Dallas College

Criminal Justice


8 Certificates 2 Associate Degrees Core Curriculum
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An education in Criminal Justice can lead to a wide variety of public service careers. Criminal Justice courses at Dallas College provide valuable knowledge for working effectively in corrections, probation, government, and private security settings, and support students pursuing a Criminal Justice degree or associate degree. We also offer the 911 Dispatcher Program, which provides academic instruction and hands‑on skills training across all three public safety curriculum areas: law enforcement, fire, and EMS.

Caruth Police Institute at Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute

Dallas College offers the Caruth Police Institute at Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute leadership course. Register today!

If you are a traditional student and need guidance, contact your success coach. 

 

Criminal Justice at a Glance

Dallas College offers many different ways to reach your career goals. Whether you want to jump into the workforce quickly or spend more time building advanced skills, we have the programs that fit your needs and timeline.

Certificate Programs

Estimated total tuition cost2:

$1,782-$4,455

Estimated time to complete1:

2 months-1 year

  • Brookhaven
  • Cedar Valley
  • Eastfield
  • Mountain View
  • Online3

Associate Degrees

Estimated total tuition cost2:

$5,940

Estimated time to complete1:

2 years

  • Cedar Valley
  • Eastfield
  • Mountain View
  • Online3

Which Degrees and Certificates are Right for Me?

Workforce Training

Dallas College offers fast, flexible credentials designed with local employers to help you quickly start or advance your career.

Can I Get a Job?

Dallas College offers a variety of certificates and degrees to help you gain the skills you need to start working right away.

  • These credentials are often considered Career and Technical Education (CTE).
  • These credentials are established with the assistance and cooperation of representatives from local business, to meet local and regional employment needs.
  • Higher-level certificates and degrees will typically lead to a higher salary in the workforce.
  • Workforce (CE) certificates can often be completed faster than traditional credit certificates but typically do not offer college credit.
  • Level 1, Level 2, Enhanced Skills certificates and others offer college credit and are often stackable to help you build skills as you work toward an associate degree.
  • Workforce credentials may give you college credit at Dallas College, but they may not transfer to other colleges or universities.

If you're unsure if this is the right path for you, you can talk to a pathway specialist for advice.

Pathway Specialist

Credit Certificates

Dallas College offers credit certificates that provide focused, career-ready skills recognized by employers.

Can I Get a Job?

Dallas College offers a variety of certificates and degrees to help you gain the skills you need to start working right away.

  • These credentials are often considered Career and Technical Education (CTE).
  • These credentials are established with the assistance and cooperation of representatives from local business, to meet local and regional employment needs.
  • Higher-level certificates and degrees will typically lead to a higher salary in the workforce.
  • Workforce (CE) certificates can often be completed faster than traditional credit certificates but typically do not offer college credit.
  • Level 1, Level 2, Enhanced Skills certificates and others offer college credit and are often stackable to help you build skills as you work toward an associate degree.
  • Workforce credentials may give you college credit at Dallas College, but they may not transfer to other colleges or universities.

If you're unsure if this is the right path for you, you can talk to a pathway specialist for advice.

Pathway Specialist

Associate Degrees

Dallas College's associate degrees provide a strong academic foundation for career entry or transfer to a four-year institution.

Can I Transfer?

Our Associate of Applied Science degrees and certificates may not fully transfer to a four-year college or university.

  • If your goal is to transfer, you may want to explore our Core Curriculum and Transfer Pathways.
  • You may also want to explore a transfer degree, like an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science.
  • The classes you take will count towards a bachelor's degree and are designed to be accepted by any public college or university in Texas.

If you're not sure if this is the right choice for you, you can talk to a Pathway Specialist for guidance.

Pathway Specialist

Transfer Degrees

Students planning to transfer to a four-year college or university should consider the Core Curriculum, Transfer Pathways, or degrees like the Associate of Arts or Associate of Science, which are designed to be widely accepted at other institutions.

Can I Transfer?

Our Associate of Applied Science degrees and certificates may not fully transfer to a four-year college or university.

  • If your goal is to transfer, you may want to explore our Core Curriculum and Transfer Pathways.
  • You may also want to explore a transfer degree, like an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science.
  • The classes you take will count towards a bachelor's degree and are designed to be accepted by any public college or university in Texas.

If you're not sure if this is the right choice for you, you can talk to a Pathway Specialist for guidance.

