TAMIU Expands Online Criminal Justice Graduate Programs to Include Homeland Security, Cybersecurity, and CJ Administration

Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) is enhancing its commitment to accessible, affordable, and exceptional education by launching three new online Master of Science in Criminal Justice programs in Homeland Security, Cybersecurity, and Criminal Justice Administration beginning this Fall 2025.

These programs prepare professionals for leadership roles in criminal justice fields critical to national security, public safety, and cyber defense. They are delivered in partnership with Risepoint, an education technology company that has joined TAMIU in a shared mission to increase access to life-changing education. 

TAMIU Criminal Justice faculty are nationally and internationally recognized for their scholarship and commitment to understanding and responding to relevant criminal justice issues.

With a 100 percent online format, TAMIU offers working professionals and career changers evolutionary access to the same distinguished education without compromising their personal and professional obligations, explained TAMIU interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Marcus Ynalvez.

“These new concentrations represent an exciting evolution of our Criminal Justice portfolio. By introducing specialized tracks in Homeland Security, Cybersecurity and Criminal Justice Administration, we’re expanding access to relevant, high-demand fields and meeting the needs of today’s learners. This launch reflects our commitment to innovation and our mission to prepare graduates to lead and serve in a rapidly changing world,” Dr. Ynalvez observed.

TAMIU provost and vice president for Academic Affairs Dr. Claudia San Miguel, concurred and noted that online course delivery at the graduate level is popular with students.

“This really is an exciting time at the University for degree program growth that answers the needs of our students.  In collaboration with our faculty, we’ve strategically grown our online degree delivery in areas desired by and relevant to our students’ career aspirations and dynamic employment opportunities. It’s not surprising that this has fueled a nearly 13% increase in graduate student enrollment,” Dr. San Miguel noted.

The new online programs include:

• Master of Science in Criminal Justice – Homeland Security: Graduates will be prepared for leadership roles in disaster response, counterterrorism and emergency management with a specialized curriculum designed to address modern security challenges.
• Master of Science in Criminal Justice – Cybersecurity: Students will gain expertise in digital forensics, cybercrime prevention, and risk management in a program tailored to the increasing need for cybersecurity professionals.
• Master of Science in Criminal Justice – Criminal Justice Administration: In this program, students will develop critical leadership, and policy-making skills to drive reform and improvement within law enforcement agencies, correctional institutions, and other areas of the justice system.

TAMIU’s online Criminal Justice programs are delivered in seven-week courses, allowing students to complete their degrees in as little as 12 months. Designed for working professionals, the online, asynchronous coursework lets students study anytime and anywhere. The Risepoint partnership brings robust education technology that dynamically expands TAMIU’s online learning opportunities.

The collaboration is all about helping students to flexibly advance their careers, said Fernando Bleichmar, CEO of Risepoint.

"We are excited to collaborate with Texas A&M International University in expanding access to their impactful Criminal Justice programs. These new online offerings provide students the flexibility to advance their careers while meeting the growing demand for skilled professionals in homeland security, cybersecurity, and criminal justice administration. We look forward to seeing the positive impact these graduates will have in their fields," Bleichmar said.

The first cycle of classes begins in Fall 2025, with an application deadline of August 11, 2025. To learn more about the programs and how to apply, visit https://online.tamiu.edu.

About Risepoint

Risepoint is an education technology company providing world-class support and trusted expertise to more than 100 universities and colleges. It primarily works with regional universities, helping them to develop and grow their high-return on investment, workforce-focused online degree programs in critical areas such as business, nursing, public service, and teaching.

Risepoint is dedicated to increasing access to affordable education so that more students, especially working adults, can improve their careers and meet employer and community needs.

Learn more at www.risepoint.com.