Learn Law Enforcement on your schedule
Law enforcement needs better leaders. Are you ready to respond to the call? Earn your degree in Criminal Justice while continuing to prevent crime, protect others and promote peace. Designed for working professionals, our competency-based program lets you study at your own pace. Our fully-online curriculum is divided into 7-week terms so that you can focus on what matters. The courses are self-paced, enabling you to set your own schedule and study when able. Whether a police officer or military personnel, we’re putting you first. Discover how you can lead others towards success through our Criminal Justice program.
2 year average
No foreign language credits required
120 hours
No Thesis Required

Law Enforcement leadership :: 1.03 SEE YOURSELF SUCCEED
SEE YOURSELF SUCCEED WITH A DEGREE IN Criminal Justice
Back to menuCriminal Justice :: Competency
You’re closer than you think towards earning a degree.
Earn credit for what you already know through our competency program. Designed specifically for first responders with professional experience, you’re eligible to receive course credit based on your work experience and military training.
TCOLE Training
Earn up to 30 hours of course credit based on your TCOLE training.
Military Training
Find out how you can receive a Joint Service Transcript for your military experience.
Law Enforcement leadership : 1.06 PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
A degree in Criminal Justice – Law Enforcement Leadership emphasis will offer you the opportunity to:
- Advance to management positions within Law Enforcement.
- Study the federal, state and local judicial system to promote law within your community
- Identify the needs within the workplace to ensure the overall wellness of your team
- Learn how to design, establish and fund a crime analysis unit

Law Enforcement leadership :: 1.07 Careers
Careers
Advance your career with a degree in Criminal Justice. Our program prepares you for a wide range of professions at the city, county, state or federal governmental level.
Career Possibilities and Current Median Salaries
US DOL Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2018
Law Enforcement leadership :: 1.11 WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

What You Will Learn
You’ll take a closer look at the legal aspects of law enforcement, criminal analysis, and police practices. Investigate the ethical dilemmas surrounding first responders today and how that affects law enforcement decisions. You’ll also learn practical organizational and leadership skills to promote a healthy and productive work environment.
Courses to Prepare You for Your Career
- Core courses include Criminal Investigation, Police and Law Enforcement, and Correctional Systems.
- Support courses include Evidence-Based Policing, Homeland Security and Critical Thinking.
Law Enforcement leadership :: 1.12 FEATURED COURSES
Featured Courses
Back to menuLaw Enforcement leadership :: 1.13 Course Delivery and Resources