Pathway Specialist

Questions About Degrees and Certificates?

We know applying to college can be confusing. If you are not yet a Dallas College student, you have a whole team of recruitment coaches to help guide you through programs and the enrollment process.

Current students, contact your success coach (advisor) who can answer any questions you have about Criminal Justice programs and your degree and certificate options.

Contact a Recruitment Coach

What Can I Earn? Will There Be Plenty of Jobs?

Study Criminal Justice and learn from instructors with real-world experience about how to deal with criminal behavior. Check out a few of the incredible career opportunities you’ll be ready for. Your future starts here!

Customs and Border Protection Officersat work

Customs and Border Protection Officers

$44/hr

Median Salary

1563

Job Openings

+10%

Projected Outlook

Top Skills:

  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Writing
  • Monitoring
  • Judgment and Decision Making
  • Coordination
  • Active Learning
Detectives and Criminal Investigatorsat work

Detectives and Criminal Investigators

$41/hr

Median Salary

167

Job Openings

+7%

Projected Outlook

Top Skills:

  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Judgment and Decision Making
  • Active Learning
  • Coordination
  • Service Orientation
Fire Inspectors and Investigatorsat work

Fire Inspectors and Investigators

$45/hr

Median Salary

31

Job Openings

+11%

Projected Outlook

Top Skills:

  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Critical Thinking
  • Writing
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Service Orientation
  • Monitoring
  • Persuasion
  • Instructing
Supervisors of Correctional Officersat work

Supervisors of Correctional Officers

$38/hr

Median Salary

37

Job Openings

+5%

Projected Outlook

Top Skills:

  • Monitoring
  • Active Listening
  • Coordination
  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Critical Thinking
  • Speaking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Management of Personnel Resources
  • Persuasion
  • Writing

All jobs data gathered for Dallas/Fort Worth. Source: Dallas College Labor Market Intelligence and Lightcast4.

“What I like about law enforcement is that no day is the same as another. There is constant interaction with various people and cultures and that’s what makes it both so interesting and so challenging.” Read Bill Doc Lowden's story.
Bill Lowden
Bill Doc Lowden
Reserve police officer, Milford Police Department

A Peek Inside Basic Peace Officer (Police) Training

Clear your weapon.

He's pulling away.

Get on the ground.

We're not Superman.

We don't have a Batman utility belt.

It's all knowledge.

Key to it is your training, whether shooting, whether it's hands-on, whether it's delivering that baby.

We always will revert back to our training.

We're gonna clear the nose and mouth of any mucus.

Once you choose law enforcement, you give up the right to be unfit.

Your partner needs you, man.

Come on.

If you are overweight, and you tell me, hey, turn around.

I'm gonna arrest you.

I'm like, do it, try me.

You know, but if you're a fit, I may be like, oh, I don't know.

We teach these cadets how to preserve the crime scene, how to make sure that everything is secured for the integrity of the investigation.

Load it, load it, load it.

We showed them how to multitask, how to work with your partner.

Every time you arrest a DWI driver, you're saving not only our lives and your life and his life, but the violator's life.

We don't react, we respond.

One and two and...

Reacting means you don't have a plan.

Responding means you do.

By the time you graduate this academy, you're going to have a plan.

Dallas College offers three paths in Criminal Justice:

  • Criminal Justice CTE Program – Earn certificates and degrees designed to prepare you for a career in law enforcement.
  • Criminal Justice for Transfer Program – Complete core courses in Criminal Justice that seamlessly transfer to a four-year university.
  • Law Enforcement Academy – Choose from specialized training options to begin or advance your career in law enforcement.

Dallas College is the one-stop shop for individuals interested in learning new approaches to serve the community through public safety vocations. Graduates take certification examinations at the end of the program and secure required licenses, enabling entrance into the various public safety vocations. 

Dallas College is authorized by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) to offer three courses: Basic Peace Officer, Basic County Corrections and Basic Telecommunicator. The Basic Peace Officer course prepares women and men for service as police recruits in the State of Texas. After completing the academy, graduates are permitted to take the State’s licensing exam. Cadets who score 70 on the State exam then become licensed peace officers and are eligible for employment in the State’s 2,700 police agencies.

