Chair's Welcome
Welcome to the Department of Criminal Justice! We are committed to offering high quality and innovative learning experiences at the undergraduate and graduate levels. We aim to make your transition to UTEP as seamless as possible whether you transfer here from another institution or if you choose to complete your entire degree here.
For undergraduates, we offer an degree and a minor in Criminal Justice. Among our many electives, eligible on-campus majors may choose to complete an , research practicum, or service learning opportunities.
We also offer TWO 100% online B.A. degrees through UTEP CONNECT: the BA in Criminal Justice and the BA in Security Studies. UTEP Connect offers a more specific and focused curriculum of 7-week courses over 6 semesters during the calendar year. The online degree allows students to complete their degree from anywhere in the world, provided they have a reliable internet connection.
Our Department offers THREE Master of Science programs:
Our 36-credit Master of Science degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice consists of evening face-to-face courses once per week, taught by enthusiastic faculty who have research and practical experience. There is a thesis track or a professional capstone track for students to choose from.
Our 39-credit Master of Science in Intelligence and Security Studies (INSS) is for students seeking employment or career advancement in the intelligence community. The Fast Track component allows approved undergraduate students to minor in INSS and take up to 4 pre-designated classes for graduate credit, but at the undergraduate tuition rate.
The Master of Defense and Strategic Studies is our only 100% online graduate program through UTEP Connect. The program emphasizes international relations and military strategies, and is open to all students. The program is popular with military students in the Sergeant Major's Academy.
Across all of our degree programs, our department provides students with the intellectual and practical skills that they need to become successful change agents and leaders. We prepare students for positions in local, state, and federal criminal justice agencies (law enforcement, courts, corrections, and juvenile justice), law school, and graduate school.
Our department partners with criminal justice and intelligence agencies to conduct interdisciplinary and applied research through grants and contracts. Our nationally recognized faculty teach and conduct scholarly research on a wide range of criminology, criminal justice, and security issues across the U.S. and on the US/Mexico border. They are members of the and the , among others.
We welcome you to the department and look forward to supporting you as you achieve your academic and professional goals. Feel free to browse our website pages and our Facebook page. Contact us at crimjust@utep.edu for any additional information.
Go Miners!
Egbert Zavala
Chair and Associate Professor