Criminal Justice Program
East Texas Baptist University offers a wide variety of choices for students interested in criminal justice and forensic science. Students interested in careers in law enforcement, corrections, or community supervision, along with those wishing to pursue an advanced degree in criminal justice, are able to earn a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice. Either criminal justice degree provides students with familiarity of all aspects of the criminal justice system with the opportunity to take courses specializing in their primary area of interest in the criminal justice career field. Combined with a minor in sociology, psychology, counseling, forensic science, political science, or Spanish; a criminal justice degree from ETBU prepares students for a career in criminal justice while making them marketable to potential employers.
The Forensic Science minor combines both natural and behavior sciences in the study of criminal behavior and public safety. Students are given the opportunity to engage a field of study that fits both their academic strengths and career goals. For those currently within public safety or those desiring a future career within this exciting field, this program provides the student with the investigative skills needed within a crime scene, a forensic laboratory, court litigation and determination of justice or other regulatory fields. Forensic science students will obtain a unique perspective; one that emphasizes critical, thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills. Evaluation of forensic data for the courtroom context is an ongoing, collaborative process among forensic scientists and criminal justice personnel. East Texas Baptist University prepares students to unlock the mysteries of evidence and have the knowledge to collect the right evidence and effectively use the results of forensic laboratory analyses to determine the truth within any incident investigated.
Criminal Justice and Forensic Science faculty at ETBU:
George J. Day, Ph.D., holds a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice from Sam Houston State University and has over eight years experience with the Texas Youth Commission both as a juvenile correctional officer and administrator. As the director of the criminal justice program at ETBU, Dr. Day is dedicated to not only preparing students for careers in criminal justice, but also to enter into a mission field that is in desperate need for Christian men and women. Dr. Day’s research interests include juvenile justice and delinquency, restorative justice and capital punishment.
William Griffith, Ph.D. holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of North Texas and has over 38 years experience within public service. This experience included 27 years within law enforcement serving in patrol, criminal investigations, forensic investigations, forensic laboratory analysis, internal affairs, and as Chief of Police. With extensive experience within death investigation and high stress operations, Dr. Griffith has a unique perspective on the impact events could potentially have on those within a public safety career and the need for Christ and the comfort He can bring. Dr. Griffith’s research interest includes public safety administration, emergency management, forensic analysis and forensic pathology.
For more information complete the Request Information Form, or call the Department of Behavioral Sciences at 903-923-2093.
Join us to prepare for an exciting career in Criminal Justice or Forensic Science.