Cost

In addition to tuition, there is approximately $600 in extra costs for uniforms, ammunition and other fees. There are also pre-admissions expenses students need to absorb. The state requires a pre-admittance Medical Evaluation ($135) and Psychological Evaluation ($150); there’s an additional criminal history check that’s required, done through a Fingerprint ($40).

Course Schedule

Note: Basic Peace Officer courses are listed on the CE Schedule. Please search classes for CJLE. There are full-time and part-time classes available. Full-time classes generally run for 21 weeks, Mondays through Fridays, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., with some weekends. Part-time evening classes run for 42 weeks, Mondays through Fridays, 6:30-10:30 p.m., with occasional weekend classes. Part-time morning classes run for 42 weeks, Mondays through Fridays, 8 a.m.-noon, with occasional weekend classes.

Qualifications for Entrance

The Texas Occupations Code sets legal minimum qualifications for peace officers in the state of Texas. The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement is the regulatory agency charged with maintaining and regulating the standards set in the Occupations Code. Per the above, qualifications to be a peace officer in Texas are:

  • Must be a U.S. citizen.
  • Must be 21 years old (or 18 years old with 60 college hours).
  • Must be a high school graduate or have a GED.
  • Must pass a state criminal history and fingerprint check.
  • Must not be currently charged with a crime.
  • Veterans of U.S. military services must not have a dishonorable or bad conduct discharge.
  • Must not be restricted from owning or possessing a weapon or ammunition.
  • Must have a valid Texas driver's license (out-of-state applicants must comply with Texas law.)
  • Must clear a background investigation (review of personal history statement).
  • Must pass a fingerprint check.
  • Must pass a physical and drug screen examination.
  • Must pass a psychological examination (includes personal history statement).

Required Documents

The Law Enforcement Academy will need the following documents. In some cases, the original or certified copy must be presented.

  • Birth certificate or naturalization certificate (For U.S. citizenship, an original or certified copy must be presented; a copy will be made by the academy staff.)
  • Valid Texas driver's license (Applicants with an out-of-state driver's license must be prepared to comply with Texas law regarding obtaining a valid Texas driver's license.)
  • Driver's History Statement (Applicants will follow directions given by the academy to obtain the correct form.)
  • High school diploma or GED (Academy staff will copy the original or certified copy.)
  • DD Form 214 (for military veterans only).
  • Personal History Statement (Forms will be provided. You will need it filled out before the academy schedules an appointment for your initial interview, as this statement must be completed and presented at your interview.)

Additional Requirements

In addition to meeting the qualification standards established by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, every person applying to the Dallas College Law Enforcement Academy must comply with these additional requirements.

  1. Pass a TSI exam.
    • The TSI exam assesses reading comprehension, essay and sentence skills at the college freshman level. It is required because Law Enforcement Academy cadets must read Texas law and be able to fulfill the writing needs of crime and arrest reporting.
      • If you have already taken the exam or a comparable exam, you will not be required to retake it (academy staff will determine this with you in your initial interview.) Military veterans with two or more years of active duty experience are exempt from the TSI exam requirement.
      • Applicants can obtain a waiver to take the first exam attempt for free. Second or third attempts are at the cost of the applicant. If you have not passed one or both portions of the exam by the third attempt, you will be required to take remedial courses prior to attending the academy.
  2. Have a bacterial meningitis vaccination. This requirement will be reviewed with you during the initial interview. Exceptions are only made if:
    • You have received the bacterial meningitis vaccination within the last five years.
    • You are 22 years old or older.

Questions? Contact us at DCLEA@Dallascollege.edu, or call  972-391-1084.

 

How to Apply

The journey of a lifetime begins with the first step. We realize there are a few steps here and it can be a bit confusing. The academy’s staff is here to assist you with every step in the process, or with any questions you may have before taking those steps. Noted below is a general outline and description of the step-by-step procedure for enrolling.

