Introduction to Criminology
Self-paced online Introduction to Criminology course (Criminology 150). NCCRS recommends 3 semester credits; each college decides how it applies them.
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Criminology, psychology, sociology: the three courses officers ask about most
By the team. Checked 15 Nov 2026.
The short answer
Criminology, psychology and sociology courses for police are popular because they explain crime, behaviour and communities, and they fit most degree plans. In Texas they can add to the 60 semester hours that let you be licensed at 18, and toward a degree that shortens TCOLE certificate time, once an accredited college posts them.
What each course covers
All three are first-year social science courses at most colleges.
| Course | Main topics | Use on the job |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Criminology | Theories of crime, offenders, victims, the justice system | Understanding why crime happens and how the system responds |
| Introduction to Psychology | Behaviour, thinking, emotion, mental health | Talking with people in crisis, stress and memory |
| Introduction to Sociology | Groups, culture, inequality, communities | Community policing and working across groups |
How they fit into 60 hours
Three courses are about 9 semester hours, roughly 15 percent of the 60 hours that lower the minimum licensing age to 18 under 37 TAC 217.1. Add English composition, a math course and a few more general education courses and you are well on the way. The rule does not require these subjects; they simply suit the work.
If you are already an officer, the same hours can also count toward an associate degree, which TCOLE's Intermediate chart pairs with four years of service. Check the college's degree plan to see where each course fits, such as social science or elective credit.
Next steps after the first three
Officers who enjoy these often add abnormal psychology, ethics and writing courses. Abnormal psychology helps on mental-health calls, ethics supports sound decisions, and writing helps with reports that end up in court.
- Abnormal Psychology
- Ethics in the Social Sciences
- English Composition I
- Advanced Technical Writing
Pay and job-related degrees
Some agencies pay education incentives only for job-related degrees or courses. Criminology, psychology and sociology are often seen as related, but your agency's pay plan decides. Ask HR in writing whether the subjects you plan to take will count.
Study tips for working officers
Shift work makes regular class times hard, which is why many officers choose self-paced online courses. A steady routine works better than long sessions on days off. Thirty to forty-five minutes after a shift, four or five days a week, moves most learners through an introductory course in a few weeks.
Link the reading to what you see on the job. A chapter on memory makes more sense after taking witness statements, and a chapter on group behaviour after a crowded event. Notes written that way also stay with you for the final exam.
- Set a fixed time slot after shifts
- Read one section, then take its quiz
- Relate each topic to a real call
- Leave time before the final exam to review
Taking them with UPI Study
UPI Study offers Introduction to Criminology, Introduction to Psychology and Introduction to Sociology, with ACE-recommended or NCCRS-recommended credit. They can count as semester hours via a college transcript once a college posts them; TESU, UoPeople and Newlane are partner colleges that consider such credit. UPI Study is not accredited. Confirm with the college and your agency in writing first.
What to ask in writing
Before you enrol
Ask your academy, agency HR or TCOLE in writing whether hours posted on an accredited college transcript after outside study will count, before you enrol.
UPI Study is not a college and is not accredited. ACE and NCCRS review our courses and recommend credit; a college decides whether to give that credit and records it on its own transcript.
ACE and NCCRS have over 2,100 cooperating colleges that will consider accepting credits; the final decision is with the universities.
Questions people ask
Is criminology the same as criminal justice?
They overlap. Criminology studies why crime happens and how society responds; criminal justice courses focus more on police, courts and corrections. Both are common for officers. Many colleges place criminology in sociology or criminal justice departments, so check how your college lists it in its degree plan before you choose.
Which course should I take first?
Many start with Introduction to Psychology because many other courses build on it, then add criminology and sociology. If you need writing practice, add English Composition I early. Taking them in that order gives you terms and ideas that the later courses use, which can make the reading quicker.
Do these courses help on the TCOLE licensing exam?
They give useful background, but the licensing exam follows the basic academy curriculum. The academy is what prepares you for it. Use college courses for background and long-term goals such as hours, degrees and pay, and use the academy for licensing.
Courses that fit
ACE-recommended or NCCRS-recommended courses, studied online at your own pace.
Introduction to Psychology
Self-paced online Introduction to Psychology course (Psychology 110). ACE and NCCRS recommend 3 semester credits; each college decides how it applies them.
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Introduction to Sociology
Self-paced online Introduction to Sociology course (Sociology 110). ACE and NCCRS recommend 3 semester credits; each college decides how it applies them.
See the course →Start when you have it in writing
Criminology, psychology, sociology and writing in one plan.
Sources
- 37 Tex. Admin. Code 217.1, Minimum Standards for Enrollment and Initial Licensure (Cornell LII copy)(b)(1)(A) minimum age 21, or 18 with an associate's degree or 60 semester hours of credit from an accredited college or university, or an honorable discharge; (b)(2) high school diploma or GED. Amended eff. 1 Apr 2024. Checked on 15 Nov 2026.
- TCOLE: Intermediate Peace Officer Proficiency Certification Requirements Chart (2.9.26) (official)Commission Rules 221.1 and 221.3: Intermediate certificate with 8 years + 400 training hours, 6 + 800, 4 + 1,200, or 2 + 2,400; or 4 years with an associate degree, or 2 years with a bachelor's or higher (or 2 or 4 years of military service); plus required courses. Checked on 15 Nov 2026.