081

University of the Incarnate Word

4301 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209
Phone: (210) 829-6000

Lamar University

4400 MLK Blvd, Beaumont, TX 77705
Phone: (409) 880-7011

Texas Christian University

2800 S University Dr, Fort Worth, TX 76129
Phone: (817) 257-7000

North Central Texas College

1525 W California Street, Gainesville, TX 76240-4699
Phone: (940) 668-7731

Clarendon College

1122 College Drive, Clarendon, TX 79226
Phone: (806) 874-3571 x107

San Jacinto Community College

8060 Spencer Hwy, Pasadena, TX 77501-2007
Phone: (281) 998-6150

Weatherford College

225 College Park Drive, Weatherford, TX 76086-5699
Phone: (800) 287-5471

Lee College

511 S Whiting, Baytown, TX 77520
Phone: (281) 427-5611

Saint Edward's University

3001 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704-6489
Phone: (512) 448-8400

The University of Texas of the Permian Basin

4901 E University, Odessa, TX 79762-0001
Phone: (432) 552-2020

Texas Woman's University

304 Administration Dr, Denton, TX 76201
Phone: (940) 898-2000

Lamar State College-Port Arthur

1500 Proctor St, Port Arthur, TX 77640
Phone: (409) 984-6342

Trinity Valley Community College

100 Cardinal Drive, Athens, TX 75751
Phone: (903) 675-6200

West Texas A & M University

2501 4th Ave, Canyon, TX 79016-0001
Phone: (806) 651-0000

Lone Star College System

5000 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77381-4399
Phone: (832) 813-6500

Abilene Christian University

1600 Campus Court, Abilene, TX 79699
Phone: (325) 674-2000

St Philip's College

1801 Martin Luther King Dr, San Antonio, TX 78203-2098
Phone: (210) 486-2000

Brookhaven College

3939 Valley View Ln, Farmers Branch, TX 75244-4997
Phone: (972) 860-4700

Paris Junior College

2400 Clarksville St, Paris, TX 75460
Phone: (903) 785-7661

Dallas Baptist University

3000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, TX 75211-9299
Phone: (214) 333-7100

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor

900 College St, Belton, TX 76513-2599
Phone: (800) 727-8642

The University of Texas at Dallas

800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021
Phone: (972) 883-2111

Texas Correctional Officer Certification Requirements

The Department of Corrections in Texas is continually searching for interested and qualified applicants for the position of corrections officer. With vacancies throughout the state, men and women have excellent career opportunities in the corrections field. Due to the challenging nature of the work, the state has committing to hiring only the most qualified applicants. The first stage of the application process details that applicants provide proof of the following:

  • U.S. citizenship or naturalization
  • Valid Texas driver's license
  • Proof of age (21+)
  • No domestic violence or felony convictions
  • Proof of honorable discharge if applicable

Applicants who meet or exceed the eligibility criteria will be contacted by the department in order to begin the more rigorous second phase of the hiring process. Phase 2 assessments will include:

  • Fitness evaluation
  • Detailed background investigation
  • Drug testing
  • Medical-physical examination
  • Mental health examination
  • In-person interview

Those candidates who are the most qualified based on Phase 2 criteria will be invited to enroll in the Texas Corrections Officer Training Academy. The weeks-long program is designed to provide a practical approach to working in a correctional facility. Successfully completing the training will certify candidates as Corrections Officers suitable for employment within the state.

Texas Department of Criminal Justice

P.O. Box 13084
Austin, TX 78711
Phone: (512) 475-3250
http://www.tdcj.state.tx.us/

Texas Correctional Officer Employment & Outlook

Correctional Officer Salary: Texas vs National Salary Comparison

Source: BLS State Cross-Industry Estimates 2011

The state Department of Corrections in Texas encourages civic-minded citizens to look into the field of corrections for fulfilling and lucrative career opportunities. At this time, the median income for correctional officers throughout Texas is lower than the national average at $37,100, with the national median income at $39,800. According to occupational data for the state, available at http://www.careerinfonet.org/occ_rep.asp?next=occ_rep&Level=&optstatus=011000000&jobfam=33&id=1&nodeid=2&soccode=333012&menuMode=&stfips=48&x=67&y=9 and published by CareerInfoNet.org, state trends are predicted to experience a 16% growth curve from now until 2022 as compared to the national growth rate of 5%. This predicted growth pattern translates into 2,030 new openings and existing vacancies annually.

Occupational Employment Statistics for Correctional Officers (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes333012.htm)

Texas Correctional Officer Salaries By Area

The table below lists career information obtained from the BLS for correctional officers in Texas. The table is sorted by total employment, with the largest metropolitan areas listed first.

AreaTotal EmploymentAverage Hourly WageAverage Annual Salary
Houston, Sugar Land, Baytown8,420$18.45$38,380
Dallas, Plano, Irving3,970$17.96$37,350
Killeen, Temple, Fort Hood2,600$16.70$34,740
San Antonio, New Braunfels2,390$18.19$37,830
Austin, Round Rock, San Marcos1,780$18.84$39,190
Beaumont, Port Arthur1,630$19.61$40,790
Fort Worth, Arlington1,450$20.15$41,920
Amarillo1,160$17.73$36,890
El Paso1,090$22.84$47,510
Texarkana, Texarkana970$18.34$38,150
Abilene890$16.69$34,710
Wichita Falls860$17.17$35,710
Lubbock670$18.04$37,530
McAllen, Edinburg, Mission550$17.60$36,620
Waco550$18.37$38,200
Corpus Christi350$15.61$32,470
College Station, Bryan230$19.42$40,380