  1. Email the academy at DCLEA@Dallascollege.edu or call the academy at 972-391-1084 to schedule an interview and receive the paperwork via email. Paperwork will be sent to you.
  2. Complete the Personal History Statement you’ll have received.
  3. Expect to hear from the academy about an applicant interview.
    • Applicant must bring their completed personal history statement to the interview.
    • Applicant is interviewed by an academy staff member, reviewing their qualifications, academy requirements and exceptions/exemptions, if applicable.
  4. Applicants will be directed to obtain a student ID Number (if they do not already have one).
  5. Applicants will be directed to take and complete the reading and writing portions of the TSI (if they haven't yet done so), however:
    • Official transcripts from an accredited college or university showing valid TSI scores, or showing a college-level English course with a "C" grade or above suffice for an exemption.
    • A transcript showing an Associates, Bachelor's, Masters', etc. from an accredited college or university is also an exemption.
  6. Applicants must meet the Meningitis Vaccine requirement for the college (if applicable).
  7. Applicants must satisfy preliminary qualifications — and complete the checklist provided via email when they scheduled their appointment, which includes:
    • Proof of education (high school diploma, GED or higher).
    • A DD-214 with at least 24 months of (full-time) active-duty service AND an Honorable discharge is also accepted.
      • DD-214 (if applicable) — cannot have been a Dishonorable Discharge.
    • Valid Texas driver's license (applicants with an out-of-state license must obtain a Texas driver's license to enter into a Texas-based Law Enforcement Academy.)
    • DPS driver history statement (applicant must follow instruction on their che​cklist.)
    • Proof of citizenship (must be two forms, which include birth certificate, Social Security card or passport –or– naturalization papers)
    • "FAST" form fingerprint/criminal history and TCOLE qualification statement (applicant must follow directions provided during their interview.)
    • Physical Exam, which also includes a 5-panel (or higher) drug screen. Both the L-2 and the drug screen results must be presented to meet this criteria (applicant must follow directions provided during their interview.)
    • Psychological Exam (applicant must follow directions provided during their interview).
  8. Registration must be done through the academy. Registration is not available online or through the college registrar's office, as those two methods do not prove the applicant has met all the state requirements for registration in a law enforcement academy.

 

Law Enforcement Academy Interest Form

 

911 Dispatcher Training is anticipated to begin Summer 2026. Program accreditation approval is currently pending (expected Spring 2026). 

The 911 Dispatcher Program provides academic instruction and hands‑on skills training across all three public safety curriculum areas: law enforcement, fire and EMS. Students learn radio operations, emergency call prioritization, legal considerations in telecommunications, and documentation procedures.

The curriculum — approved by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) — prepares eligible students for the Basic Telecommunicator Licensing Exam.

Cost

The total cost for this certificate is $975. 

Courses

  • CJLE 1070 – Basic Telecommunicator Licensing: Builds foundational emergency communication skills and covers essential legal requirements.
    118 contact hours
    Cost: $767
  • CJLE 1072 – BLS CPR/Cardiac Emergency Communication: Provides critical training on cardiac emergency response protocols.
    8 contact hours
    Cost: $52
  • CJLE 2025 – Crisis Communications: Strengthens communication and decision‑making skills for high‑pressure and crisis situations.
    24 contact hours
    Cost: $156

Requirements/Required Documents

  • High school diploma or GED
  • College ready in reading and writing
  • 18 years of age
  • CPR Certification
  • Generally: no prior convictions, community supervision or deferred adjudication
  • Fingerprint submission
  • Physician exam (including drug screen)
  • Psychological exam
  • Honorable discharge (if prior military service)
  • U.S. citizen
  • Social Security card

Application Process

The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) establishes eligibility. Dallas College requires documentation that students are competent at college-level reading and writing before admission. Students will need to submit the Dallas College 911 Dispatcher Student Intake Application for review and approval.

Program Outcomes

Fulfills requirements for the Basic Telecommunicator Licensing Course under the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Course #1080 and House Bill 786.

Find Out More About Dallas College

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1Length of time is based on catalog degree plans. Prerequisites may be required, which are not included in this estimate. For most programs, full-time student status is assumed, a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester.

2Cost for credit courses is based on tuition rates for program hours for Dallas County residents. The price of most required learning materials (books, software, supplies, etc.) is included with the price of tuition. Certain programs may have additional costs above the standard tuition. Continuing Education and Ed2Go courses may vary by program. Please review the Area of Study Overview and/or the Health Information Packets for additional costs and details. Visit our Paying for College site to learn more about cost, financial aid, scholarships and more.

3Each location offers a unique combination of certificate and degree options. Not all degree and certificate offerings are available for admission/start at all campuses every semester.

4A portion of Lightcast’s data comes from O*NET Online by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Lightcast has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.

HB1508 Notice

This program may lead to an occupational license for which a prior criminal history may make a student ineligible.

For more information, please visit DallasCollege.edu/HB1508.

Updated June 25, 2026