Course Delivery and Resources
All competency-based courses are self-paced and offered online. Our program includes a “subscription system” with a minimum of two courses per 7-week term. (There are six terms throughout the year.) You may add additional courses at any point and complete the courses by the end of the term.
ICBE:: Section
Institute for Competency-Based Education
The College of Innovation & Design at A&M-Commerce is associated with the Institute for Competency-Based Education. Come learn how they can help you!
BAASOL :: Terms Dates
Terms
2021
Law Enforcement leadership :: Program Costs copied not edited
Benefit from Fixed Tuition
Earning a degree is more affordable than ever. Our competency-based programs offer quality education at an affordable price. Texas residents pay a tuition rate of $750 per term, and non-residents pay $1,500. These rates include online versions of required course materials. If you wish to purchase printed versions of textbooks, you may do so at your own convenience.
Note: Costs for contracting with Excelsior OneTranscript, UExcel®, CLEPs, CAEL’s and Charter Oak State College learning portfolios are not included in the per-term tuition rate and are your responsibility.
Law enforcement Leadership :: Program Requirements
Program Requirements
To be accepted into this program, you must fulfill these requirements
To earn this degree, you must fulfill these requirements
CID :: Admission Steps
Admission Steps
Step 1: Demonstrate Your Knowledge
To demonstrate your knowledge, you will submit evidence of a level of competence in reading, writing and mathematics. For more information about college admittance, you can check the Basic Skills Policy.
You are required to take or be exempt from the Texas Success Initiative assessment prior to enrolling in college; students without assessment scores because of exemptions that are not test or grade based must take a placement test to determine entry level in Math and English courses.
TSI Exemptions
- ACT scores: Composite 23; English 19 or Math 19; no older than 5 years
- SAT scores: Composite 1070; Verbal 500 or Math 500; no older than 5 years
- TAKS scores: 2200 Math or 2200 English/Language Arts with a 3 writing sub score
- Received an associate degree or baccalaureate degree from a Texas public institution.
- Out-of-State/private institution transfer who has satisfactorily completed college level work with a “C” or better in areas of reading, math and writing.
- Has met readiness standard at another Texas public higher education institution; “C” or better in developmental course work.
- Serving in active military.
- Serving as a member of a reserve component of the armed forces for at least three years preceding enrollment.
- Honorably discharged, retired or released from active duty in military on or after August 1, 1990. Please provide us with your official DD214 with discharge status in order to apply this exemption.
- Additionally, you may submit scores from the THEA (Texas Higher Education Assessment), COMPASS or ASSET to satisfy the assessment requirement.
For more information about the assessment requirements, please contact the Office of Student Assessment & Evaluation.
Step 2: Submit Your Transcript(s)
Submit or request submission of official transcripts from high school, GED score report including percentile scores and/or each institution you attended. A transcript is considered official only if received directly from the sending institution or, if hand delivered, the transcript must be in a sealed registrar’s envelope.
Send Transcripts To
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Texas A&M University-Commerce
PO Box 3011
Commerce, Texas 75429-3011
For Faster Delivery
Check to see if your previous/current academic institution(s) can submit an electronic version of your transcript to the Admissions Office. We accept SPEEDE and Escript-Safe electronic transcripts.
Step 3: File for Financial Aid
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and designate TAMUC as the college to receive your FAFSA information. TAMUC’s school code is 003565. For more information, please contact the Financial Aid Office at [email protected] or call at 903.886.5122.
Back to menuFrequently Asked Questions
How many hours should I take?
Students initially register for six hours (two courses per-term). You have the opportunity to accelerate into another course with the expectation that you will complete the coursework by the end of the term. You may continue to add courses, one at a time, through the 5th Friday of the term.
What is competency-based education?
Competency-based education is a flexible way for you to earn credit for what you already know while building knowledge and skills in new areas. For more information: https://appsprod.tamuc.edu/CBE/WhatIsCBE.aspx
Do I have to come to campus for competency-based programs?
No. The competency modules/courses for the program are fully online.
How much is the tuition for the Criminal Justice (BS) Law Enforcement Leadership Emphasis, Competency-Based Program
Texas-Residents pay a flat rate tuition fee of $750 per seven-week term and $1,500 for non-Texas residents, regardless of how many courses the student enrolls in during the term. Tuition for general education/core curriculum courses and all professional development competencies will also include e-textbooks.
How long are the terms for competency-based programs?
Can I use my employer’s tuition reimbursement program?
The answer is determined on a case-by-case basis. Contact [email protected] to see if you can use your employer’s tuition reimbursement program.
Can my employees receive credit for prior work experience and/or professional training?
There are several opportunities for students to demonstrate prior learning and earn college credit. Students can receive credit for military service (ACE), work experience, professional training, licenses, certifications, and by exam through the College Level Exam Program ® (CLEP).
What is the Texas Affordable Baccalaureate in Criminal Justice?
The Texas Affordable Baccalaureate in Criminal Justice–or Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice–is a competency-based online program that is offered year-round in six seven-week terms. It is tailored to certified first responders, military personnel and adult learners with criminal justice or related public service employment experience. The program is designed to provide working adults a more flexible and affordable option for degree completion.
The mission of the undergraduate degree in criminal justice at A&M-Commerce is to teach three components of the criminal justice system: law enforcement, courts and corrections. The program teaches students to think critically about issues related to the criminal justice system while advancing their written and verbal communication skills. The program also promotes the application of theoretical knowledge for addressing social justice issues in the context of the criminal justice system.
This degree program is personalized by faculty and academic coaches who advise and mentor students every step of the way. When students graduate from the program, they are better prepared for employment in a variety of public service agencies.
LAW ENFORCEMENT LEADERSHIP EMPHASIS, CRIMINAL JUSTICE (BS) TAB :: Contact
Contact Us
- Commerce, Welcome Center
- 903.886.5155
- [email protected]
- P.O. Box 3011
- Commerce, TX 75429-3011