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Houston Christian University
About Houston Christian University
Houston Christian University (HCU) is a private Christian institution located on a beautiful 100-acre campus in Houston, Texas, just minutes from the city's downtown district. HCU provides a learning environment that instills in students a passion for academic, spiritual, and professional excellence, guided by its central confession that Jesus Christ is Lord. With a student body of nearly 4,700 students representing 46 states and 43 countries, the university fosters a diverse yet close-knit community. Its small average class size of 25 students and a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio ensure that each student receives the personal attention they need to grow academically, spiritually, physically, and relationally. HCU's prime location in one of America's largest cities also gives its students unique access to internships and hands-on experiences with leading companies, medical institutions, and media organizations throughout the Houston area.
Available Programs
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Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice - Online
Houston Christian University's Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice, offered fully online through the Pampell Online Division, prepares students for impactful careers across law enforcement, corrections, and the legal system through a rigorous, interdisciplinary curriculum rooted in Christian values. The 120-credit program balances a strong liberal arts foundation with specialized coursework in areas such as criminal procedure, criminology, constitutional law, ethics, and emerging topics like crime and artificial intelligence, taught by faculty with direct professional experience in policing, probation, the courts, and corrections. Students benefit from HCU's extensive connections throughout Houston's justice system, providing access to networking opportunities, internships, workshops, and symposiums. Graduates are well equipped for careers as police officers, intelligence analysts, probation officers, legal aides, and more, with a strong pathway to advanced study in law school, public administration, or HCU's own Master of Science in Criminal Justice program.
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Master of Science in Criminal Justice - Online
Houston Christian University's Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ), offered fully online, is a 36-credit-hour graduate program designed to develop principled leaders in law enforcement and criminal justice administration through an integration of advanced theory, ethical frameworks, and Christian values. The curriculum covers constitutional law, administrative and management development, advanced criminological theory, policy development, community policing, and a distinctive faith-based leadership course that explores the intersection of Christian principles with professional criminal justice practice. Students may pursue one of three specialized tracks, including human trafficking investigation and advocacy, original thesis research, or a flexible general track with electives in areas such as advanced penology, crisis intervention, and digital forensics. Graduates are prepared for impactful leadership roles in law enforcement administration, corrections management, policy development, human trafficking investigation, criminal justice education, and program administration across public and private sectors.
Houston Christian University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award the associate, baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees. Questions about the accreditation of Houston Christian University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
HCU is accredited by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) for the preparation of teachers for elementary and secondary schools at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. All degree programs in nursing are accredited by the Texas Board of Nursing and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).