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Can I earn academic credit for my TCLEOSE hours?
Many students with TCLEOSE hours are interested in how they can translate these hours into academic credit. For the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program, up to nine academic hours can be awarded to peace officers who have successfully earned a basic peace officer certificate from an approved TCLEOSE Academy. Students seeking credit should […]
How do I know if my hours are from an approved provider?
A student can confirm that his or her basic peace officer certificate was earned from an approved TCLEOSE Academy by visiting the TCLEOSE website and viewing the various lists of approved providers.
What if I have an associate degree in criminal justice or have already earned credit for these CRIJ courses?
If a student has previously earned academic credit for the CRIJ 1301, CRIJ 1306 and CRIJ 2328 Criminal Justice core requirements, then the hours for these courses have already been satisfied. As a result, his or her TCLEOSE hours will not be used to substitute for these classes.
What credit can I earn for certification beyond the basic peace officer certificate?
Unfortunately, no academic credit can be awarded for TCLEOSE hours earned beyond the basic peace officer certificate. Strict accreditation criteria prevent the Criminal Justice program from approving more than nine academic hours for TCLEOSE hours.
Can I send just my most advanced certificate to receive academic credit?
Unfortunately, no—a student must submit a copy of his or her basic peace officer certificate for evaluation. The TCLEOSE evaluator must be able to confirm that the basic peace officer certificate was earned from an approved TCLEOSE Academy; therefore, submission of the basic peace officer certificate is necessary. Students also need to provide their TCLEOSE […]
Can I earn academic credit for prior work experience in Criminal Justice or a related field?
Beginning in March 2012, students participating in the Lamar University-Academic Partnerships Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree program will have an opportunity to earn as many as nine academic credit hours for prior or current work experience. To take advantage of this opportunity, students who have completed six hours of freshman composition (most often […]
What statute authorizes this program?
Texas Education Code 54.208 (as amended by House Bill 2347) passed in 2009, authorizing the Peace Officer Tuition Exemption program.
Who is eligible for the peace officer tuition and laboratory fee exemption?
A person who meets all of the following criteria is eligible: Is employed as a peace officer by Texas or by a political subdivision of Texas Enrolls as an undergraduate in an undergraduate program, including certificate, associate and baccalaureate degrees Enrolls in a criminal justice or law enforcement-related degree program at the institution Is making […]
What is the definition of a peace officer?
The Texas Code of Criminal Procedure 2.12 defines all 36 groups considered to be peace officers.
Must the peace officer be employed full-time?
No. Legislation only states that the person must be employed as a peace officer in Texas or by a political subdivision of Texas. It does not specify full-time employment; therefore, part-time employment is allowable.
What courses are exempt from tuition and fees?
Only courses in law enforcement or criminal justice are covered by this exemption program.
Are all fees exempted?
No. Only laboratory fees are included in this exemption.
If a certificate or degree program in law enforcement or criminal justice requires students to take other courses such as English, math or government, will these courses be included in the exemption?
No. The exemption program only covers courses in law enforcement or criminal justice, even if other courses are required for the degree or certification.
Are continuing education or extension courses covered?
Generally, no. Only courses that receive formula funding are covered. If the college receives formula funding for the continuing education or extension courses, then these would be covered.
Are distance education courses covered?
Yes. Since these courses receive formula funding and collect tuition and fees, they are subject to the tuition exemption.
Are students in graduate school eligible for this exemption program?
No. This exemption is only for those in law enforcement-related or criminal justice undergraduate certificate or degree programs.
Is there a list of eligible courses?
No. Each institution determines which courses in law enforcement and criminal justice qualify for this exemption.
Is there a deadline by which a student must request the tuition and fee exemption?
The peace officer must apply for the exemption at least one week before the last day of the institution’s regular registration period for that semester.
Is there a limit to the number of students receiving the tuition and fee exemption?
Yes. The institution may not provide exemptions through the Peace Officer Tuition Exemption program to more than 20% of the maximum enrollment for a given class. (TEC 54.208 (d)).
If a student exceeds the number of semester credit hours for his or her program of study by 30 or more hours, will this exemption cover the increased tuition that the institution charges? (TEC 61.059)
No. A peace officer may not receive an exemption for any course if the student has reached the maximum number of hours allowed for formula funding (30 hours beyond the degree requirement).
Will the institution be reimbursed for tuition and fees not collected?
No. However, the legislation has included a clause addressing funding issues: “If the legislature does not specifically appropriate funds to an institution of higher education in an amount sufficient to pay the institution’s costs in complying with this section for a semester, the governing board of the institution of higher education shall report to the […]
Do you require testing (i.e., HESI?)
No, we do not require testing.
Are diploma nurses eligible for the program?
Diploma nurses who graduated from a state board-approved program are eligible for the RN to BSN online program. Individual advising will be conducted to review college courses completed and ensure students have enough hours to graduate.
Are there any clinical requirements?
No clinical experience is required. Practicum projects applying clinical content will be used.
Do you offer scholarships?
Yes. In the spring, RN to BSN students are eligible to apply for scholarships for the next fall.
Is there a time limit on previous courses taken?
No, all courses are accepted regardless of when taken.
I previously started an undergraduate nursing program. Will any of the courses transfer?
This is dealt with on an individual basis through our Program Director.
Will all of my courses transfer from other colleges?
Courses equivalent to Lamar University courses transfer. Up to 66 hours of equivalent courses can be transferred to LU.
Can a student apply to Lamar University’s RN to BSN program if he or she has passed the NCLEX, but has not received a license number yet?
A student who passed NCLEX-RN can apply to our RN to BSN online program before obtaining a license number. The student needs a license number, though, before being allowed to begin a nursing course.
