SHSU’s Heritage Magazine has passed along that for years, the Sam Houston State University College of Criminal Justice (SHSU CJ) has been a fixture in national and international rankings, including one of the most recognizable: U.S. News and World Report. The college also holds the distinction of having the highest student enrollment at SHSU. So, what’s the key to their outstanding success?
SHSU CJ Dean Phillip Lyons said, “Our academic programs are grounded in solid research. We have some of the most research-productive faculty in the country.” He said, “We also have a large international footprint for a regional comprehensive university.”
U.S. News and World Report has consistently ranked the college’s online master’s in criminal justice, as well as its program for veterans, in the top ten programs among universities in the nation. The rankings are based on data from participating institutions, evaluating each program in five areas: engagement, faculty credentials, peer assessment, services and technology and student excellence.
Launched in 2019, the Department of Victim Studies is the first and only academic department of its kind in the U.S. and the only institution that offers an undergraduate major and master’s degree in the field.
