Policing a community is one of the most complex responsibilities any governmental agency faces. Today’s police officers, and those of the future, must be intelligent, articulate, mature, and knowledgeable about social and political conditions. They must understand legal issues, human nature, social problems and attitudes that differ from their own. Becoming a police officer is best accomplished through a combination of education and training. During training, individuals learn specific job-related skills. The goal of a college program, on the other hand, is to provide an intensive educational experience that develops ideas and promotes creative scholarship. Higher education has two important roles in police work: to carry education beyond the classroom in ways that encourage reform; and encourage a more humanistic approach to police work. To accomplish this goal and fulfill these roles, Midland College offers structured degree options designed to challenge students, facilitate learning, promote critical thinking and problem solving skills, and provide an impetus for life-long learning.

The Associate in Science (AS) option is designed for students pursuing a baccalaureate degree with a major or minor in criminal justice or a related field. Students may elect to focus on law enforcement or corrections. The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree is intended as a non-transfer two-year degree. The AAS degree has a greater concentration of criminal justice courses and fewer academic course requirements than the AS degree. Earning the AAS degree may qualify the graduate for admission into a Bachelor of Applied Technology or Bachelor of Applied Science program at certain colleges or universities. A Law Enforcement Certificate is also offered for students who need to document certain course work but do not need or desire a degree.

Some Criminal Justice courses are accepted as elective courses for the Midland College Paralegal Degree. For additional information contact Dr. Andree Rosen, the Paralegal Coordinator at Midland College (432-685-4572).

For additional information, specific degree requirements or course descriptions refer to the current Midland College catalog. Catalogs are available from the Office of the Registrar. The current Midland College Catalog is available on line. Click here: catalog to view the catalog.

All Criminal Justice courses are taught by individuals who have earned post-graduate degrees and have experience in the field.

Program Coordinator

Robert W. Peetz, MCJ

• Professor of Criminal Justice
• Program Coordinator since 1982
• Master of Criminal Justice Degree (1981)
• FBI National Academy (121st Session, 1980)
• Bachelor of Criminal Justice (1976)
• Licensed Texas Peace Officer; Master P.O. Certificate
• Brigade Trial Counsel, U.S. Army (1968-1970)

Adjunct Faculty

Nancy L. Hart, JD

• Juris Doctor Degree
• Former prosecutor, Midland County, Texas
• Former Legal Assistant Program Coordinator
• Currently serves as Diretcor of Admissions, Bachelor of Applied Technology Program, Midland College

Charles Gunn, MA

• Master of Public Administration Degree
• Licensed Texas Peace Officer; Master P.O. Certificate
• Major (Ret) - Texas Department of Public Safety
• Chief of Police, Midland College P.D.

Allen Bell, MCJ

• Master of Criminal Justice Degree
• Adult Probation Officer