Texas Department of Criminal Justice

1. Apply Online

Complete your admissions application at ApplyTexas.org and choose "TLSOM – Lamar State College – Orange 2-year application."

2. Submit Transcripts

Send official transcripts from ALL colleges previously attended (deadline: end of first semester).

3. Health Requirements

Submit bacterial meningitis shot record (or petition to waive if taking only online courses).

4. Submit Your Articulation Request

After completing your TDCJ training, submit the articulation request form to receive college credit hours.

Start Application

LSCO and TDCJ are in the process of developing a crosswalk for TDCJ training. Preliminary transfer credits will be as follows:

Combined Total	16	⮕	Total Semester Credit Hours	12
TDCJ Training	TDCJ Hours		Articulated LSCO Course	College Credits
CJCR 1566 - Practicum (or Field Experience) – Corrections	5	⮕	TBD	TBD
CJCR 2566 - Practicum (or Field Experience) – Corrections	5	⮕	TBD	TBD
CJLE 2237 - Advanced Firearms	2	⮕	TBD	TBD
CJLE 2247 - Tactical Skills for Police	2	⮕	TBD	TBD

Who can participate in the program?

The program is currently available to TDCJ Region 5 employees. If you are a correctional officer who has completed TDCJ training and are assigned to Region 5, you are eligible to participate.

What if I work in another region?

Applicants from other regions may be considered on a case-by-case basis. If you can provide proof of completed TDCJ training, contact us to discuss your options. Applicants outside the memorandum of understanding may qualify for credit through LSCO's standard credit for prior learning process.

What training must I complete?

Participants must complete TDCJ correctional officer pre-service training and first-year in-service requirements. Additional practicum, tactical skills, and advanced firearms training completed after onboarding may qualify for additional college credit.

TDCJ Eligibility Policy

What degree programs can I pursue?
After completing TDCJ training, you can advance to LSCO's Criminal Justice Certificate program and continue toward an Associate of Applied Science degree in Criminal and Forensic Science.

Are online courses available?
Yes, flexible online course options are available to accommodate your work schedule and lifestyle.

During articulation, your TDCJ training will be evaluated and awarded as an occupational skills award, giving you a meaningful credential as you work toward your certificate or degree.

Tuition Reimbursement

TDCJ offers a tuition reimbursement program to full-time employees with the goal of improving job-related skills, work-related capabilities, and competency, as well as prepare employees for changes in job duties resulting from technological or procedural improvements. The amount of reimbursement for tuition expenses approved for an employee shall not exceed $5,000 per fiscal year.

Application Acceptance Period	Corresponding Semester
October 1 – November 15	Courses Beginning January 15 – May 15
February 1 – March 15	Courses Beginning May 16 – August 15
May 1 – June 15	Courses Beginning August 16 – November 15
August 1 – September 15	Courses Beginning November 16 – January 14

Applications will open on the first business day of the application period.

Eligibility Criteria (AD-11.78)

• Full-time employment with TDCJ for at least 12 continuous months.
• Meets standards on annual performance evaluation.
• Not on disciplinary probation or a return-to-work retiree.

How to Apply

• Submission of request form 60 days before course enrollment deadline.
• Explanation of relevance, course-to-degree connection, and institution details.

Employee Obligations

• Remain employed during the semester and for a specified period after course completion.
• Failure to fulfill obligations may require repayment.

If you would like more information on tuition reimbursement, e-mail your request to TuitionReimbursement@tdcj.texas.gov.

Learn More