Criminal Justice

Bachelor of Science (BS)

Build a meaningful and rewarding career in law enforcement with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice at Texas Woman’s University.

A female police officer sitting a table looking to the right

Texas Woman’s criminal justice degree applies the science of sociology to the legal aspects, agencies, procedures and operations of the criminal justice system. As a criminal justice major, you will develop the ability to view criminal, legal and government systems through a sociological and historical lens.

TWU’s BS in criminal justice coursework, faculty mentorship and practical experience opportunities will provide you with a strong foundation to not only launch the career of your choice, but also empower you to make positive changes in your local, national and international communities.

Criminal Justice curriculum

The Department of Social Sciences & Historical Studies offers an interdisciplinary bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. TWU’s program curriculum will provide you with an in-depth understanding of modern legal systems, correctional practices, national and local governments, current sociological issues, crime in contemporary and historical contexts, social research and statistics, and ethical considerations.

For details on the courses we offer, please visit the Division of Criminal Justice in the Undergraduate Catalog.

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Criminal Justice degree details

Criminal Justice career outlook

TWU’s bachelor’s degree program in criminal justice provides a foundation for success in a number of professional fields. Whether your interests lie in law enforcement, the judicial system, private businesses and organizations, corrections or social services, a criminal justice degree from TWU will prepare you for the career of your choice.

Graduates of our program have found success in the following fields:

Arbitrators, mediators and conciliators
Correctional officers and bailiffs
Judges and hearing officers
Lawyers
Paralegals and legal assistants
Police officers and detectives
Private detectives and investigators
Probation officers and correctional treatment specialist
Security guards and surveillance officers

Learn more about career outlooks for a Criminal Justice major

Marketable skills

Marketable skills prepare students for success in a variety of professional settings. Developed through academic coursework, co-curricular engagement, and extracurricular involvement, these skills include communication, critical thinking, teamwork, ethical reasoning, adaptability, and digital literacy. Whether directly related to a student’s major or serving as complementary strengths, marketable skills enhance career readiness and reflect TWU’s commitment to producing graduates who are prepared to thrive in today’s dynamic workforce.

Apply critical thinking, analytical reasoning skills, and criminological knowledge and skills to real-world settings.
Work with numbers and demonstrate quantitative skills.
Make a presentation on and write a non-technical report understood by non-academics.
Work with people in different groups characterized by race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic class, religion, or immigration status to achieve a goal.
Make an evidence-based argument.
Use computers to locate and analyze data.
Gather information and analyze social problems.

Internships

As a student in the criminal justice program, you will be encouraged to earn practical work experience through hands-on internship opportunities. Upon graduation, you will be prepared for a variety of careers in government agencies, private organizations, police departments, correctional facilities and legal offices.

Admission requirements

Undergraduate Admission

When you apply to TWU, we will evaluate your academic achievement and preparation, as well as your standardized test scores. Admission to TWU is valid for four terms, unless you have attended another higher education institution.

Check out the links below for specific admissions information:

Questions about the admissions process? Contact the Office of Admissions.

Office of Admissions
Texas Woman’s University
Brackenridge Hall
402 Administration Drive
Denton, TX 76204-5649
940-898-3188 (Local), 866-809-6130 (Toll Free)
Email: admissions@twu.edu

Contact

Advising

Katherine Mackenzie
Academic Advisor I
Phone: 940-898-3083
kmackenzie2@twu.edu

Schedule an appointment with Katherine

Page last updated 4:27 PM, October 1, 2026