Where Can I Get Training to Become a Parole Officer in Texas?

If you are interested in becoming a parole officer in Texas, an associate's, bachelor's or master's degree can be one route to achieving your goal. Here you will find school and program information for four schools in Texas that offer training.

What You Need to Know

Texas-based criminal justice programs could prepare students for careers as parole officers. The related programs at the following 2-year community college and public universities focus on criminal law, criminal justice system, probation, law enforcement and administrative law. Students must earn up to 128 credits to qualify for bachelor's degrees and 36 credits to receive master's degrees.

Criminal Justice Associate's Degrees in Texas Schools

Howard College

This associate's degree program can prepare you for a correctional officer position or transfer to a 4-year program. In addition to core courses, the correctional science specialization includes studies in correctional practices, parole, probations, juvenile delinquency and related topics. Howard College also has a Criminal Justice Student Association.

• Program: Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice Technology
• Specialization Area: Correctional science
• Program Length: 60-63 credit hours
• Tuition and Fees: $2,542 for in-district residents; $3,772 in-state residents; $5,402 for non-residents (2015-2016)
• School Type: 2-year, public; 3,756 (all undergraduates)

Texarkana College

The subjects covered in your core studies of this program include parole, criminal justice history, probation, policing, court systems and juvenile delinquency. The Texas Commission of Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education, as well as the Coordinating Board, approve this program. You have the option of taking some of your courses through an online format.

• Program: Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice Administration
• Program Length: 65 credit hours
• Tuition and Fees: $1,952 (2015-2016)
• School Type: 2-year, public; 4,061 (all undergraduates)

Criminal Justice Bachelor's Degrees in Texas Schools

Sam Houston State University

This bachelor's degree program can prepare you for a variety of career opportunities in areas that include private investigation, parole, drug enforcement and corrections. You have the option of including an internship in your curriculum or a study-abroad program that allows you to learn about the criminal justice systems of other countries. Classes cover core topics such as criminal law fundamentals, police systems and social diversity in the criminal justice system. The university also offers a related bachelor's degree program in victim studies.

• Program: Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice; Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice
• Program Length: 120 credit hours
• Tuition and Fees: $7,618 for in-state residents; $16,978 for non-residents (2015-2016)
• School Type: 4-year, public; 16,819 undergraduate and 2,754 graduate students

Texas State University - San Marcos

This program can help qualify you for careers in parole, corrections, law enforcement and non-practicing criminal justice fields. In the corrections degree plan, you complete courses in penology, crime theory and criminal justice research. Although not required, the university's School of Criminal Justice recommends that you complete an internship in this program to increase the likelihood of finding employment in the criminal justice field.

• Program: Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
• Specialization Areas: Corrections; law enforcement; general criminal justice
• Program Length: 128 credit hours
• Tuition and Fees: $9,348 for in-state residents; $20,268 for non-residents (2015-2016)
• School Type: 4-year, public; 32,177 undergraduate and 4,562 graduate students

Criminal Justice Master's Degrees in Texas Schools

Sam Houston State University

Individuals who have professional experience in criminal justice can benefit from this program along with those who don't. You can earn this degree by taking courses in an online format. The program culminates in a capstone course, and you learn about justice administration, community theory and criminal justice leadership.

• Program: Master of Science in Criminal Justice
• Program Length: 36 credit hours
• Tuition and Fees: $7,213 for in-state residents; $14,233 for non-residents (2015-2016)
• Prerequisite: Related undergraduate degree
• Admission Requirements: Minimum GPA; GRE scores; letters of recommendation; personal essay
• School Type: 4-year, public; 16,819 undergraduate and 2,754 graduate students

Texas State University - San Marcos

This program is offered in both thesis and non-thesis formats. Both formats require a comprehensive exam and an oral defense of either your thesis or professional paper. Some of the courses offered include studies in administrative law, current legal issues, sex offender issues and personnel practices.

• Program: Master of Science in Criminal Justice
• Program Length: 36 credit hours
• Tuition and Fees: $7,786 for in-state residents; $15,604 for non-residents (2015-2016)
• Prerequisite: Bachelor's degree with criminal justice or similar major
• Admission Requirement: Minimum GPA, GRE scores
• School Type: 4-year, public; 32,177 undergraduate and 4,562 graduate students

Attaining an undergraduate and graduate degree in criminal justice can be done at a few colleges in Texas depending on your needs.