Texas Department of Criminal Justice
Lamar State College Orange is proud to partner with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to offer an exclusive pathway for Region 5 employees to earn college certificates and degrees by turning professional training into valuable college credentials.
Through our credit articulation agreement, your correctional officer pre-service and first-year training translates directly into college credit hours that count toward both a Criminal Justice Certificate and an associate degree.
How It Works
1. Convert TDCJ Training to College Credit
Your correctional officer pre-service and first-year training will count toward an occupational skills award, translating your on-the-job experience into college credit hours.
After your TDCJ training is articulated, complete additional courses to earn LSCO's Criminal Justice Certificate.
3. Pursue Your Associate Degree
Continue your education with one of LSCO's Criminal Justice associate degrees.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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 or Associate of Science in Criminal Justice.
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.
Contact Info
Statewide Partnerships - TDCJ
Email: TDCJ@lsco.edu
Phone: (936) 260-4856
Mail: 1015 US-59 Loop N
Livingston, TX 77351