Best Online Criminal Justice Programs in Texas (2026)

Home > Programs > Criminal Justice > States > Texas


Texas Criminal Justice At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Criminal Justice Salary$92,922
Salary OutlookTexas offers competitive wages for criminal justice professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing BodyTexas POST Commission
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online criminal justice degree in Texas offers a flexible path to a high-demand career. Texas offers competitive wages for criminal justice professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a top-ranked national program, Texas students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


Online Criminal Justice Schools in Texas

The following schools offer accredited online criminal justice programs and are ranked based on affordability, graduation rates, and student outcomes in Texas.

How We Rank Schools

Every school list on this site is ordered by the BOC Score, computed from the most recent school-level data published by the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard and IPEDS). To qualify, a school must be currently operating and accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Each eligible school is then scored on five measures, percentile-ranked against schools at the same credential level:

  • Graduation rate 30%
  • Median earnings, 10 years after entry 25%
  • Average net price (lower is better) 20%
  • Retention rate 15%
  • Fully online availability 10%

Schools without enough outcome data appear after ranked schools, without a score. Advertising never affects these rankings. Read the full methodology.

#1

The University of Texas at Austin

Austin, TX BOC Score 84.2
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 16

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

Texas A&M University-College Station

College Station, TX BOC Score 81.9
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 28

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

Texas A&M University-Central Texas

Killeen, TX BOC Score 78.7
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 8

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#5

American InterContinental University-Houston

Houston, TX BOC Score 15.6
  • 4 year
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 5

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Texas

Criminal Justice professionals in Texas experience a dynamic job market with competitive wages. Below are the median annual salaries for key roles in the field, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for Texas.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (Texas)
Attorney$154,200
Judge or Magistrate$139,990
Police Supervisor$111,000
Detective or Criminal Investigator$90,510
Police or Sheriff’s Patrol Officer$75,900
Correctional Officer$52,670
Probation Officer$52,880
Forensic Science Technician$59,870
Paralegal or Legal Assistant$62,310
Information Security Analyst$129,890

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.


Why Pursue an Online Criminal Justice Degree in Texas?

Choosing a program in Texas can provide several advantages:

  • In-State Tuition: Many public universities in Texas offer lower tuition rates for residents, even for online programs.
  • Local Networking: Attending a school within your state can make it easier to connect with local employers and professional organizations.
  • Licensing Alignment: Programs in Texas often align with POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) requirements specific to the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online criminal justice programs in Texas accredited?

Yes, the programs listed above are accredited by recognized regional or national agencies. For Texas, this includes accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, ensuring your degree meets high academic standards.

How does Criminal Justice pay in Texas compare to other states?

Texas offers competitive wages for criminal justice professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. This makes Texas a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

What is the primary licensing board for criminal justice in Texas?

The Texas POST Commission oversees professional standards and licensure for the field in Texas. Most accredited programs are designed to align with their specific requirements.


Browse Other States