New TAMIU Criminal Justice Option Targets Law Enforcement Community

Law enforcement community members who have amassed hours of Peace Officer training will now be able to channel them towards a new degree program at Texas A&M International University (TAMIU).

Dr. Claudia San Miguel, TAMIU associate professor and director of its Criminal Justice Program, said the Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences with a Criminal Justice Concentration (BAAS-CJ) affords tremendous advantage for members of Laredo’s sizable law enforcement community.

“The BAAS CJ Concentration is an innovative program that’s especially well-suited for Texas Peace Officers because they may use Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education (TCLEOSE) training hours to satisfy 21 semester credit hours of vocational/technical credits.  This places them at a distinct advantage as they can use that experience towards completion of a four-year degree.  That, in turn, enhances their career advancement and earning potential,” Dr. San Miguel observed.

She noted the dynamic Laredo and Webb County law enforcement community is one of the largest employment sectors and includes local, county, state and federal agencies.

The BAAS CJ degree is offered onsite and requires completion of 120 hours of classes.  Coursework is available beginning with Summer Session II courses, which start Monday, July 15.

San Miguel said the BAAS CJ’s creation came about from frequent requests from area officers.

“We collaborate on a regular basis with all members of the law enforcement community for grants, research and student internships and discussion about degree opportunities frequently comes up. In speaking with officers and leadership at the various agencies, we determined that this was indeed an area of great interest and they have supported its development,” she explained.

Persons interested in the new BAAS CJ can contact Dr. San Miguel at 956.326.2529 or email csanmiguel@tamiu.edu.

TAMIU summer office hours are from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday-Thursday and from 8 a.m. – 12 noon on Fridays.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu