Texas Parole Officers: Education and Training Requirements

Many postsecondary institutions in the state of Texas offer training for those interested in careers as parole officers. A bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement for becoming a Texas parole officer, and the preferred majors are criminal justice, social work, sociology, psychology or counseling. The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas State University in San Marcos are two universities that offer criminal justice programs.

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University of Texas at Brownsville's Criminal Justice Program

The University of Texas at Brownsville works in conjunction with Texas Southmost College to offer over 130 undergraduate and 24 graduate options. The criminal justice department has three different tracks for a bachelor's degree, including correctional administration, online criminology and police administration. The correctional administration major provides parole officer training.

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice - Correctional Administration

The curriculum begins with an introduction to the history of criminal justice, the nature of crime and criminal law. The components of the justice system are discussed, such as law enforcement, the courts and corrections. Further studies examine crime in the United States, constitutional law as it pertains to civil rights, juvenile justice and sociology. Courses in correctional practices, casework and counseling are among those required for the correctional administration focus. In addition to learning about correctional institutions, students examine rehabilitation alternatives and the role of parole officers as an interface between corrections and community.

Agency internships are offered to help students gain practical experience and employment connections. Senior seminars on justice policy and corrections issues are required. Electives are available in specialized areas, such as probation and parole, white-collar crime and crime investigation. Graduates of the correctional administration program have a firm knowledge of how to supervise adult and juvenile offenders that are released to a parole officer.

Contact Information

Address: 80 Fort Brown, Brownsville, TX 78520
Phone Number: (956) 882-4968

Texas State University - San Marcos's Criminal Justice Program

Texas State University provides 101 undergraduate and 97 graduate programs at its main campus in San Marcos. Parole officer education is offered through the criminal justice department, which offers three paths. The focuses are in criminal justice, law enforcement or corrections; the corrections emphasis provides parole officer training.

Bachelor of Applied Arts in Criminal Justice, Corrections

The corrections curriculum prepares students for work in parole and probation services. Individuals interested in the parole side learn to monitor people who are released from federal or state prison but are still under supervision for a prescribed period of time. Students get a comprehensive look at the criminal justice field, including law enforcement, court systems and corections. Each aspect is covered in depth through focus areas, such as the impact of race and gender on crime and justice, penal system philosophies and practices, terrorism within the U.S., ethical issues, organized crime and forensics. Special categories of crime, including serial murder and cybercrime, are also considered.

Although a non-internship version of the program is available, students are urged to do an internship to gain hands-on experience and insight into this demanding work and make connections that help find employment. When enrolling in the program, students need to be aware of the high standards required of Texas parole officers. Most law enforcement agencies call for a clean criminal record, in addition to good physical and psychological health.