The University of Texas at Tyler has restructured its undergraduate criminal justice program to include new, high-demand degree concentrations and courses.
Beginning in fall 2020, the Bachelor of Science program in criminal justice will offer concentrations in forensic science, juvenile justice and homeland security, in addition to a new variety of lower-division courses in corrections, the courts, criminal law and policing. The restructure also is designed to allow students to transfer courses seamlessly from junior colleges and universities to begin upper-division coursework at UT Tyler.
“While we recognize that many of our students enter careers in law enforcement, we are seeing an increase in students seeking to enter careers in forensic science, corrections, the courts, juvenile justice, victim services and other areas of criminal justice,’’ said Dr. Jennifer Klein, associate professor of criminal justice. “We are restructuring our program to serve those interests and career goals and to account for the ever-changing policies associated with our discipline.’’
Criminal justice majors will be able to select up to two of the three new concentrations, or take courses from all three through the generalist concentration.
"We believe this gives students more flexibility and say in their own academic success,’’ Klein said. “Furthermore, these concentrations allow students to choose what topics are going to help them the most in their future careers.’’
The forensic science concentration is a good fit for students pursuing a career in law enforcement or crime scene processing, or for those who wish to enroll in a post-baccalaureate degree program in forensic science, forensic chemistry or other related areas.
The juvenile justice concentration is a strong choice for students seeking careers in family violence victim services, social work, juvenile corrections or law.
The homeland security concentration provides solid preparation for a career in law enforcement or for a post-baccalaureate degree program in terrorism studies or homeland security.